GB2557596A

GB2557596A - Mobile fluid delivery system, vehicle, module and method of delivering a fluid

Info

Publication number: GB2557596A
Application number: GB1620990.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Jackson Christopher; Stewart Dow
Original assignee: Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2016-12-09
Filing date: 2016-12-09
Publication date: 2018-06-27
Also published as: GB201620990D0

Abstract

A mobile fluid delivery system (100, figure 1) comprises a wheeled vehicle (e.g. a trailer or a self-propelled van or aquatic vehicle) comprising a modularised plurality of compartments 116, 120, (118, 122, figure 2) for respectively receiving a plurality of fluid containers 132, a manifold 136 for coupling to at least one of the plurality of fluid containers 132, and a controller operably coupled to the manifold 136 to control, when in use, draw and/or fill of fluid (e.g. hydrogen or oxygen gas under pressure) for the plurality of fluid containers 132. The system may comprise a fluid conduit 134 network comprising a rapid connector. The system may comprise an energy extraction module (e.g. a hydrogen fuel cell) to extract electrical energy from the fluid. A module apparatus (124) comprising a housing (142, figure 5) comprising a fluid container 132 and a removal support mechanism, e.g. comprising legs (140) arranged to deploy automatically upon removal of the housing (142) from a complementary shaped compartment 116 is disclosed. A method of delivering a fluid under pressure (e.g. liquefied pressurised gas) in a storage vessel 132 to a desired destination, e.g. to fuel a hydrogen generator or a lighting platform is disclosed.

Description

(54) Title ofthe Invention: Mobile fluid delivery system, vehicle, module and method of delivering a fluid Abstract Title: Mobile fluid delivery system, vehicle, module and method of delivering a fluid (57) A mobile fluid delivery system (100, figure 1) comprises a wheeled vehicle (e.g. a trailer or a self-propelled van or aquatic vehicle) comprising a modularised plurality of compartments 116, 120, (118, 122, figure 2) for respectively receiving a plurality of fluid containers 132, a manifold 136 for coupling to at least one of the plurality of fluid containers 132, and a controller operably coupled to the manifold 136 to control, when in use, draw and/or fill of fluid (e.g. hydrogen or oxygen gas under pressure) for the plurality of fluid containers 132. The system may comprise a fluid conduit 134 network comprising a rapid connector. The system may comprise an energy extraction module (e.g. a hydrogen fuel cell) to extract electrical energy from the fluid. A module apparatus (124) comprising a housing (142, figure 5) comprising a fluid container 132 and a removal support mechanism, e.g. comprising legs (140) arranged to deploy automatically upon removal ofthe housing (142) from a complementary shaped compartment 116 is disclosed. A method of delivering a fluid under pressure (e.g. liquefied pressurised gas) in a storage vessel 132 to a desired destination, e.g. to fuel a hydrogen generator or a lighting platform is disclosed.

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-1 MOBILE FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM, VEHICLE, MODULE AND METHOD OF DELIVERING A FLUID [0001] The present invention relates to a mobile fluid delivery system of the type that, for example, is used to convey a fluid to a destination. The present invention also relates to a method of delivering a fluid, the method being of the type that, for example, comprises conveying a fluid to a destination.

[0002] In the field of fluid storage and deployment, for example gas stored under pressure, such as liquefied gas, it is known to transport gas cylinders to a destination, for example using a vehicle such as a tractor unit or other powered vehicle. The vehicle is typically loaded with a plurality of gas cylinders and then drives to a destination where the cylinders are demounted.

[0003] However, the cylinders usually require adaptation and/or connection before they can be used in relation to a specific application. Additionally, or alternatively, the destination may not be easily reached by the vehicle. This can require the vehicle carrying the gas cylinders to be driven to a location as proximate to the destination as possible and then the final leg of the journey to be made by the cylinders being made by other means, for example being demounted and then carried on foot. In some circumstances, carrying the gas cylinders manually for a part of the journey to the destination is unavoidable and under certain circumstances required, but this can be cumbersome, especially when carrying multiple gas cylinders.

[0004] Also, for some applications, in order to use the gas cylinders, for example to power electrical devices, equipment needs to be disposed at the destination in order to harness the gas contained in the cylinders to produce electricity. This is sometimes inconvenient where storage of such equipment is incompatible with the requirements of the user. It is also necessary to ensure the compatibility of the equipment with the gas cylinders.

-2[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile fluid delivery system comprising: a wheeled vehicle comprising a modularised plurality of compartments for respectively receiving a plurality of fluid containers; a manifold for coupling to at least one of the plurality of fluid containers; and a controller operably coupled to the manifold to control, when in use, draw and/or fill of fluid for the plurality of fluid containers.

