FR3138494A3 - Device and system for refueling and emptying containers with gaseous elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (11) for refueling and emptying a container with gaseous elements, said device (11) comprising a first flexible conduit (1) configured to be connected to a fixed recharging or emptying network, a three-way valve (2) and a connection tip (4) configured to be connected to a connector (9) of said container. Said first conduit (1) and said connection nozzle (4) are configured for circulation in both directions of said gaseous element. Said three-way valve (2) is connected with said first conduit (1) and said connection end (4) so that said three-way valve (2) authorizes circulation between said first conduit (1) and said connection end ( 4) in a first position, and that said three-way valve (2) blocks said circulation between said first conduit (1) and said connection end (4) in a second position. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Device and system for refueling and emptying containers with gaseous elements

The present invention relates to the field of storage and filling of gaseous elements.

The present invention relates more particularly to a device and system for refueling and emptying a container with gaseous elements, making it possible to connect such a container alternatively to a gas recharging and/or emptying station.

By gaseous element within the meaning of the present document, we mean throughout the following description any gas intended to be stored and/or stored and/or distributed. These include, for example, Compressed Natural Gas, known as CNG, or even hydrogen, which are used, for example, as vehicle fuel.

The present invention will thus find numerous advantageous applications in the transport and distribution of gas, in particular in the supply of recharging stations for vehicles using a fuel based on a gaseous element.

Prior art

The Applicant observes that the solutions relating to the filling of gaseous elements mainly come in two forms.

A first set of solutions concerns the supply of vehicles with gaseous elements, for example trucks using Natural Vehicle Gas, known as CNG, in the form of CNG. The NGV recharging stations are thus equipped with refueling tools, for example NGV1 gun-type tools (from the English “Natural Gas Vehicle” or in French “Gaz Naturel Véhicule”) or NGV2, which are sized specifically to power a vehicle from a station and are restricted to this primary function. These solutions are therefore limited in pressure and flow and only allow gas circulation in one direction, so as to fill the vehicle to be recharged.

The Applicant further observes that these fueling tools are difficult to handle and bulky, and present risks of accumulation of electrostatic charge, representing a risk of explosion due to an uncontrolled discharge of energy.

A second set of solutions concerns the supply of fixed storage elements, for example the supply of CNG recharging stations. It is thus known to use a fixed steel connection, allowing for example to connect the fixed storage element to a source of gaseous elements, and thus authorizing unlimited filling and/or emptying of the storage element. fixed. This second set of solutions is, however, restricted to a fixed architecture, without adaptability of the connection.

The Applicant therefore submits that to date there is no satisfactory alternative solution allowing the refueling and emptying of gaseous elements in a mobile manner.

The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

The present invention aims more particularly to remedy the above limitations by proposing a device for refueling and emptying containers of gaseous elements, without excessive restriction on the quantity of gaseous elements transferred.

To this end, the object of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a device for refueling and emptying a container with gaseous elements, the device comprising:

- a first flexible conduit configured to be connected to a fixed network for recharging or draining a gaseous element;

- a three-way valve configured to alternate between a first position and a second position; And

- a connection end configured to be connected to a connector of the container.

Advantageously, the first conduit and the connection end are configured for circulation in both directions of the gaseous element, and the three-way valve is connected with the first conduit and the connection end so that the three-way valve allows circulation of the gaseous element between the first conduit and the connection tip in the first position, and that the three-way valve blocks the circulation between the first conduit and the connection tip in the second position.

In other words, the first conduit, the three-way valve and the connection end are configured so as to authorize, when the three-way valve is in the first position, a circulation of the gaseous element from the first conduit towards the connection end, that is to say from a fixed charging network to a container, and vice versa from the connection end to the first conduit, that is to say from the container to a network fixed drain. In particular, such a design does not have any non-return valve limiting the circulation of the gaseous element in only one direction.

It is further understood that, when the three-way valve is in the second position, the connection tip can freely be connected and/or disconnected to the container. The flexible structure of the conduit facilitates its handling and allows the container to be easily connected to the fixed network. Preferably, the first conduit is connected to the fixed network in a permanent manner, that is to say that the device is associated with a given fixed network, the device connecting to the container in a removable manner via the connection end.

Depending on the design, the three-way valve can be controlled manually, for example in order to adapt the fueling and emptying operations to the needs of the user or the storage capacities of the container, or even automatically, to so as to ensure refueling and emptying of containers carried out in a stable and safe manner.

