DE102021132115A1 - supply of vehicles with hydrogen - Google Patents

Abstract

A supply station for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, comprises at least one storage area in order to store at least one store for storing the energy carrier at the supply station; a loading area for loading the at least one store between the supply station and a vehicle; a transport device to transport the at least one store between the storage area and the loading area; and a control device which is adapted to operate the transport device according to a predetermined program sequence in order to transport the at least one store between the storage area and the loading area.

Description

The present invention relates to a supply station and a method for supplying vehicles with one or more energy carriers, in particular hydrogen, natural gas or the like. Furthermore, the invention relates to a store for storing the energy carrier and a holding device for holding the store on a vehicle.

In the course of the climate protection agreement adopted at the Paris climate conference in 2015, Europe set itself ambitious goals in terms of climate protection. By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by at least 40% compared to 1990. By 2050, Europe should even be climate-neutral. In order to take a sustainable path to the energy transition and to be able to link the energy, heat and transport sectors regardless of the weather, alternative energy sources and storage systems are necessary. An energy carrier with enormous potential is hydrogen (H ₂ ). For example, energy generated from renewable sources such as wind power, solar thermal, photovoltaic, hydroelectric power or biogas can be converted into “green” hydrogen (H ₂ ) and then compressed, stored and transported using hydrogen compressors. In this way, sustainable use of natural resources, prosperity and development are compatible.

Also and especially in the field of mobility, hydrogen (H ₂ ) is a major topic for the future. For example, it is known that hydrogen is suitable as an alternative energy carrier and fuel for vehicles. There are already a few hydrogen filling stations ready to fill up hydrogen vehicles, which produce electricity from hydrogen with fuel cells, for example, with gaseous hydrogen. However, a practical problem in supplying vehicles with hydrogen is that the density of hydrogen in the atmospheric state is very low at around 90 g/m ³ . Therefore, the hydrogen has to be heavily compressed in order to obtain an economically usable energy density. In practice, this means that pressures of sometimes over 1,000 bar are required for the transport, storage and refueling of vehicles. Such a pressure level is also necessary to enable sufficiently rapid refueling. Accordingly, refueling with hydrogen is associated with a considerable technical - and energetic - effort. For example, hydrogen filling stations must be equipped with high-performance special compressors, which are very expensive to purchase and maintain. In addition, substantial safety precautions have to be taken in order to be able to guarantee that even technical laypersons can fill up with hydrogen without risk.

One disadvantage of filling up with hydrogen is therefore the extraordinarily high energy consumption that arises as a result of transferring the hydrogen, for example between a central tank of the hydrogen filling station and a vehicle tank. The high energy consumption is due in particular to the fact that the unavoidable loss of pressure during refueling has to be compensated. With the current supply concept for vehicles, the hydrogen usually has to be compressed three times, namely once when filling up a road tanker that supplies the network of hydrogen filling stations, a second time when filling up the respective hydrogen filling stations and a third time when filling up the end consumer vehicles. The supply of the vehicles thus suffers overall from a high level of energy inefficiency.

It is an object of the invention to create improved options for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen.

According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a supply station for supplying vehicles with at least one energy carrier, comprising at least one storage area for storing at least one store for storing the energy carrier at the supply station; a loading area for loading the at least one store between the supply station and a vehicle; a transport device for transporting the at least one store between the storage area and the loading area; and a control device which is adapted to operate the transport device according to a predetermined program sequence in order to transport the at least one store between the storage area and the loading area.

The supply station according to the invention makes it possible to largely dispense with the inefficient decanting of hydrogen between different tanks. In particular, instead of the conventional supply concept for vehicles, in which hydrogen is stored in a large central tank, one or more storage units are kept ready, which are each mounted as a whole on a vehicle to be supplied and make conventional filling up by decanting hydrogen superfluous. For example, the energy consumption for supplying the vehicles from approximately 5.1 kWh/kg of hydrogen with the conventional supply concept to a value of approximately 2 kWh/kg of hydrogen with the inventive due to the supply concept (and an accumulator filling pressure of 350 bar).

The supply station has a transport device that transports a filled store, which is kept ready at a storage area of the supply station, to a loading area from which the store can be loaded onto the vehicle in question and mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle thus receives a full reservoir from the supply station, which is detachably mounted on the vehicle and carried along while the vehicle is in operation. The storage can thus be understood as a mobile tank. With the help of the accumulator, the vehicle can continue to be operated immediately without a conventional refueling process, with the drive being supplied with the hydrogen required for this directly from the mounted accumulator. There is no need for the inefficient decanting of hydrogen into a permanently installed tank in the vehicle.

A further advantage is that a respective store only has to be loaded in order to supply a vehicle in question with a sufficient quantity of hydrogen or another energy carrier. The loading can be done much faster than a conventional filling process with hydrogen, in which the hydrogen has to be filled into a permanently installed tank of the vehicle and compressed via a pump system in a comparatively lengthy process. In addition, loading and assembling a hydrogen storage tank that has already been filled is significantly less risky than decanting highly compressed hydrogen. The safety risk previously associated with the hydrogen supply can thus be significantly reduced with the supply station according to the invention. In this respect, less complex technical precautions must also be taken at the supply station in order to ensure a safe supply of hydrogen.

The supply station according to the invention thus enables vehicles to be supplied with hydrogen in a user-friendly, safe and efficient manner. On the other hand, the supply can be fully automated compared to conventional tank concepts. For this reason, new user groups can be addressed who, for a variety of reasons, were rather averse to the conventional concept with hydrogen filling stations. In particular, the automated supply of hydrogen storage can be well scheduled so that, for example, traffic vehicles in continuous operation, such as passenger buses or local trains, can be supplied without any problems in terms of availability. Depending on the degree of automation, the personnel costs for supplying the vehicles can also be minimized. The automation can in particular be designed in such a way that the supply station can be operated autonomously, i.e. without separate operating personnel. The supply station thus makes a significant contribution to further strengthening the competitiveness of hydrogen technology.

