JP2004076895A

JP2004076895A - High-speed filling method of high pressure gas and device used therefor

Info

Publication number: JP2004076895A
Application number: JP2002240570A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Akira Yoshino; 吉野　明; Atsushi Miyamoto; 宮本　篤
Original assignee: Air Water Inc
Current assignee: Air Water Inc
Priority date: 2002-08-21
Filing date: 2002-08-21
Publication date: 2004-03-11

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a high-speed filling method of high pressure gas by which high pressure gas is effectively filled into and supplemented to a high pressure container in relation to filling into a filling cylinder. <P>SOLUTION: In a plurality of high pressure containers 2-5, when a pressure ratio between pressure of a specified high pressure container and pressure of a filling cylinder 7 becomes prescribed value or lower, high pressure gas is filled into and supplemented to the specified high pressure container. During the filling and supplement, high pressure gas is filled from high pressure containers other than the specified high pressure container. By so doing, high pressure gas is surely filled into and supplemented to a plurality of high pressure containers 2-5. The ability of filling into the filling cylinder 7 is sufficiently secured. The filling time into the filling cylinder 7 can be also reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、圧縮天然ガスのような高圧ガスを高速で充填する方法とそれに用いる装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来から、被充填側である充填ボンベに高圧ガスを充填する場合には、一旦、高圧容器に高圧ガスを貯留しておき、この高圧容器を充填ボンベに接続して、高圧容器と充填ボンベとの圧力比を利用して充填を行っている。そして、高圧容器は複数個準備され、最初に圧力の低い高圧容器から充填を開始し、充填ボンベとの間の圧力差が小さくなって充填流速が低下してきたら、他の圧力の高い高圧容器に切換える。このように充填流速の高い領域を高圧容器の切換えにより継続させて行くのであり、その結果、充填時間が短縮され高速充填が実現している。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、複数個の高圧容器を充填ボンベの圧力が上昇して行くのに応じて順次切替えて行くと、当然のことながら、圧力の低下した高圧容器に高圧ガスの充填補給をしなければならない。効率的に充填ボンベへ充填を展開して行くためには、複数個の高圧容器に対する充填補給を、充填ボンベへの充填と有機的に関連させて実施する必要がある。
【０００４】