[0006] The system may further comprise a module having a housing comprising a fluid container.

[0007] The module may be slideably insertable with respect to a compartment of the plurality of compartments. The module may be swappable.

[0008] The compartment may be sized to receive the module. The module may be portable.

[0009] The system may further comprise a fluid conduit network operably coupled to the manifold and the controller. The fluid conduit network may comprise a rapid connector. The fluid conduit network may comprise a low pressure integrated valve.

[0010] The system may further comprise: an interface arranged to support coupling and decoupling of the fluid container with respect to the manifold.

[0011] The interface may be disposed in the compartment of the plurality of compartments.

[0012] The manifold and controller may be arranged to cooperate in order to fill, when in use, the fluid container.

[0013] The module may have an inserted state and a removed state; the module may comprise a removal support mechanism arranged to facilitate removal of the

-3module and the removal support mechanism may be automatically responsive to removal of the module from the compartment.

[0014] The removal support mechanism may be a leg that automatically deploys in response to removal of the module from the compartment. The removal support mechanism may comprise a plurality of legs. The plurality of legs may permit the module to stand on a surface, for example the ground. The automatic nature of the deployment of the removal support mechanism may be selectable.

[0015] The system may further comprise: an energy extraction module arranged to extract energy from the fluid.

[0016] The extracted energy may be electrical energy. The energy extraction module may be a fuel cell. The module may have a low profile. The fluid may be a pressurised gas.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trailer comprising the mobile fluid delivery system as set forth above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-propelled vehicle comprising the mobile fluid delivery system as set forth above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a module apparatus for a portable fluid delivery system, the module apparatus comprising: a housing shaped for insertion in a complementarily shaped compartment, the housing comprising a fluid container therein; wherein the housing comprises a removal support mechanism arranged to deploy automatically upon removal of the housing.

-4[0020] The removal support mechanism may prevent shock to the fluid container during removal. The removal support mechanism may facilitate landing of the housing on a surface. The removal support mechanism may facilitate deployment of the housing on the surface during or after removal of the module.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of delivering a fluid, the method comprising: containing fluid under pressure in a storage vessel; housing the storage vessel in a module; placing the module in a compartment of a plurality of modularised compartments arranged within a wheeled vehicle; and conveying the wheeled vehicle to a desired destination.

[0022] It is thus possible to provide a system, apparatus and method that benefits from ease and efficiency of transportation of fluid stored in containers, such as cylinders, by different modes of transportation. It is also possible to control proportionally large volumes of a fluid, for example a pressurised gas, without the loss of mobility in respect of providing the fluid at an intended destination. The ruggedised and robust design of the delivery system and apparatus makes them particularly, but not exclusively, suited to harsh and less hospitable destination environments. The design is compatible with air transportation where required. The system and apparatus also provide ease of filling, storage and draw of the fluid. The system and apparatus further provides flexibility in that the format supports both use as a stand-alone unit or a vehicle for delivery of individual fluidcontaining modules to fuel, for example a hydrogen generator, a lighting platform or a Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) tower.

[0023] At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of a mobile fluid delivery system constituting an embodiment of the invention;

-5Figure 2 is a schematic rear elevation of the mobile fluid delivery system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mobile fluid delivery system of Figure 1, when populated, through line A-A;

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mobile fluid delivery system of Figure 1, when unpopulated, through the line A-A;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a module apparatus constituting another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic side elevation of another mobile fluid delivery system having a higher capacity than the mobile fluid delivery system of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the another mobile fluid delivery system of Figure 6; and

Figure 8 is a schematic end elevation of the another mobile fluid delivery system of Figure 6.

[0024] Throughout the following description, identical reference numerals will be used to identify like parts.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, a mobile fluid delivery system 100, constructed according to a trailer format, comprises a frame 102 integrally formed with a tongue 104 and operably coupled to a bed 106. A hitch arrangement 108 is disposed at a front end of the tongue 104 and a pair of wheels 110 is connected to an axle (not shown) beneath the frame 102 and operably coupled to the frame 102.

-6[0026] A trailer housing structure 112 provides an enclosure comprising a control compartment 114 disposed, for example towards the front of the trailer housing structure 112 and a plurality of module compartments arranged rearwards of the control compartment 114. In this example, the plurality of module compartments is modularised and arranged on two levels and side-by-side, for example as a matrix. However, a different arrangement is also contemplated, for example as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8. A first module compartment 116 is arranged above a second module compartment 118 of the plurality of module compartments. Turning to Figure 2, a third module compartment 120 is arranged beside the first module compartment 116 above a fourth module compartment 122, which is beside the second module compartment 118.