Due to the storage area, the supply station is suitable for supplying a large number of vehicles, which can have the same type or different drive systems. For example, a large number of different stores can be kept ready in the storage area, which can be automatically loaded into the vehicles to be supplied as required. For example, a supply or loading station can simultaneously have hydrogen tanks for fuel cell vehicles, CNG (compressed natural gas) tanks for natural gas vehicles and/or other energy stores for other drive systems and supply or refuel the respective vehicles accordingly. The supply station is thus generally suitable for supplying one or more energy carriers. In addition, exhausted or empty stores can be automatically unloaded by the respective vehicles with the aid of the transport device and transported to the storage area. In this way, the supply station can serve as a local hydrogen depot, in which, on the one hand, exhausted stores from different vehicles can be accommodated and, on the other hand, full stores can be kept ready to replace the exhausted stores. The supply station can therefore also be used as a changing station for changing mobile energy storage devices.

The predetermined program sequence is used in particular for the automatic control of the transport device, so that a respective store can be transported automatically between the storage area and the loading area, i.e. manual control is not required for this. The program sequence can be stored in a non-volatile data memory of the supply station, for example in the form of a computer program with a predetermined sequence of control data in order to be able to control the transport device for a specific movement sequence. The program flow can optionally be used as a basis for the operation of the supply station in order to transport one or more stores between the storage area and the loading area.

In the context of the description of the invention, the energy source is often specified as hydrogen. In general, however, the invention is also can be used for other energy carriers, in particular gaseous energy carriers, which are preferably stored in compressed form, such as natural gas (eg as CNG (compressed natural gas)). Other fluid energy carriers, such as methanol or liquid gas, are also possible.

Embodiments are disclosed in the description, the figures and the patent claims.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control device is also adapted to operate the transport device according to the predetermined program sequence in order to load the at least one store between the loading area and the vehicle. In particular, the predetermined program sequence can be adapted to move the at least one storage unit from the loading area in a first loading direction in order to introduce the storage unit into a holding device of the vehicle provided for holding the storage unit. In this way, the memory can be automatically mounted on the holding device, so that manual mounting is not required or only to a small extent. The automatic loading means that even comparatively heavy tanks can be loaded and installed without any problems.

Furthermore, the predetermined program sequence can be adapted to move the at least one store in a second loading direction in order to remove the store from the holding device. Advantageously, the predetermined program sequence can also be adapted to replace a first memory for storing the energy carrier on the holding device with a second memory for storing the energy carrier. In particular, an exhausted memory on the vehicle can first be removed and then replaced with a full memory. The memory can thus be fully automatically mounted on the vehicle and dismantled from the vehicle.

The transport device can be equipped with a conveyor device, such as a conveyor belt and/or a roller drive, in order to automatically move a respective store in the first and/or second loading direction. The first and second loading directions can in particular be opposite to one another in order to be able to load and unload the stores. Furthermore, the first and/or second loading direction are preferably linear, i.e. rectilinear directions, so that the transport device can be implemented with comparatively simple and reliable drive means in order to move the stores. The loading directions are also preferably defined transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle, so that the store can advantageously be mounted on the side of the vehicle.

According to a further embodiment, the supply station comprises at least one sensor for acquiring parameter data, with the control device being adapted to adapt the predetermined program sequence at least partially on the basis of the parameter data. In this way, the supply station can be used for different operating scenarios. The parameter data can in particular represent an environment of the supply station, properties of the vehicle and/or properties of the memory. For example, the presence of a vehicle in a suitable loading position can be made known to the control device by the parameter data, so that the program sequence can be started reliably. Furthermore, a position and/or a size of the memory to be replaced can be detected. Based on the detected storage properties, the control device can automatically and precisely control the transport device in order to first remove the storage device from the holding device of the vehicle and transfer it to a free compartment in the storage area. Then, with the help of the transport device, a full store can be inserted from the storage area via the loading area into the holding device in order to complete the changing process.

In addition, the parameter data can represent the presence of a memory in a holding device of the vehicle. The control device can thus use the parameter data to determine whether an empty memory must first be removed before loading a full memory into the vehicle. The configuration effort of the supply station can be reduced accordingly by using the parameter data.

The supply station can adapt to the respective operating conditions using the parameter data recorded. On the one hand, this enables vehicles of different sizes to be supplied, with the respective position of the memory on the vehicle also being variable. On the other hand, safety aspects can also be advantageously taken into account. For example, one or more safety sensors can be provided to monitor a danger area of the supply station and to interrupt or suitably modify the program sequence if the danger area is violated.

The parameter data may include information about a memory type, including, for example, a size and/or shape of the memory. In this way, it can be ensured that the supply station only accepts or exchanges storage units that are suitable for the supply station and can be stored in the storage area, for example. In addition, the detection of a respective storage type can be used advantageously in order to make the supply station usable for different storage types. For example, the supply station can identify a memory type on the vehicle to ensure that the memory in question is replaced with a full memory of the same type. The transport device can be controlled accordingly by adapting the predetermined program sequence for transporting and loading the relevant store.

In order to detect the storage type, on the one hand optical sensors can be provided at the supply station, which scan an external shape of the storage and determine the type of storage by comparison with reference data. In addition or as an alternative, it is conceivable that a respective memory on the vehicle is provided with an electronic identifier, for example an RFID transponder. The sensor of the supply station can advantageously read out the identification data of the store wirelessly in order to automatically detect the type of store and adjust the program sequence accordingly.

According to a further embodiment, the supply station comprises at least one communication interface for receiving authentication data, the control device being adapted to execute the predetermined program sequence as a function of the authentication data. The authentication data can in particular represent a proof of authorization for operating the supply station. For example, authentication data can be stored on an electronic device, such as a smartphone, or a transponder card belonging to the driver of the vehicle, so that the driver can conveniently wirelessly transmit the authentication data to the supply station in order to initiate the predetermined program sequence. For this purpose, the control device can first check the authentication data on the basis of reference data and determine whether the user in question is authorized to operate the supply station. The control device can then operate according to the predetermined program sequence. After verification of the authentication data, the control device can preferably also be operated as a function of the user's manual input data.

In addition to an operating authorization, the authentication data can also contain information as to whether one or more exhausted memories are to be replaced by full memories or whether only one or more full memories are to be installed. Parameter data can also be received via the communication interface in order to adapt the program sequence to a desired supply service.

According to a further embodiment, the transport device has a lifting device in order to move the at least one store in a first transport direction, in particular a vertical direction. For example, the transport device can have a loading platform that can be moved in a vertical direction relative to the ground in order to be able to transport a respective store to a desired height above the ground. An accumulator can thus also easily be mounted on a vehicle roof, without a crane or the like being required for this purpose.