本発明は、このような事情に鑑みなされたもので、高圧容器に対する高圧ガスの充填補給を合理的に行う高圧ガス高速充填方法およびそれに用いる装置の提供を目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、本発明の高圧ガス高速充填方法は、高圧ガスを蓄圧している高圧容器と被充填側の充填ボンベとの圧力比で上記高圧容器から高圧ガスを上記充填ボンベに充填するとともに、上記高圧容器が複数個設置されていてこれらの複数個の高圧容器を順次充填ボンベへ連通させて充填ボンベに高圧ガスを充填する高圧ガス高速充填方法であって、上記複数個の高圧容器は圧力が小さい方から順次充填ボンベに連通され、上記複数個の高圧容器のうち、充填ボンベに連通された特定の高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が所定値以下になったとき、この所定値以下の圧力となった特定の高圧容器に高圧ガスの充填補給を行って複数の高圧容器のうち圧力が最も高い側に属するものとし、この充填補給の進行中にそれと並行して上記特定の高圧容器以外の高圧容器から上記充填ボンベへ高圧ガスの充填を行うことを要旨とする。
【０００６】
すなわち、上記複数個の高圧容器は圧力が小さい方から順次充填ボンベに連通され、上記複数個の高圧容器のうち、充填ボンベに連通された特定の高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が所定値以下になったとき、この所定値以下の圧力となった特定の高圧容器に高圧ガスの充填補給を行って複数の高圧容器のうち圧力が最も高い側に属するものとし、この充填補給の進行中にそれと並行して上記特定の高圧容器以外の高圧容器から上記充填ボンベへ高圧ガスの充填を行うのである。
【０００７】
なお、「充填補給」なる表現は、圧力の低下した高圧容器に、例えば、圧縮機から高圧ガスの補充を行なって、充填ボンベに対する充填能力を回復させることを意味している。
【０００８】
上記複数個の高圧容器は圧力が小さい方から順次被充填側の充填ボンベに連通される。すなわち、ガス圧の低い状態の充填ボンベに対して、複数個の高圧容器のうち圧力の最も小さい高圧容器（ここでは便宜上「第１の高圧容器」という）から充填を開始する。その後、この充填機能を果たしている第１の高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が所定値以下になって、適正な充填能力が実質的に消滅すると、この第１の高圧容器に対して高圧ガスの充填補給が開始される。この充填補給は、その充填補給圧力が他の高圧容器の中で最も高い圧力のレベルになるまで遂行される。このように充填能力の低下した第１の高圧容器への充填補給の進行中に、それと並行して、第１の高圧容器の次に大きい圧力を有している高圧容器（ここでは便宜上「第２の高圧容器」という）から充填ボンベへ継続的に充填が行なわれる。
【０００９】
そして、この充填ボンベへ高圧ガスの充填を果たした第２の高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が再び所定値以下になると、上記第１の高圧容器と同様にして第２の高圧容器に充填補給がなされ、この充填補給の進行中に、それと並行して、第２の高圧容器の次に大きい圧力を有する高圧容器（ここでは便宜上「第３の高圧容器」という）から充填ボンベへ継続的に充填が行なわれる。以上のようにして複数個の高圧容器が圧力の小さい方から順次充填ボンベに連通されて、充填ボンベのガス圧力が所定値に達すると、充填が完了する。そして、各高圧容器の充填能力が不十分な領域に達すると、その都度、充填能力を回復させるべく該当する高圧容器に対して充填補給がなされる。
【００１０】
したがって、複数個の高圧容器のうち圧力が小さい第１の高圧容器の方から充填ボンベへのガス充填が開始され、その第１の高圧容器の充填能力が充填ボンベとの相対関係で実質的に消滅すると、引続いてこの第１の高圧容器に充填能力の回復措置である充填補給が行なわれる。そして、この充填補給に並行して第２の高圧容器から充填ボンベへ高圧ガスが充填される。要約すると、圧力の小さな高圧容器から充填ボンベへ高圧ガスが充填されること、その高圧容器の充填補給（回復措置）が他の高圧容器のうち最高の圧力レベルに達するまで行なわれること、この充填補給の進行中に他の高圧容器から充填ボンベへの高圧ガス充填を継続すること等が一連性のある動作要素として遂行される。
【００１１】
上記のような動作により、高圧容器の圧力の回復措置すなわち充填補給の進行中にそれと並行して他の高圧容器から充填ボンベへ充填が行なわれるので、高圧容器の回復措置と充填ボンベへの充填とが同時進行的に推進されることとなり、充填能力の回復時間が短縮される。このような回復時間の短縮は、例えば、自動車のように次々と燃料補給車が入ってくるような場合には、高圧容器をいち早く充填可能な態勢に回復させておくことにより、１台当たりの補給時間を可及的に短縮することができるのであり、高圧ガス高速充填システムが無駄なく効率的に運用されるのである。さらに、特定の高圧容器に対する充填補給は、他の高圧容器を上回る最高圧力レベルまで行なわれるので、回復した高圧容器は高い充填能力をもって待機することとなり、つぎに充填機能を果たすときには充填ボンベへの充填がより一層積極的に行なわれる。これらの利点が複合することにより、複数個の高圧容器から充填ボンベへの充填と、特定の高圧容器自体の充填能力回復とが有機的に関連付けられて、高圧ガスの高速充填が果たされるのである。