[0027] Although this example has been described as arranged in a particular way with the control compartment 114 disposed forward of the plurality of module compartments 116, 118, 120, 122, the skilled person should appreciate that other configurations are envisaged, for example providing the control compartment 114 rearward of the plurality of module compartments 116, 118, 120, 122. Likewise, it should be appreciated that although the mobile fluid delivery system 100 is being described herein in the context of a trailer, the skilled person should appreciate that the system 100 can be provided in relation to a different vehicle, for example a self-propelled vehicle, such as a van or an aquatic vehicle.

[0028] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, each of the plurality of module compartments 116, 118, 120, 122 is arranged to receive a respective module, for example a first module apparatus 124, a second module apparatus 126, a third module apparatus 128 and a fourth module apparatus 130.

[0029] For the sake of conciseness and ease of understanding, reference will now be made to a single module apparatus, in particular the first module apparatus 124. However, it should be appreciated that the other module apparatus 126, 128, 130 are of a like construction. The first module apparatus 124 comprises a fluid container 132 constituting a storage vessel, for example a

-7 pressurised gas container. In this example, the fluid container contains liquefied gas under pressure, such as a high pressure, for example up to 70 MPa working pressure.

[0030] The control compartment 114 comprises a control system, for example a flow controller, pressure gauge and control panel, connecting pipework, and a fluid conduit network 134 are operably coupled at one end to a manifold 136 and to a port 138 at another end thereof for providing an inlet and/or outlet. Although not shown, the fluid conduit network 134 can also comprise a rapid connector compatible with an integrated cylinder valve of a fluid container 132 to permit connection in, for example, less than one minute. Additionally or alternatively, a low pressure, for example between about residual pressure, such as close to zero kPa, to about 6000 kPa, integrated valve can be connected to a gallery line of the manifold 136. The manifold 136 cooperates with the controller in order to enable fluid to be drawn from the fluid container and/or filling of the fluid containers.

[0031] The control system comprises an instrument panel and, optionally, communications system for remote monitoring and digital control. A battery inverter can also be provided to charge items, for example battery cells directly from the mobile fluid delivery system 100.

[0032] Although not shown, an energy extraction module, for example a fuel cell, such as a hydrogen fuel cell, can be incorporated into the control compartment 114 or provided external to the system 100 and used to extract energy, for example electrical energy, from the fluid, such as the pressurised gas, stored in the container 132.

[0033] Each of the plurality of compartments, for example the first module compartment 116 comprises an interface (not shown in detail) therein for coupling the fluid container disposed in the module apparatus to the manifold 136. Likewise, the interface supports decoupling of the fluid container from the manifold 136. In this respect, the interface can be any suitable coupling mechanism to

-8couple sealingly the fluid container to the manifold 136, for example a twist-lock mechanism or a screw fitting.

[0034] Referring to Figure 5, the first module apparatus 124 is complementarily shaped with respect to the first module compartment 116 so as to be slideably insertable into and removable from the first module compartment 116. For some applications, the first module apparatus 124 can be sized so as to have a low profile, for example having an outer diameter of approximately 350mm and a length of approximately 650mm. In this example, the first module apparatus 124 comprises a removal support mechanism intended to prevent or mitigate shock to the fluid container 132 disposed within the first module apparatus 124 during removal thereof. In this example, the removal support mechanism comprises one or more legs, for example a plurality of legs 140 coupled to a housing 142 of the first module apparatus 124 by a respective hinge mechanism 143. In this respect, each leg has a stowed and deployed state, the legs being disposed against a lower external surface 144 of the housing 142 when in the stowed state. Whilst, in this example, the deployment of the legs is automatic, in other embodiments the automatic nature of deployment can be selectable.

[0035] In this example, the housing 142 is constructed from lightweight materials, for example carbon fibre or ABS plastics, and likewise the container 132 is also constructed from any suitable lightweight material to facilitate carrying when necessary. The first module apparatus 124 can therefore be rugged yet lightweight.

[0036] In operation, one or more of the first module apparatus 124 is slidably inserted into the first module compartment 116 as part of a loading procedure. Each module apparatus is swappable, if required. The fluid container 132 of the first module apparatus 124 can be pre-filled or filled in-situ whist installed in the system 100 via the port 138 when the controller is set appropriately. Indeed, the fluid containers need not be filled at the place of insertion into the module

-9compartments and, should appropriate resources exist, the first module apparatus 124 can be filled at the intended destination for the system 100.