Thanks to the present invention, a container can be connected to a fixed network to carry out both refueling and emptying of the container with gaseous elements, the device making it possible to establish a removable connection between the container and the fixed network, the connection being suitable for both operations depending on the network with which the container is connected. It is thus possible, using the device according to the invention, to supply containers with gaseous element vis-à-vis a first network, then to transport these same containers and to empty them using the device vis-à-vis a second network.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a second flexible conduit configured to be connected to an evacuation of the gaseous element, the second flexible conduit being connected to said three-way valve so that the three-way valve blocks circulation of the gaseous element towards the second conduit in the first position, and that the three-way valve authorizes circulation towards the second flexible conduit in the second position.

Preferably, the second conduit has a diameter of at least 12mm.

It is understood here that the second conduit serves as a vent for the fueling and emptying device and allows the evacuation of the gaseous element, when the three-way valve is in the second position, that is to say when the container and the fixed network are no longer in communication. This evacuation is advantageously carried out from the connection end towards the second conduit. The second conduit can therefore be connected to any element used to evacuate the gaseous element, for example to a fixed network vent. The diameter of the second conduit is sized so as to allow safe evacuation of the gaseous element, that is to say with sufficient pressure and flow.

In a particular embodiment, the device is dimensioned to ensure the passage of the gaseous element at a pressure of at least 250 bars.

We understand here that the dimensioning of the device corresponds to the dimensioning of all the parts ensuring the circulation of the gaseous element, in particular the first conduit, the three-way valve and the connection tip. Such sizing thus makes it possible to refuel the containers until they also reach a pressure greater than 250 bars, thus ensuring efficient refueling of the containers for the transport of significant quantities of gaseous elements.

In an additional embodiment, the device includes a pressure gauge configured to measure information representative of pressure in the device.

It is understood here that the pressure gauge makes it possible to follow the evolution of the pressure during the refueling and/or emptying operation, for example in order to determine if a handling error has been made or in order to identify a fault. or a leak, for example from the container.

In another embodiment, the device further comprises an elbow connector configured to connect the three-way valve and the connection tip.

It is understood here that the elbow connector is sized to facilitate the connection of the connection tip to the connector of the container, and in particular to ensure an ergonomic arrangement of the device when the tip is connected to the container.

In a specific embodiment, the first conduit is configured to ground the device.

It is understood here that the first conduit is made of a material allowing the conduction of electrostatic charges, the flexible nature of the first conduit also making it possible to naturally ground it during its handling. The risk of electrostatic reactions, discharge or explosion is therefore reduced and the safety of fueling and emptying operations is increased.

In an additional embodiment, the first conduit has a diameter of at least 25 mm and a length of at least 150 cm.

It is understood here that the dimensioning of the first conduit is carried out so as to ensure the circulation of gaseous element at a pressure and a flow rate which are both sufficient, and that the length of the first conduit is selected so as to ensure simple handling for the connection. to the fixed network and/or the container.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a system for supplying and emptying at least one container with gaseous elements, the system comprising:

- at least one refueling and emptying device according to the first aspect of the invention; And

- a fixed network for recharging or emptying a gaseous element.

Advantageously, the first flexible conduit of the at least one device is connected to the fixed network.

We understand here that the refueling and emptying system corresponds to a fixed network for recharging or emptying a gaseous element, which is equipped with the device according to the first aspect of the invention. The first flexible conduit is for example connected to a fixed conduit of the charging or draining network, for example a fixed steel connection.

The system is therefore suitable for temporarily receiving gaseous element containers, in order to refuel or drain them. Such a system thus presents constraints lower than the solutions of the prior art, and can in particular be adapted to the refueling and emptying of a greater variety of elements, unlike a recharging station equipped with a NGV1 or NGV2 gun type tool.

Preferably, the system further comprises:

- an electronic module associated with the device and/or the fixed network, the electronic module comprising means for generating at least one pressure data and wireless or wired communication means configured to communicate with a remote electronic entity; And

- a remote electronic entity configured to collect the at least one pressure data generated by the at least one electronic module.

It is understood here that the means for generating at least one pressure data correspond for example to one or more pressure sensors associated with the device and/or the fixed network, each pressure sensor returning specific information and making it possible, for example, to monitor the progress of the refueling or emptying operation.

The remote electronic entity corresponds for example to a personal electronic device of the smartphone type (from the English "Smartphone") or computer configured to communicate with the electronic module, for example by running software or an application dedicated to communication with the electronic module. The remote electronic entity corresponds, according to a particular example, to a controller configured to control the refueling and emptying system, for example to control the fixed network. The remote electronic entity allows, for example, a user to visualize the evolution of the pressure in the system, by grouping together information from pressure sensors scattered across the device and/or the fixed network.