【００１２】
上記充填ボンベに高圧ガスを充填するときには、充填ボンベ側は種々な圧力状態になっている。例えば、空の充填ボンベに高圧容器から充填をする場合には、充填初期は高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が所定値以上になっているので充填速度は高く維持できるが、充填ボンベへの充填度合いが進行してくると、上記圧力比が小さくなりそれに伴って充填速度も徐々に低下してくる。したがって、圧力の小さな方から順次高圧容器を切換えるようにして、常に充填ボンベに対する高圧容器の充填能力を適正に維持することにより、常に充填速度を高く保ち高速充填が実現するのである。
【００１３】
他の例としては、充填ボンベが自動車の燃料タンクの場合である。ほぼ空になった低圧状態、半分位残っている中間的な圧力状態、満タンに近い高圧状態等さまざまである。これらの各圧力状態に適合させて高圧容器側の圧力を変化させなければ充填速度を高めることができないので、高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との「圧力比」を所定値以上に保つことにより、高速充填が達成される。
【００１４】
図２の線図は、高圧容器側の圧力をＰ１、充填ボンベ側の圧力をＰ０とし、その圧力比Ｐ１／Ｐ０とガス流速との関係を示している。ここで、流体が高圧容器から充填ボンベへ流れる条件は、高圧容器の圧力Ｐ１が充填ボンベの圧力Ｐ０のほぼ２倍より大きい場合は、高圧容器の圧力が支配的になって流速が決定され、それは音速以上にはならない。また、２倍を下回れば、（Ｐ１−Ｐ０）なる圧力差で流速が決定される。したがって、２倍を大きく下回る場合には、流速が大きく低下し、充填時間が長くなることを意味している。以上の原則により、２倍を保持するのが最善であるが、実際的には１．５倍以上、好ましくは１．７倍以上に保持しておけば、高速充填が実現する。
【００１５】
前述のように、圧力の低下した特定の高圧容器に高圧ガスの充填補給を行い、この充填補給中に上記特定の高圧容器以外の高圧容器から充填ボンベへ高圧ガスの充填を行うことにより、充填ボンベへの充填と高圧容器への充填補給とが並行的に遂行され、高圧ガス高速充填システムが無駄なく効率的に運用される。さらに、自動車のように次々と燃料補給車が入ってくるような場合には、高圧容器を常に充填可能な態勢にしておくことにより、１台当たりの補給時間を可及的に短縮することができる。
【００１６】
本発明の高圧ガス高速充填方法において、あらかじめそれぞれの圧力に差を設けて傾斜状に設定した高圧容器を３つ以上準備し、充填ボンベへの高圧ガスの充填を行なって圧力が所定値以下となったのち高圧ガスの充填補給を行って圧力が最も高い側に属するものとした高圧容器を、その後の充填ボンベへの高圧ガスの充填に使用することにより、複数の高圧容器の循環的な使用を行なう場合には、上記のように３つ以上の高圧容器の圧力差が傾斜状に設定され、充填ボンベへの高圧ガス充填により低圧になった高圧容器が充填補給により最も高い側に属する圧力レベルに回復されるので、この最高圧力とされた高圧容器を待機させ、複数の高圧容器の循環的な使用ができ、３つ以上の高圧容器を効率的に動作させて、高速充填の促進に有効なものとなる。
【００１７】
また、充填補給がなされた高圧容器は複数の高圧容器のなかで最も高い圧力レベルとされるので、充填ボンベへの充填機能がより一層積極的に行なわれる。さらに、高圧容器の圧力差が傾斜状に設定されていることにより、各高圧容器の圧力差が略均一に設定されるので、順次切換えられる各高圧容器から充填ボンベへの充填量も略均一にすることができる。したがって、高圧容器への充填補給ガス量も可及的に均一化されて、充填補給の供給制御が行ないやすくなる。
【００１８】
本発明の高圧ガス高速充填方法において、充填開始時の充填ボンベの高圧ガス残量に応じた圧力を測定し、上記複数個の高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が、充填ボンベの高圧ガス残量に応じたその充填ボンベへの充填にとって適正な圧力比以上を呈する高圧容器のうち圧力比が小さい高圧容器を選定し、その高圧容器から順次充填ボンベに連通される場合には、充填開始時の充填ボンベの実測圧力値を基準にして、充填能力のある高圧容器を選定し、この選定された高圧容器のうち圧力の小さい高圧容器から充填ボンベへの高圧ガス充填が行なわれる。したがって、充填開始時の充填ボンベの圧力の実態に即した高圧容器の選択がなされるとともに、そのなかの圧力の小さい高圧容器から充填ボンベへの充填が開始されるので、どの高圧容器から充填を開始するべきかが、最も適正に選定され、複数個の高圧容器を合理的に機能させることができる。