In addition or as an alternative to the lifting device, the transport device can have a conveyor device in order to move the at least one store in a second transport direction, in particular a horizontal direction defined relative to the ground. The store can thus advantageously be moved automatically between the storage area and the loading area, in particular a loading platform. For this purpose, the conveyor device can have one or more conveyor belts and/or roller drives. These can be integrated into a loading platform, for example, so that even comparatively large storage units can be moved without any problems. The transport directions can be defined as linear directions. The transport directions can also at least partially correspond to the loading directions mentioned above or be different from them.

The conveyor device is preferably designed to move a store in a third transport direction. This can likewise correspond to a horizontal direction, which, however, is oriented, for example, transversely to the second transport direction. The mobility of a store in several transport directions makes it possible, on the one hand, to maximize the storage capacity of the supply station. For example, several storage areas can be provided which, due to their spatial arrangement, can only be reached with different movement paths. However, this can be easily implemented with the transport device that can be controlled in several transport directions. On the other hand, the supply station can still be made compact because with only one transport device Transported variety of memory and can be loaded between the loading area and a vehicle.

According to a further embodiment, the supply station is equipped with a loading arm which extends at least in sections away from the loading area in order to form a loading bridge between the supply station and the vehicle. For example, the loading arm can be adjusted between a first position and a second position in order to make the loading bridge flexible for loading a respective store between the loading area and the vehicle. The store can thus be moved particularly safely and reliably between the supply station and the vehicle without endangering people in the vicinity of the supply station.

In addition, the loading arm can advantageously be used to insert a storage unit essentially completely into a holding device of the vehicle and thereby to mount it on the holding device. For example, the store can be pushed into the holding device by means of the loading arm. In this case, a locking mechanism can be triggered on the holding device in order to lock the memory on the holding device.

The loading arm preferably has components of the conveyor device, so that a store can also be inserted completely into the holding device when the store has already been largely inserted into the holding device due to its size. Conversely, the loading arm, e.g. if it has one or more conveyor belts, can be used to mechanically pull an accumulator out of the holding device and in this way transport it to the loading area. An adjustable loading arm is also useful for securely mounting an accumulator on a vehicle, even if the vehicle is not in the exact optimal mounting position. In this way, a wide variety of tolerances can be compensated.

According to a further embodiment, a first storage area and a second storage area are provided for storing the stores at the supply station. The storage areas are preferably spatially separated from one another. The storage capacity of the supply station can be increased in this way, while still ensuring a compact size of the supply station. The individual storage areas can each have different storage functions. For example, the first storage area can be provided for storing full reservoirs and the second storage area for storing empty or exhausted reservoirs.

The transport device can advantageously be arranged at least essentially between the first storage area and the second storage area. Only one transport device is therefore required in order to be able to transport stores between the two storage areas and the vehicle. Furthermore, components of the transport device can advantageously be integrated into the storage areas, so that the size and weight of the supply station can be further reduced. The supply station can therefore advantageously be designed as a mobile supply station.

According to a further embodiment, the storage area has a shelf structure in order to form a plurality of compartments for accommodating the at least one store. The storage area can thus accommodate a large number of memories in a limited space. For example, a plurality of storage compartments can be formed one above the other in a vertical direction, so that a large number of memories can be stored without taking up a large floor area.

The shelf structure is advantageously at least partially designed as a frame. The weight of the supply station can be reduced even further in this way. The storage area is preferably covered in order to protect the stores stored in it from external influences, such as increased solar radiation. In addition, the memory can be protected against unauthorized access.

According to a further embodiment, the supply station is designed as a mobile supply station. The supply station can thus be moved flexibly to a desired operating location in order to ensure the supply of one or more vehicles with energy carrier storage.

A design as a mobile supply station is also advantageous in order to be able to transport the supply station to a central repair location in the event of defects. In addition, it is possible to react flexibly to supply bottlenecks or changes in supply demand by flexibly setting up several supply stations at different locations.

The mobile supply station can in particular have compact dimensions that transport the supply station with conventional allow commercial trucks. For example, the supply station can have a standardized size of a freight container. Furthermore, the supply station is preferably formed on a single base plate, so that the supply station can be easily and safely transported as a whole by lifting the base plate.

The mobile or non-stationary supply stations can also be set up directly at a predetermined supply location. For example, the supply station can be set up at a depot of a local public transport company in order to ensure that the local transport vehicles are supplied with water. A comprehensive hydrogen filling station network is therefore not a prerequisite for the provision of green hydrogen as an energy source for transport. Rather, the supply can be realized flexibly and at short notice.

According to a further embodiment, the supply station has means for filling up a container with hydrogen. In particular, the supply station can have means for filling up with hydrogen in a conventional manner, for example in a hydrogen tank permanently installed on a passenger car. The supply station can, for example, have a compressor and a fuel pump, which can optionally be connected to a container to be fueled, in order to fill the container with hydrogen. Instead of hydrogen, another energy carrier can generally also be provided.

The means for refueling can advantageously also be used to refuel the storage devices described for storing the energy carrier, for example in order to bridge a delivery bottleneck when the storage devices are full. For this purpose, the supply station can have a hydrogen tank which, in conjunction with the refueling means, can optionally also be used to refuel conventional hydrogen vehicles with a permanently installed hydrogen tank. Instead of the hydrogen tank, the refueling means can also be connected to a respective full reservoir stored in the storage area in order to refuel a container. In this case, a reservoir in question can be charged with a filling pressure that is higher than the predetermined supply pressure of the vehicles. The accumulators can therefore be used either for conventional refueling or for the direct operation of vehicles, in that the accumulators are loaded into a respective vehicle and mounted on the vehicle as described.

According to a further aspect, a store for storing an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, is disclosed, which can advantageously be used together with the supply station. The memory is preferably designed as a memory module with a number of containers for storing the energy carrier. The accumulator is therefore particularly suitable for storing energy carriers at higher pressures above atmospheric pressure, for example several 100 bar. This also includes hydrogen in particular.

The accumulator can be adapted to store the energy carrier at a predetermined filling pressure, which is adapted to a predetermined supply pressure of the vehicle. For example, the filling pressure can be a few 100 bar, e.g. 350. The accumulator therefore does not have to withstand the very high pressure of e.g. 700 bar, which is usually provided for storing hydrogen. In this respect, the memory can be designed with a lower weight. The storage module may be generically referred to as a cartridge module.