Obviously, the remote electronic entity can be configured to carry out additional processing operations based on the pressure data, for example in order to assist in monitoring the progress of operations. In a particular design, the remote electronic entity is configured to generate instructions for controlling the three-way valve, the electronic module being configured to receive the instructions coming from the remote electronic entity and to control the three-way valve in operation instructions.

Thus, through the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes a device and a refueling and emptying system for a gaseous element container, thus making it possible to establish a connection between a transportable container and a fixed network, so as to alternately supply the container with gaseous element for its transport from a recharging station, and to empty the container once transported to an emptying station. An emptying station can therefore be supplied with a gaseous element using mobile containers, these being connected by a device facilitating the passage of the gaseous element at a flow rate and a pressure both adapted to the transport of large quantities gas.

Brief description of the figures

The characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the description above with reference to the appended Figures 1 to 3 illustrating a plurality of exemplary embodiments which are devoid of any limiting character and in which:

There represents a schematic view of a device for refueling and emptying a container with gaseous elements, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

There represents a schematic view of a container refueling system with gaseous elements integrating a device conforming to the ;

There represents a schematic view of a container emptying system with gaseous elements integrating a device conforming to the .

detailed description

The present invention will now be described in what follows with reference jointly to Figures 1 to 3 appended to the description.

As indicated in the preamble to the description, current solutions for filling gaseous elements are restricted on the one hand to vehicle supply nozzles, whose circulation, flow and pressure are limited, on the other hand to fixed connections with no adaptability.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to allow the refueling and emptying of containers using devices compatible with the existing infrastructure, making it possible to transport high quantities of gaseous elements via such containers so as to allow a adaptable and mobile gas distribution.

This is made possible in the example described below, which considers the refueling and emptying of CNG.

It will be understood here that this example is not limiting and that the invention will find other applications for the distribution of a variety of gases, depending on the infrastructure and supply needs.

According to the example of Figures 2 and 3, a system for refueling and emptying at least one container with gaseous elements, developed in the context of the present invention, is used for refueling and emptying a plurality of containers 10. It is obviously understood that the containers 10 are sized for the storage of a gaseous element under pressure, for example for the storage of CNG. Thus, the system comprises a plurality of refueling and emptying devices 11 according to the present invention and a fixed network 12, 13, each device 11 being configured to connect a container 10 with the fixed network 12, 13. Advantageously, the the entire system is dimensioned to operate at a pressure of at least 250 bar, that is to say that each device 11 allows the connection and circulation of the gaseous element between the containers 10 and the fixed network 12, 13 by tolerating a pressure exceeding 250 bar.

In the example of the , corresponding to a refueling of the containers 10, the fixed network corresponds to a recharging station 12 of the containers 10, that is to say to a station configured to provide a supply of gaseous element. On the contrary, in the example of the , corresponding to an emptying of the containers 10, the fixed network corresponds to an emptying station 13 of the containers 10. The emptying station 13 of the containers 10 corresponds for example to a CNG recharging station, equipped with gun-type tools 14 NGV1 or NGV2 adapted for recharging a vehicle 15 using the gaseous element as fuel.

As illustrated in the , the device 11 comprises a first flexible conduit 1 configured to be connected to the fixed network 12, 13. The connection between the first conduit 1 and the fixed network 12, 13 is advantageously carried out via a rigid fixed conduit 3, for example made of steel and corresponding to a section of the fixed network 12, 13 for the connection of the first conduit 1.

Advantageously, the first conduit 1 has a diameter of at least 25 mm and a length of at least 150 cm, the diameter of 25 mm allowing the circulation of a sufficient flow rate for the refueling and emptying of the containers 10, and the length of 150 cm facilitating the handling of the first conduit 1. The first conduit 1 is optionally also configured to provide grounding of the device 11, for example by virtue of its dimensions and its materials. An operator can then simply connect the first conduit 1 to the fixed network 12, 13 so that the gaseous element circulates through the first conduit 1 without accumulation of electrostatic charges. According to a particular design, the connection of the first conduit 1 to the fixed network 12, 13 is carried out in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, that is to say in such a way as to associate the device 11 with a specific fixed network 12, 13 .

In this same example, the device 11 also includes a connection end 4 configured to be connected to a connector 9 of the container 10. The connector 9 corresponds for example to a connection end or a valve, and is commonly provided on any container 10 with a gaseous element. The connection tip 4 therefore corresponds to a tip compatible with the connector 9 of the container 10, for example to a largest possible variety of connectors 9 known in the field. Advantageously, the connection end 4 is configured to allow a removable connection with the connector 9, so as to allow the separation of the container 10 from the device 11 and the fixed network 12, 13.