【００１９】
また、上記目的を達成するため、本発明の高圧ガス高速充填装置は、高圧ガスを蓄圧している高圧容器と被充填側の充填ボンベとの圧力比で上記高圧容器から高圧ガスを上記充填ボンベに充填するとともに、上記高圧容器が複数個設置されていてこれらの複数個の高圧容器を順次充填ボンベへ連通させて充填ボンベに高圧ガスを充填する高圧ガス高速充填装置であって、上記複数個の高圧容器は圧力が小さい方から順次充填ボンベに連通され、上記複数個の高圧容器のうち、充填ボンベに連通された特定の高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が所定値以下になったとき、この所定値以下の圧力となった特定の高圧容器に高圧ガスの充填補給を行って複数の高圧容器のうち圧力が最も高い側に属するものとし、この充填補給の進行中にそれと並行して上記特定の高圧容器以外の高圧容器から上記充填ボンベへ高圧ガス充填を行うように構成されていることを要旨とする。
【００２０】
すなわち、上記複数個の高圧容器は圧力が小さい方から順次充填ボンベに連通され、上記複数個の高圧容器のうち、充填ボンベに連通された特定の高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が所定値以下になったとき、この所定値以下の圧力となった特定の高圧容器に高圧ガスの充填補給を行って複数の高圧容器のうち圧力が最も高い側に属するものとし、この充填補給の進行中にそれと並行して上記特定の高圧容器以外の高圧容器から上記充填ボンベへ高圧ガス充填を行うように構成されている。
【００２１】
前述の高圧ガス高速充填方法で説明した動作と同様な高圧ガス高速充填装置の動作により、高圧容器の圧力の回復措置すなわち充填補給の進行中にそれと並行して他の高圧容器から充填ボンベへ充填が行なわれるので、高圧容器の回復措置と充填ボンベへの充填とが同時進行的に推進されることとなり、充填能力の回復時間が短縮される。さらに、高圧容器に対する充填補給は、他の高圧容器を上回る最高圧力レベルまで行なわれるので、回復した高圧容器は高い充填能力をもって待機することとなり、つぎに充填機能を果たすときには充填ボンベへの充填がより一層積極的に行なわれる。これらの利点が複合することにより、複数個の高圧容器から充填ボンベへの充填と、高圧容器自体の充填能力回復とが有機的に関連付けられて、高圧ガスの高速充填が果たされるのである。
【００２２】
上記充填ボンベに高圧ガスを充填するときには、充填ボンベ側は種々な圧力状態になっている。例えば、空の充填ボンベに高圧容器から充填をする場合には、充填初期は高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が所定値以上になっているので充填速度は高く維持できるが、充填ボンベへの充填度合いが進行してくると、上記圧力比が小さくなりそれに伴って充填速度も徐々に低下してくる。したがって、圧力の小さな方から順次高圧容器を切換えるようにして、常に充填ボンベに対する高圧容器の充填能力を適正に維持することにより、常に充填速度を高く保ち高速充填が実現するのである。
【００２３】
他の例としては、充填ボンベが自動車の燃料タンクの場合である。ほぼ空になった低圧状態、半分位残っている中間的な圧力状態、満タンに近い高圧状態等さまざまである。これらの各圧力状態に適合させて高圧容器側の圧力を変化させなければ充填速度を高めることができないので、高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比を所定値以上に保つことにより、高速充填が達成される。
【００２４】
前述のように、圧力の低下した特定の高圧容器に高圧ガスの充填補給を行い、この充填補給中に上記特定の高圧容器以外の高圧容器から充填ボンベへ高圧ガスの充填を行うことにより、充填ボンベへの充填と高圧容器への充填補給とが並行的に遂行され、高圧ガス高速充填システムが無駄なく効率的に運用される。さらに、自動車のように次々と燃料補給車が入ってくるような場合には、高圧容器を常に充填可能な態勢にしておくことにより、１台当たりの補給時間を可及的に短縮することができる。
【００２５】
【発明の実施の形態】
つぎに、本発明の実施の形態を詳しく説明する。
【００２６】
図１は、本発明の高圧ガス高速充填方法およびそれに用いる装置の一実施の形態を示す。
【００２７】