The multiple individual containers of the storage module can each have a capacity that is comparatively small compared to the total capacity of the storage module. For example, the storage module can have five or more individual containers, so that the capacity of the individual container is only 1/5 of the total capacity. A relatively high overall capacity can thus be achieved, but the requirements for the individual containers in terms of strength and stability can be met better compared to a large container. The accumulator can thus also be transported more safely and is less prone to leaks.

The memory module is preferably at least essentially cuboid. The storage module can thus be transported and moved in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular in comparison to a storage device which is designed as a spherical hollow body.

For example, several memory modules can be stacked on top of each other and stored in a space-saving manner in this way. In particular, a number of storage modules can advantageously be stored in the storage area of the supply station described.

The individual containers of the storage module are preferably at least essentially cylindrical. The storage capacity of the storage module can be maximized in this way, with the storage module simultaneously being used to store the energy carrier under high storage conditions suitable for safety pressures. The storage module can have a frame with which the individual containers are securely held together. However, the individual containers can be removed as required, for example in the event of a defect.

The storage or the individual containers of the storage module can be made of a metal, e.g. Alternatively, a composite material can be used to reduce the weight of the memory modules. The containers can also have insulation to protect the energy carrier from external temperature influences. For example, the containers can be designed at least partially as cryotanks.

The storage module preferably has a central supply connection which is connected to the containers. The assembly of a storage module on a holding device of the vehicle can be simplified in this way because only the central supply connection has to be coupled to a supply connection of the vehicle in order to supply the vehicle with the hydrogen stored in the individual containers.

The memory can have at least one electronic transponder for identifying and/or locating the memory. The transponder can in particular be designed in the form of an RFID chip or the like, which enables reliable identification and/or localization of the memory but does not require its own power supply. In order to be able to ensure a particularly precise localization of the memory, the memory preferably has a number of electronic transponders which are spatially distributed on the memory or memory module. The sensor of the supply station for detecting the individual transponders can easily and reliably determine the respective current position of the memory by triangulation.

According to a further aspect, a system for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, is disclosed, the system comprising a large number of supply stations and a large number of storage devices. The supply stations and the reservoirs can each be designed in the same way and in particular have the features according to one of the disclosed embodiments. Storage types of different sizes can also be provided, for example in order to be able to supply both larger vehicles with a large energy requirement and smaller vehicles with a lower energy requirement. The memories can thus differ from one another in particular in terms of their storage capacity.

The storage systems can also differ in terms of the energy sources stored in them. For example, storage with hydrogen and storage with methane (natural gas, biomethane) can be kept ready for exchange in the supply or loading station and, if necessary, automatically loaded into the appropriate vehicle. Also conceivable are accumulators that are each designed to store a number of different energy carriers.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a holding device for holding at least one memory according to one of the embodiments described above on a vehicle, the holding device being adapted to accommodate the at least one memory according to a predetermined movement sequence and thereby at least essentially completely on the mounting the holding device. The movement sequence preferably includes a linear movement for inserting the store into the holding device. The linear movement can in particular be a horizontal movement relative to a floor of the supply station, so that the store can advantageously be automatically loaded into the holding device and mounted on the holding device by the supply station.

The holding device can preferably be permanently installed on a vehicle, wherein the holding device can also preferably be designed and positioned on the vehicle in such a way that a respective memory can be inserted into the holding device transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The vehicle can thus advantageously be positioned adjacent to the supply station in order to be able to change the store from the side. Complicated and time-consuming turning maneuvers of the vehicle can be avoided in this way.

The holding device can have one or more means for locking a memory accommodated in the holding device. For example, the locking means can be adapted such that a storage device that is inserted into the holding device according to the predetermined movement sequence is automatically locked on the holding device. However, it is also conceivable for the locking mechanism to be controlled by an electronic drive which can be controlled, for example, by a driver of the vehicle. For example, before the memory is discharged, the driver can unlock the locking mechanism by means of a control command and lock a replaced memory again after it has been inserted into the holding device.

According to a further embodiment, the holding device comprises a first supply connection for driving the vehicle, the first supply connection being able to be coupled to a second supply connection of the accumulator, which is designed to be complementary to the first supply connection. The second supply connection can in particular be a central supply connection which is connected to a number of individual containers in the store.

The holding device is preferably adapted such that when the store is held according to the predetermined movement sequence, the first supply connection and the second supply connection mechanically interact in order to couple the first supply connection and the second supply connection to one another. For example, the first supply connection is forcibly coupled to the second supply connection when the memory is mounted on the holding device according to the predetermined movement sequence, for example by inserting the memory along a predetermined insertion direction. The umbilical ports may have complementary sections that interlock during movement to couple the ports. The supply connections can in particular form a bayonet lock.

The holding device can advantageously be installed on a vehicle with a drive based on the energy carrier, in order to accommodate one or more of the storage devices that are carried along during operation of the vehicle to supply the vehicle with the energy carrier. The holding device can be mounted, for example, on a roof area of the vehicle. However, other vehicle areas are also conceivable, such as an underbody area of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, a first method for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, is disclosed. The first method includes providing at least one supply station according to any of the disclosed embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, the supply station is operated according to a predetermined program sequence in order to transport at least one store for storing the energy carrier between the storage area and the loading area and in particular to load it between the loading area and a vehicle. It is to be understood that one or more method-related features, which are described in connection with the supply station, the store and the holding device, can be correspondingly implemented within the framework of the first method. For example, according to the predetermined program sequence, the method can include that one or more storage devices are moved as described and mounted on the holding device.

According to a further aspect, a second method for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, is disclosed. The method comprises at least the following steps: filling at least one accumulator with the energy source up to a predetermined filling pressure, the filling pressure being adapted to a predetermined supply pressure of a vehicle; and providing the at least one store at a supply station. The supply station and the store are preferably designed according to one of the described embodiments.

The second method enables the hydrogen to be filled into the storage tanks at the production site at the optimal operating or supply pressure for the respective vehicle (e.g. 350 bar for hydrogen drives in buses). The filling pressure is maintained during the subsequent transport to the supply station as well as during the operation of the supply station, in which an exhausted reservoir is exchanged for a newly filled reservoir. The vehicle's drive can thus call up the hydrogen directly at the optimal supply pressure after the storage unit has been mounted on the holding device. A repeated, energy-intensive compression of the energy carrier and the associated technical effort are hereby completely avoided.