According to a particular embodiment, the connection end 4 corresponds to a Hansen type connection, preferably of the Hansen ISO7241/1B type, or for example as described in documents US 2518542 A, US 3351362 A or even US 4198080 B1. Those skilled in the art understand that such a Hansen type fitting is suitable for connections of gas conduits, in conditions exceeding 250 bar pressure. The Hansen type fitting is preferably sized according to the connector 9 of the container 10, and has for example an internal diameter of half an inch, corresponding to a nominal diameter of approximately 13mm, known as DN 13 according to the ISO 6708 standard. .

In accordance with the underlying concept of the invention, a three-way valve 2 is additionally provided connected with the first conduit 1 and the connection end 4. In the example of the , the first conduit 1 is directly connected to the three-way valve 2, while the connection end 4 is connected to the three-way valve 2 via an elbow connector 8. Obviously, we understand that the geometry of the elbow connector 8 is designed so as to facilitate the handling of the connection end 4, and in particular its connection to the connector 9. It is also possible to provide other intermediate parts between the three-way valve 2 and the first conduit 1 or the connection end 4 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, the three-way valve 2 is also connected with a second flexible conduit 6 serving as a vent, the second conduit 6 being for example connected to a gas evacuation of the fixed network 12, 13. The second conduit 6 has for example a diameter reduced compared to the first conduit 1, adapted for a lower flow rate of gaseous element. We thus provide, in a specific design, a second conduit 6 with a diameter of at least 12mm.

The three-way valve 2 is thus configured to pass alternately between a first position and a second position, for example according to a manual command from an operator. In the first position, the three-way valve 2 allows circulation of the gaseous element between the first conduit 1 and the connection nozzle 4, and blocks circulation in the second conduit 6. In the second position, the three-way valve 2 blocks the circulation of gaseous element between the first conduit 1 and the connection end 4, and authorizes the circulation between the connection end 4 and the second conduit 6.

Thus, an operator carrying out refueling according to the or draining according to will place the three-way valve 2 in the second position, connect on the one hand the first conduit 1 with the fixed network 12, 13, for example via the fixed conduit 3, and on the other hand connect the connection end 4 with the connector 9 of the container 10. The second optional conduit 6 is also connected to a gas evacuation. The operator then moves the three-way valve 2 to the first position so as to start the circulation of gas between the fixed network 12, 13 and the container 10, that is to say the respective refueling or emptying of the container 10. Obviously, in the context of refueling, the circulation of gas takes place from the fixed network 12, 13 to the container 10, while in the context of emptying, the circulation of gas takes place from the container 10 to the fixed network 12, 13.

Once the gas circulation is complete, that is to say once the container 10 has been pressurized or emptied, the operator moves the three-way valve 2 to the second position and disconnects the connection end 4. The gas circulation being blocked and/or redirected towards the second conduit 6, the disconnection is done in a safe manner.

Optionally, means are provided configured to monitor the pressure during fueling or emptying.

According to a first example, a pressure gauge 5 with visual reading is thus provided making it possible to directly circulate the pressure at a point in the system. The pressure gauge 5 is for example associated with the device 11 or also associated with the fixed conduit 3. This design makes it possible in particular to identify an abnormal evolution of the pressure, for example in the event of a handling error on the part of the operator or degradation of the container 10, resulting in a leak of the gaseous element.

According to a second example, an electronic module is provided associated with the system, for example with the fixed network 12, 13 or with the device 11, the electronic module comprising for example a plurality of elements, including means 7 for generating at least one pressure data and wireless or wired means of communication.

The elements of the electronic module, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single electronic circuit, into several integrated circuits and/or into discrete electronic components. The electronic module additionally comprises a plurality of components necessary for the proper functioning of the generation means 7 and the communication means, the communication means being wireless or wired, in particular one or more batteries coupled to a power supply system of the electronic module. Thus, the generation means 7 of the electronic module correspond for example to one or more pressure sensors arranged at one or more points of the refueling and emptying system, for example associated with the fixed conduit 3.

In a first example, the electronic module also integrates wireless communication means configured to communicate remotely according to a wireless communication mode, for example a communication mode based on a radiocommunication technology of the "Bluetooth", "Wi-Fi" type. Fi”, LTE (from the English “Long-Term Evolution” or in French “Evolution à Long Term”) or even LTE-Advanced (or in French “LTE-advanced”) corresponding to the characteristics of 4G standards.