[0037] When inserting each module apparatus into the respective compartment, a valve, for example a high-pressure valve, of the container 132 is connected to the manifold 136 via the interface in the first module compartment 116. As should be readily appreciated, each module apparatus has an inserted, or mounted, state and a removed, or demounted, state.

[0038] Once inserted and, optionally, each module apparatus filled, the system is transported to the desired destination. In this example, the trailer is coupled to a vehicle and driven to the destination.

[0039] At the destination, depending upon intended use and/or configuration, the system can serve a number of purposes. If the system 100 has been driven to the destination so that, for example, gas can be drawn therefrom, the fluid can be drawn from the system 100 by connecting a suitable conduit to the port 138 and the controller set accordingly.

[0040] If the control compartment 114 is furnished with the energy extraction module, for example the fuel cell, or the module is provided at the destination by coupling to the system 100, the fluid stored in one or more of the module apparatus can be used to generate, for example, electrical power. Similarly, in the even that electrical outlet ports are provided in conjunction with the energy extraction module, electrical devices can be connected to a given port for powering or charging, which can be necessary for portable electrical devices kept at or near the destination.

[0041] At the destination, the first module apparatus 124 can be removed for distribution, and so is portable, and/or use with stand-alone portable units by decoupling the module apparatus from the manifold 136, which is coupled via the interface, and then pulling the first module apparatus 124 so as to slidably remove

-10the housing 142 of the module apparatus from the corresponding first module compartment 116. In this example, the removal support mechanism facilitates landing of the first module apparatus 124 onto a surface, for example, the ground, during removal.

[0042] In this respect, as the first module apparatus 124 is removed from the corresponding first module compartment 116, the legs of the removal support mechanism fall under gravity, optionally assisted by any suitable bias, such as a spring mechanism, so as to deploy and therefore reduce the distance between the housing 142 of the first module apparatus 116 effectively has to translate to reach the surface. Additionally, when the legs are deployed, deployment of the first module apparatus 124 on the surface is facilitated as the module stands on the surface. If desired, the removal support mechanism can comprise wheels to facilitate manual transportation of the first module apparatus 124. If wheels are not provided, the first module apparatus 124 can be carried in the event that the destination is only an intermediate destination and not an ultimate destination for the first module apparatus 124.

[0043] In another embodiment (Figures 6, 7 and 8), as mentioned above, the plurality of module compartments of the mobile fluid delivery system 100 are configured differently so as to accommodate a greater number of module apparatus than the example described above. In this example, the plurality of module compartments is arranged on three levels of two module compartments.

[0044] The skilled person should appreciate that the above-described implementations are merely examples of the various implementations that are conceivable within the scope of the appended claims. Indeed, the gas employed can be hydrogen gas. However, a mixture of gases can be carried by the system 100 with different module apparatus containing different gases, for example hydrogen gas and oxygen gas such as to fuel the fuel cell mentioned above.

Claims

1. A mobile fluid delivery system comprising:

a wheeled vehicle comprising a modularised plurality of compartments for respectively receiving a plurality of fluid containers;

a manifold for coupling to at least one of the plurality of fluid containers; and a controller operably coupled to the manifold to control, when in use, draw and/or fill of fluid for the plurality of fluid containers.

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a module having a housing comprising a fluid container.

3. A system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the module is slideably insertable with respect to a compartment of the plurality of compartments.

4. A system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3, further comprising a fluid conduit network operably coupled to the manifold and the controller.

5. A system as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the fluid conduit network comprises a rapid connector.

6. A system as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the fluid conduit network comprises a low pressure integrated valve.

7. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an interface arranged to support coupling and decoupling of the fluid container with respect to the manifold.

8. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the manifold and controller are arranged to cooperate in order to fill, when in use, the fluid container.

-12

9. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 8, wherein the module has an inserted state and a removed state, the module comprising a removal support mechanism arranged to facilitate removal of the module, the removal support mechanism being automatically responsive to removal of the module from the compartment.

10. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an energy extraction module arranged to extract energy from the fluid.

11. A trailer comprising the mobile fluid delivery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

12. A module apparatus for a portable fluid delivery system, the module apparatus comprising:

a housing shaped for insertion in a complementarily shaped compartment, the housing comprising a fluid container therein; wherein the housing comprises a removal support mechanism arranged to deploy automatically upon removal of the housing.

13. A method of delivering a fluid, the method comprising: containing fluid under pressure in a storage vessel; housing the storage vessel in a module;

placing the module in a compartment of a plurality of modularised compartments arranged within a wheeled vehicle; and conveying the wheeled vehicle to a desired destination.

Intellectual

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Office ‘Ο’

Application No: GB1620990.0