The reservoirs are preferably filled with the predetermined filling pressure at the filling location independently of the supply station and brought to the supply station with the aid of a supply vehicle. The stores can then be easily loaded between the supply vehicle and the storage area with the aid of the transport device. Alternatively, it is conceivable to move the supply station as a whole to the filling location in order to accommodate the storage area, which has been subjected to the predetermined filling pressure, at the filling location in the storage area before the supply station is brought to the desired place of use.

The storage can be reused in the sense of a circular economy. In other words, the accumulators can be filled several times and emptied each time a vehicle is in operation. The supply station makes it easier to automatically change the storage tanks on the vehicle, so that the storage tanks can be refilled independently of the vehicles to be supplied.

It is to be understood that features that are disclosed in connection with the first method for providing and/or operating supply stations can be implemented in the second method for filling the stores and vice versa. Furthermore, features that are disclosed in connection with the devices described can also be implemented in the second method. For example, the second method can advantageously be used in connection with a system made up of a large number of accumulators to which different filling pressures are applied. In particular, different accumulators can be assigned to different vehicles, with the accumulators each being charged with the filling pressure adapted for the assigned vehicle.

In an application example, the vehicle is a hybrid hydrogen bus, which currently requires an average of 6 kg of hydrogen for 100 km in public transport operation. With a mileage of 300-400 km per day, a storage capacity of approx. 25 kg of hydrogen is required. Due to the required operating pressure of approx. 350 bar, a steel container adapted to the storage capacity has a weight of approx. 350-400 kg, so that a storage module has a total weight of 400-500 kg. Pressure vessels made of modern composites are significantly lighter and have a hydrogen to vessel weight ratio of 1:5, so that a composite vessel used to store 25 kg of hydrogen weighs around 150 kg. The weight of a memory module is then around 200-250 kg. In the case of larger vehicles or larger daily mileages, however, the total weight of a storage module can also be 1000 kg or more. Furthermore, several storage modules and corresponding holding devices can also be provided on a consumer vehicle. For smaller vehicles such as vans (<3.5 t) that are fitted with lighter composite storage modules, an increase in the total weight of at least 50 kg can be expected.

• 1 eine Seitenansicht einer Versorgungsstation gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• 2 eine weitere Seitenansicht der Versorgungsstation von 1;
• 3 eine weitere Seitenansicht der Versorgungsstation von 1 mit einem Fahrzeug;
• 4 die Versorgungsstation von 3 in einer Draufsicht von oben;
• 5 schematische Ansichten zur Verdeutlichung einer Verladung eines Speichers an einem Fahrzeug;
• 6 eine Versorgungsstation gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform in einer Draufsicht von oben;
• 7 die Versorgungsstation von 6 in einer Perspektivansicht von schräg oben;
• 8 eine Versorgungsstation gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform mit einem Schienenfahrzeug und einem Versorgungsfahrzeug;
• 9 ein Fahrzeug zur Versorgung einer Versorgungsstation mit einer Vielzahl von Speichern zur Speicherung von Wasserstoff.

The invention is described further below, purely by way of example, with reference to the drawings. These show in detail in:

• 1 a side view of a supply station according to a first embodiment;
• 2 another side view of the supply station from 1 ;
• 3 another side view of the supply station from 1 with a vehicle;
• 4 the supply station of 3 in a plan view from above;
• 5 schematic views to illustrate a loading of a memory on a vehicle;
• 6 a supply station according to a second embodiment in a plan view from above;
• 7 the supply station of 6 in a perspective view obliquely from above;
• 8th a supply station according to a third embodiment with a rail vehicle and a supply vehicle;
• 9 a vehicle for supplying a supply station with a large number of storage devices for storing hydrogen.

Parts that are functionally the same are provided with the same reference numbers.

In 1 a supply station 10 is shown in a first side view. The supply station 10 has a rectangular base plate 12, which carries all other components of the supply station 10, so that the supply station 10 can be transported without any problems. The supply station 10 is therefore designed as a mobile supply station.

On the base plate 12, a first rack 14 and a second rack 18 are spatially distributed to each other. The racks 14 and 18 are of essentially the same design and form respective storage areas of the supply station 10. The racks 14 and 18 each have a multiplicity of compartments 20, 22 which are designed to accommodate a respective storage module 16. The compartments 20, 22 are each of the same design and their size is adapted to the memory modules 16. Compartments of different sizes are also conceivable, however, in order to accommodate memory modules of different sizes. The compartment of the first rack 14 identified by the reference number 20 is occupied by a storage module 16 . The compartment 22 of the rack 18, on the other hand, is still free, so that, for example, an exhausted storage module 16 can be accommodated in the compartment 22. A large number of storage modules 16 are stored in the racks 14, 18, as in 1 shown.

The storage modules 16 are each used to store hydrogen at a predetermined filling pressure, at which the hydrogen is highly compressed compared to atmospheric pressure, for example at a filling pressure of 350 bar, which corresponds to a supply pressure of a vehicle. The memory modules 16 each have a essentially cuboid external shape and include several individual containers, as will be further described below.

The supply station 10 includes a transport device 24 for the automated transport of the storage modules 16 between the racks 14, 18 and a loading platform 26. The loading platform 26 forms a loading area from which a respective storage 16 between the supply station 10 and one parked adjacent to the supply station 10 vehicle (in 1 not shown) can be loaded. The loading platform 26 can be moved in a first lifting direction 28 and a second lifting direction 30, ie the loading platform 26 can be moved up and down in the vertical direction. The loading area can thus be variably adjusted in height.

The loading platform 26 extends between the first rack 14 and the second rack 18 so that the storage modules 16 can be moved from both racks 14, 18 directly onto the loading platform 26 depending on the lifting position. To move the loading platform 26, the transport device 24 has at least one electric drive, which is integrated into the racking 14, 18 (not shown).

To control the supply station 10, a control unit 31 is provided, which includes a non-volatile data memory in which a predetermined program sequence is stored. The program sequence can in particular have machine instructions for controlling the transport device 24 in order to automatically move a respective storage module 16 between the first rack 14 or the second rack 18 and the loading platform 26 . The control unit 31 has electronic data processing means, in particular in the form of a processor, in order to carry out the program sequence and other data processing tasks.