In a second example, the electronic module integrates wired communication means, for example one or more communication buses of the CAN data bus type (from the English “Controller Area Network” or in French “Réseau de controllers”), CAN FD (from English “Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate” or in French “Network of controllers with flexible data rate”), FlexRay (according to the ISO 17458 standard), Ethernet (according to the ISO/IEC 802-3 standard ) or LIN (from English “Local Interconnect Network”, or in French “Réseau interconnecté local”).

The refueling and emptying system comprises for example a remote electronic entity configured to communicate with the electronic module, in particular with the wireless communication means, according to the wireless communication mode selected, or with the wired communication means to using a dedicated cable, for example a multi-pair or Ethernet type cable. The remote electronic entity is for example a personal electronic device such as a smartphone or computer running an application or a program dedicated to the collection of information transmitted by the electronic module, with the aim of monitoring the evolution of the pressure in the system, in particular in order to identify the end of the circulation of gaseous element, or even abnormal operation of the system linked for example to an error or a leak. The remote electronic entity is, according to another example, a controller dedicated to monitoring the fixed network 12, 13 and associated operations, in particular refueling and emptying operations carried out using the system.

In a particular embodiment, the remote electronic entity can carry out additional processing operations, in particular so as to generate instructions for controlling the three-way valve 2. The electronic module comprises for example a circuit for controlling the three-way valve channels 2, the communication means being configured to receive the control instructions coming from the remote electronic entity, according to the communication mode selected, the control circuit being configured to apply the instructions received and control the passage of the valve three 2 lanes between the first position and the second position according to the instructions.

Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides a device for refueling and emptying a container with gaseous elements, and a system integrating such a device, allowing a removable connection between a container and a fixed network for recharging or emptying gas. the gaseous element, the device being adapted for bilateral circulation and under pressure of the gaseous element. In particular, the present invention reduces the constraints relating to the adaptability, mobility, and flow rate of gaseous element filling solutions. Such a system can be sized to operate safely at pressures exceeding 250 bars, as well as provide for evacuation of the gaseous element when circulation is cut off.

It should be observed that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case does this description have any limiting character to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, it aims to remove any possible imprecision or misinterpretation of the claims that follow.

It should also be observed that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the claims which follow are in no way limiting in nature; The sole purpose of these signs is to improve the intelligibility and understanding of the claims which follow as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims (10)

Device (11) for refueling and emptying a container (10) with gaseous elements, said device (11) comprising:
- a first flexible conduit (1) configured to be connected to a fixed network for recharging or emptying (12, 13) of a gaseous element;
- a three-way valve (2) configured to pass alternately between a first position and a second position; And
- a connection end (4) configured to be connected to a connector (9) of said container (10),
in which said first conduit (1) and said connection nozzle (4) are configured for circulation in both directions of said gaseous element, and in which said three-way valve (2) is connected with said first conduit (1) and said connection tip (4) so that said three-way valve (2) allows circulation of said gaseous element between said first conduit (1) and said connection tip (4) in said first position, and that said three-way valve (2 ) blocks said circulation between said first conduit (1) and said connection end (4) in said second position. Device (11) according to claim 1, which comprises a second flexible conduit (6) configured to be connected to an evacuation of said gaseous element, said second flexible conduit (6) being connected to said three-way valve (2) so that said three-way valve (2) blocks a circulation of said gaseous element towards said second conduit (6) in said first position, and that said three-way valve (2) authorizes said circulation towards said second flexible conduit (6) in said second position. Device (11) according to claim 2, wherein said second conduit (6) has a diameter of at least 12mm. Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, which is dimensioned to ensure the passage of said gaseous element at a pressure of at least 250 bars. Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises a pressure gauge (5) configured to measure information representative of pressure in said device (11). Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 5, which further comprises an elbow connector (8) configured to connect said three-way valve (2) and said connection tip (4). Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which said first conduit (1) is configured to provide grounding of said device (11). Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which said first conduit (1) has a diameter of at least 25 mm and a length of at least 150 cm. System for refueling and emptying at least one container with gaseous elements, which comprises:
- at least one refueling and emptying device (11) comprising the characteristics of any one of claims 1 to 8; And
- a fixed network (12, 13) for recharging or emptying a gaseous element,
in which said first flexible conduit (1) of said at least one device (11) is connected to said fixed network (12, 13). System according to claim 9, which further comprises:
- an electronic module associated with said device (11) and/or said fixed network (12, 13), said electronic module comprising means for generating (7) at least one pressure data item and means of wireless or wired communication configured to communicate with a remote electronic entity; And
- a remote electronic entity configured to collect said at least one pressure data generated by said at least one electronic module.