The supply station 10 has means for the electrical supply (not shown), in particular for supplying the control unit 31 and sensors connected to the control unit 31 for recording parameter data, and for supplying the transport device 24. In particular, the supply station 10 can have an electrical connection for connecting to have a central electrical supply network and/or an energy store, for example a rechargeable battery and/or a battery. The supply station 10 can thus be operated independently at practically any location. For this purpose, the supply station 10 can also have electrical energy generating means, such as an electrical photovoltaic module (not shown).

The transport device 24 has a first loading arm 32 and a second loading arm 34 which extend parallel away from the loading platform 26 . The loading arms 32, 34 are connected to one another via a connecting linkage 36, the loading arms 32, 34 being adjustable relative to the loading platform 26, as will be explained below with reference to FIG 2 is explained in more detail.

Supply station 10 is in 2 shown in a further side view of an end face, with further details being shown. It can be seen that a respective storage module 16 has a plurality of cylinder-like individual containers 44 which are each adapted to store the hydrogen. The individual containers 44 of a storage module 16 are each arranged adjacent to one another and parallel to one another with respect to the cylinder axis of the containers 44 . The individual containers 44 are connected to one another via a supply connection, which is not shown in detail, so that the hydrogen stored in the containers 44 can be released via the supply connection in order to supply a hydrogen drive of a vehicle.

In 2 further details of the second loading arm 34 are also shown, which are designed in the same way as the first loading arm 32. The loading arm 34 includes a first portion 38 rigidly extending away from the loading platform 26 . The first section 38 extends within a plane defined by the loading platform 26 . The loading arm 34 also has a second section 41 which is rotatably connected to the first section 38 via a joint 40 so that the second section 41 can be adjusted along a direction of rotation 42 .

The loading arm 34 can be flexibly adapted to different loading conditions. For example, the loading arm 34 can form an adjustable transport bridge in order to transport a respective storage module 16 safely and reliably between the supply station 10 and a vehicle (in 2 not shown) to be loaded. For example, the first section 41 can initially be adjusted in the direction of the supply station 41 . A vehicle approaching the supply station 10 can thus assume an optimal loading position without contact with the supply station 10 . The first section 41 can then be rotated, ie adjusted towards the vehicle, in order to form a transport bridge to the vehicle.

Supply station 10 is in 3 shown in another schematic view, additionally showing a portion of a vehicle 46 . The vehicle 46 has a holding device 48 which is permanently installed on the roof of the vehicle 46 is lined and holds a memory module 50, which is similar to the memory modules 16 is formed. It is assumed that the memory module 50 is exhausted and needs to be replaced with a full memory module in order to be able to continue operating the vehicle 46 .

Supply station 10 and vehicle 46 are in 4 shown in a top plan view. It can be seen that the vehicle 46, for example a bus for passenger transport, approaches the supply station 10 from the side in order to assume a loading position in which the storage module 50 is exchanged for a full storage module 16. For this purpose, the supply station 10 is operated according to the predetermined program sequence, which is stored in the control unit 31 and has machine instructions for controlling the transport device 24 according to a predetermined movement sequence.

The transport device 24 is equipped on the loading platform 26 with a first conveyor belt 52 and a second conveyor belt 54, which extend parallel to one another on the loading platform 26 and are designed to move a respective storage module 16 optionally in a first conveying direction 56 and an opposite second conveying direction 58 to move. In other words, the conveyor belts 52, 54 can be operated forwards and backwards in order to be able to move a respective storage module 16 in the first conveying direction 56 or the second conveying direction 58.

The exhausted storage module 50 can be removed from the holding device 48 by the conveyor belts 52, 54 being driven synchronously to move the storage module 50 in the second conveying direction 58. The storage module 50 can in particular be pulled out of the holding device 48, with the loading arms 32, 34 reaching under the storage module 50 (not shown). For this purpose, the conveyor belts 52, 54 advantageously extend over the loading arms 32, 34, as in 4 shown.

After the vehicle 46 has automatically assumed the loading position by manual control or sensor control, in which the storage module 50 is arranged directly adjacent to the loading platform 26, the loading arms 32, 34 can first be adjusted in the direction towards the storage module 50 in order to avoid mechanical contact to the memory module 50 to produce. A locking mechanism, not shown, of the holding device 48 is then triggered in order to release the storage module 50 and to move it in the direction of the platform 26, so that the storage module 50 reaches the conveyor belts 52, 54 of the loading arm 32, 34 in sections. The conveyor belts 32 and 34 are then driven in the conveying or loading direction 58 in order to pull the storage module 50 onto the loading platform 26 .

In addition to the conveyor belts 52, 54, the transport device 24 has a plurality of roller drives which are integrated into the loading platform 26 in the form of electrically drivable rollers and necessarily interact with a respective storage module 16 when the storage module 16 is arranged on the loading platform 26 (not shown ). The roller drives are used to move a respective storage module 16 either in a third conveying direction 57 or in an opposite fourth conveying direction 59 . In this way, a storage module 16 , 50 arranged on the loading platform 26 can be optionally transported into the first rack 14 or the second rack 18 . For example, after the storage module 50 has been transported onto the loading platform 26 using the conveyor belts 52, 54, it can first be transported along the lifting direction 28 to the level of the empty storage compartment 22 in order to then insert the storage module 50 into the storage compartment 22 using the roller drives (see. 1 ).

After the storage module 50 has been removed from the holding device 48 in this way and, for example, transferred to the rack 18, a full storage module 62 can next be loaded, as will be explained below with reference to FIG 5 is described in more detail.

In 5 the supply station 10 is shown together with the vehicle 46 in a schematic front end view, with FIG 5 loading is described in terms of three intermediate states, which are labeled a), b) and c). In 5a If the storage module 62 intended for loading is still located in one of the racks 14 or 18, the loading platform 26 has already been moved to a height at which the storage module 62 can be transported onto the loading platform 26 using the named roller drives. Roller drives can also be provided in the area of the rack in order to move the storage module 62 out of the rack onto the loading platform 26 .

In 5a it can be seen that the holding device 48 has a receiving space 60 which is open towards the supply station 10 . After the storage module 62 has been placed on the loading platform 26, this is lifted in the second lifting direction 30 up to the in 5b proceed as shown. Then the loading arm section 41 is adjusted so that it extends parallel to the loading platform 26 and forms a transport bridge to the holding device 48 . then the conveyor belts 32, 34 are driven in the conveying direction 56 in order to insert the storage module 62 into the receiving space 60 of the holding device 48.

In 5b the storage module 62 already extends partially into the receiving space 60. At the same time, the storage module 62 is still supported in sections on the loading arm section 41. With the aid of the conveyor belts 32, 34 extending over the section 41, however, the storage module 62 can be pushed completely into the receiving space 60, so that the memory module 62 can be mounted essentially completely on the holding device 48 (cf. 5c ). For assembly, the memory module 62 can be automatically locked with the locking mechanism on the holding device 48 . Furthermore, during insertion, a supply connection of the storage module 62 is coupled to a supply connection of the holding device 48 in order to form a supply line from the storage module 62 to the vehicle drive (not shown). The assembly is therefore completely automatic.

After the memory module 62 as in 5c shown is completely received in the receiving space 60 of the holding device 48, the section 41 is moved back towards the supply station 10. The vehicle 46 can then safely leave the supply station 10 without touching the section 41 .

The control steps described can be carried out completely automatically on the basis of the predetermined program flow. For this purpose, as described, parameter data can also be used, which are recorded by a sensor (not shown in detail) and processed by the control unit 31 to adapt the program sequence to the respective operating situation. In particular, the sensor can detect the current surroundings of the supply station 10 and the position of the holding device 48, so that the loading and assembly of the storage module 62 is carried out automatically and without endangering persons who may be in the vicinity of the supply station 10.

In 6 a further embodiment of the supply station 10 is shown. This differs from the supply station 10 of 4 only in that the supply station 10 is expanded to include a hydrogen filling station 66 . The hydrogen filling station 66 is used for the conventional refueling of vehicles with a permanently installed hydrogen tank, for example the one in 6 indicated vehicle 68. For this purpose, the hydrogen filling station 66 has a compressor unit 70 for compressing hydrogen and a fuel pump 72. The compressor unit 70 can compress hydrogen to a pressure of 700 bar, for example. A hydrogen storage tank intended for refueling with the dispenser and compressor unit 70 is also present, but in 6 not shown in detail. The tank can be formed by a storage module 16 .

The operation of the fuel pump 72 and the compressor unit 70, as well as the operation of the transport device 24, can be released depending on authentication data, for example by the authentication data from an electronic identification card, e.g. in the form of a chip card, being received and checked by a card reader of the supply station 10 before operation is enabled (not shown).

The supply station 10 from 6 enables an even more comprehensive supply of vehicles with hydrogen due to the expansion by a hydrogen filling station 66 . On the one hand, storage modules 16 with hydrogen are provided, which, as explained, can be automatically loaded and installed between vehicles and the supply station 10 . In addition, conventional hydrogen vehicles can also be refueled.

The hydrogen filling station 66 is advantageously arranged and designed in such a way that the vehicle 68 to be supplied is positioned in a supply area 74 in order to fill up. The supply area 74 is opposite a further supply area 64, which is used for loading storage modules 16, in particular for replacing exhausted storage modules 50 with full storage modules 16. In this way, the supply station 10 can advantageously be used to supply several vehicles 46, 68 with hydrogen at the same time to supply.

If a separate hydrogen tank is present, the hydrogen filling station 66 can advantageously be used to fill up storage modules 16 with hydrogen as required. This can make sense if, due to a supply bottleneck at the supply station 10, there are temporarily no more full storage modules 16 and no subsequent delivery can be expected in the short term. In this case, one or more exhausted storage modules 16 can be filled up with hydrogen using the fuel pump 72 and the compressor unit 70 in order to be able to provide them completely filled with the predetermined filling pressure. The supply of full memory modules 16 can thus be maintained.

The supply station 10 from 6 is in 7 shown in a perspective view. It can be seen that the supply station 10 has a compact size despite the wide range of supply options and can therefore be moved flexibly to a wide variety of locations. It can also be seen that the loading platform 26 is made up of a plurality of bars running in parallel. This makes it easier to transport the memory modules 16 .

Another embodiment of a supply station is in 8th shown. In the 8th The supply station 80 shown is designed essentially in the same way as the supply station 10, but with the following differences. On the one hand, the base plate 12 is movably mounted on rails 92 and 94 so that the supply station 80 can be moved along the rail direction 96 like a goods wagon.

The transport device 86 of the supply station 80 is designed for loading storage modules on opposite sides of the supply station 80 . For this purpose, the transport device 86 has a first loading area 88 which has several adjustable loading arms, as described in connection with the supply station 10 . In addition, the transport device 86 has a second loading area 90 on the opposite side, which is designed in the same way as the first loading area 88 . The supply station 80 can thus advantageously be used to load storage modules between a supply vehicle 104 and the supply station 80, in particular to remove empty storage modules from the supply station 80 and to store new filled storage modules at the supply station 80. At the same time, the supply station 80 can be used to load storage modules between the supply station 80 and a rail vehicle 82 arranged adjacent to the first loading area 88 . The rail vehicle 82 is, for example, a local train that is operated on the basis of hydrogen and is moved along the rail direction 102 on the rails 98 and 100 .

Due to the increased hydrogen requirement of the rail vehicle 82, a plurality of storage modules 84 are arranged on the roof of the rail vehicle 82, with a plurality of holding devices being provided for this purpose, which are 8th however, are not shown in detail. In order to replace the respective storage modules 84 in the event of exhaustion, the supply station 80 can be moved in steps along the rail direction 96 in order to successively remove the storage modules 84 and replace them with full modules. The rail vehicle 82 does not have to be moved for this.

This in 8th Only partially shown supply vehicle 104 is in 9 shown in a perspective view. The supply vehicle 104 has a structure 106 in which a plurality of compartments 108 are formed. Each of the compartments 108 serves to accommodate a respective memory module 110, which can be designed in the same way as the memory modules 16, 50 and 84. The supply vehicle 104 can advantageously be used to bring exhausted storage modules from the supply station 80 or the supply station 10 to a central filling location in order to refill the storage modules 110 with hydrogen or another energy carrier. The supply vehicle 104 can also transport the filled storage modules 110 to the supply stations 10 or 80 in order to supply the supply stations 10, 80 with storage modules.

To load the storage modules 110 between the supply station 10, 80, the transport device 24 or 86 can in turn be used. The supply of the supply stations 10, 80 with storage modules can thus take place in an automated manner, as can the supply of the respective vehicles 46, 82 with storage modules. Overall, the supply of the vehicles 46, 82 is considerably simplified by the supply stations 10, 82, with inefficient refueling processes being able to be completely avoided. In addition, the memory modules can be exchanged completely automatically, so that the supply can be carried out particularly conveniently and with little effort.

Reference List

10

supply station

12

base plate

14

First shelf rack

16

memory module

18

Second rack

20

Occupied recording compartment

22

Empty recording compartment

24

transport device

26

loading platform

28

First lifting direction

30

Second lifting direction

31

control unit

32

First loading arm

34

Second loading arm

36

connecting linkage

38

first section

40

joint

41

second part

42

direction of rotation

44

container

46

vehicle

48

holding unit

50

memory module

52

First conveyor belt

54

Second conveyor

56

First conveying direction

57

Third conveying direction

58

Second conveying direction

59

Fourth conveying direction

60

recording area

62

memory module

64

First supply area

66

hydrogen filling station

68

vehicle

70

compressor unit

72

pump

74

Second supply area

80

supply station

82

Train

84

memory module

86

transport device

88

First loading area

90

Second loading area

92

rail

94

rail

96

rail direction

98

rail

100

rail

102

rail direction

104

supply vehicle

106

Construction

108

Academic subject

110

memory module

Claims (15)

Supply station for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, comprising: - At least one storage area (14, 18) for storing at least one store (16) for storing the energy source at the supply station (10); - A loading area (26) for loading the at least one store (16) between the supply station (10) and a vehicle (46); - A transport device (24) for transporting the at least one store (16) between the storage area (14, 18) and the loading area (26); and - A control device (31) which is adapted to operate the transport device (24) according to a predetermined program sequence in order to transport the at least one store (16) between the storage area (14, 18) and the loading area (26). Supply station after claim 1 , wherein the control device (31) is further adapted to operate the transport device (24) according to the predetermined program sequence in order to load the at least one store (16) between the loading area (26) and the vehicle (46); In particular, the predetermined program sequence being adapted to move the at least one store (62) from the loading area (26) in a first loading direction (56) in order to move the store (62) into a holding device ( 48) of the vehicle (46) and/or, the predetermined program sequence being adapted to move the at least one store (62) in a second loading direction (58) in order to move the store (62) out of the holding device (48). remove, wherein the predetermined program sequence is preferably adapted to replace a first memory (16) for storing the energy carrier on the holding device by a second memory (16) for storing the energy carrier. Supply station after claim 1 or 2 , comprising at least one sensor for detecting parameter data, wherein the control device (31) is adapted to adapt the predetermined program flow at least partially on the basis of the parameter data, in particular the parameter data an environment of the supply station (10), properties of the vehicle (46) , and / or properties of the at least one memory (16) represent. Supply station according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one communication interface for receiving authentication data, wherein the control device (31) is adapted to the front to carry out a specific program sequence as a function of the authentication data, in particular the authentication data representing a proof of authorization for operating the supply station (10). Supply station according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (24) has a lifting device (26) in order to move the at least one store (16) in at least a first transport direction (28, 30), in particular a vertical direction; and/or wherein the transport device (24) has at least one conveyor device (52, 54) in order to move the at least one store (16) in at least a second transport direction (56, 57, 58, 59), in particular horizontal direction; and/or wherein the supply station (10) has at least one loading arm (32, 34) which extends at least in sections away from the loading area (26) in order to form a loading bridge between the supply station (10) and the vehicle (46), in particular wherein the loading arm (32, 34) is adjustable between a first position and a second position. Supply station according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one storage area comprises a first storage area (14) and a second storage area (18), the transport device (24) being located at least essentially between the first storage area (14) and the second storage area (18 ) is arranged; and/or wherein the at least one storage area (14, 18) has a shelf structure in order to form a plurality of storage compartments (20, 22) for accommodating the at least one store (16), in particular wherein the shelf structure is at least partially designed as a frame. Supply station according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply station (10) is designed as a mobile supply station, in particular wherein the supply station (10) has a base (12) for transporting the supply station (10). Storage for storing an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, the storage being designed as a storage module (16) with a plurality of containers (44) for storing the energy carrier, the storage module (16) being designed at least essentially cuboid and the containers (44) preferably are at least essentially cylindrical, in particular wherein the storage module (16) has a central supply connection which is connected to the containers (44). memory after claim 8 , The memory having at least one electronic transponder for identifying and/or locating the memory. System for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, comprising a large number of supply stations (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 and a plurality of accumulators (16). claim 8 or 9 . Holding device for holding at least one memory claim 8 or 9 on a vehicle, wherein the holding device (48) is adapted to accommodate the at least one storage device (62) according to a predetermined movement sequence and thereby to mount it at least essentially completely on the holding device (48), in particular wherein the movement sequence involves a linear movement for inserting the Memory (62) in the holding device (48). holding device claim 11 , comprising a first supply connection for the vehicle (46), wherein the first supply connection can be coupled to a second supply connection of the accumulator (62) and is designed to be complementary to the first supply connection, at least in sections, and wherein the holding device (48) is adapted so that at receiving the memory (62), the first supply connection and the second supply connection mechanically interact in accordance with the predetermined movement sequence in order to couple the first supply connection and the second supply connection to one another. Vehicle with a drive based on an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, the vehicle (46; 82) having a holding device (48). claim 11 or 12 has, in particular wherein the holding device (48) is mounted on a roof area of the vehicle (46; 82). Method for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, comprising: - providing at least one supply station (10; 80) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 ; and/or - operating the supply station (10; 80) according to a predetermined program sequence in order to transport at least one store (16; 84) for storing the energy carrier between the storage area (14, 18) and the loading area (26) and in particular between the To load loading area (26) and a vehicle (46). Method for supplying vehicles with an energy carrier, in particular hydrogen, comprising: - filling at least one storage device (16) with the energy carrier up to a predetermined filling pressure, the filling pressure being adapted to a predetermined supply pressure of a vehicle (46); and - Providing the at least one memory (16) at a supply station (10) for the vehicle, in particular wherein the supply station (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 and the memory (16) after claim 8 or 9 is trained.

Images