この装置は、圧縮機１を動作させて高圧ガスを４個の高圧容器２，３，４，５に充填補給を行い、これらの高圧容器２〜５から自動車６の燃料タンク７に高圧ガスを充填するもので、高圧容器２〜５への充填補給や燃料タンク７への充填等の全体的な制御は制御手段８によって行われている。なお、燃料タンク７が被充填側の充填ボンベに相当している。また、高圧容器２〜５は燃料補給スタンドの充填施設内にあり、ここでは４本が１組になって設置されている。
【００２８】
各高圧容器２〜５から延びている充填管２Ａ，３Ａ，４Ａ，５Ａは１本化されて合流管９とされ、この合流管９は着脱可能なコネクタ（図示していない）を介して燃料タンク７に接続されている。各充填管２Ａ〜５Ａには、電気信号で開閉される充填弁２Ｂ，３Ｂ，４Ｂ，５Ｂが設けられており、図示の信号線で制御手段８から信号が入力される。なお、制御手段８には通常のコンピュータ装置が用いられている。
【００２９】
各充填管２Ａ〜５Ａには、各高圧容器２〜５の圧力を測定する圧力計２Ｃ，３Ｃ，４Ｃ，５Ｃが配置され、それぞれの符号Ｐ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３，Ｐ４は各高圧容器の圧力値を示している。また、合流管９には、燃料タンク７の圧力を測定する圧力計１０が配置され、符号Ｐ０は燃料タンク７の圧力値を示している。上記の各圧力計２Ｃ〜５Ｃおよび１０から信号線を経て圧力値の電気信号が制御手段８に送られるようになっている。なお、符号１１は合流管９に設けられた開閉弁である。
【００３０】
上記圧縮機１から各高圧容器２〜５に補給管２Ｄ，３Ｄ，４Ｄ，５Ｄが接続されており、その途中には制御手段８からの電気信号で開閉される補給弁２Ｅ，３Ｅ，４Ｅ，５Ｅが設けられており、上記電気信号は図示の信号線で制御手段８から入力される。
【００３１】
上記複数個の高圧容器２〜５は、圧力の小さい方から順次充填ボンベ７に連通されるので、各高圧容器２〜５の各圧力と燃料タンク７の圧力を比較して、どの高圧容器から燃料タンク７への充填を開始するかが判定される。そのために、上記制御手段８に圧力比較判定手段が設けられ、各高圧容器の圧力計２Ｃ，３Ｃ，４Ｃ，５Ｃの各圧力値Ｐ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３，Ｐ４と燃料タンク７の圧力値Ｐ０が比較されて、各高圧容器２〜５と燃料タンク７との圧力比を演算するようになっている。そして、この演算された複数の圧力比のなかから最も小さな圧力比を示す高圧容器が選択されて、それに付属するいずれかの充填弁２Ｂ，３Ｂ，４Ｂ，５Ｂが開かれる。この開弁動作は、上記の圧力比較判定手段と対をなす充填ボンベ充填動作手段からの開弁動作信号によって行なわれる。
【００３２】
また、複数個の高圧容器が準備されていても、燃料タンク７側の圧力が比較的高い場合には、それに見合った圧力の高圧容器を燃料タンク７に連通させなければ、燃料タンク７への充填ガス流が生じないこととなる。そこで、上記圧力比較判定手段につぎのような機能が与えられている。すなわち、充填開始時の燃料タンク７の高圧ガスの残量に応じた圧力を測定し、複数個の高圧容器２〜５の圧力と燃料タンク７の圧力との圧力比が、燃料タンク７の高圧ガス残量に応じたその燃料タンク７への充填にとって適正な圧力比以上を呈する高圧容器を区分し、この適正圧力比以上の高圧容器のうち圧力比が小さい高圧容器を選定し、その高圧容器から順次燃料タンク７に連通される。したがって、高圧容器２〜５と燃料タンク７との圧力比が小さすぎたり、圧力比が「１」であるような高圧容器は、燃料タンク７に接続されないことになる。
【００３３】
さらに、高圧容器２〜５のうち燃料タンク７に連通されている特定の高圧容器の充填能力が不十分なレベルになったとき、すなわち、燃料タンク７に連通されている高圧容器の圧力と燃料タンク７の圧力との圧力比が、上記圧力比較判定手段によって測定されて所定値以下になったとき、この所定値以下の圧力となった特定の高圧容器に圧縮機１から充填補給が行なわれる。この充填補給を行なわせるために、制御手段８に高圧容器充填補給動作手段が設けられている。この高圧容器充填補給動作手段は、上記圧力比較判定手段からの動作信号を受けて該当するいずれかの補給弁２Ｅ〜５Ｅを開弁させるとともに、圧縮機１を動作させて、高圧容器への充填補給が行なわれる。
【００３４】
３つ以上準備された高圧容器２〜５の循環的な使用を行うために、上記高圧容器充填補給動作手段により各高圧容器ごとに充填補給を行ない、各高圧容器の圧力に差を設けて傾斜状の圧力配列とされている。こうするために、制御手段８から上記の「差」に相当する動作信号が高圧容器充填補給動作手段に投入されて、高圧容器に傾斜状の圧力配列が形成される。そして、最高圧力レベルに充填補給がなされた高圧容器を待機させておき、燃料タンク７の圧力が最終的な高い圧力に近づいてきたときに、待機させておいた高圧容器を燃料タンク７に連通させて、いわゆる循環的な高圧容器の使用を行う。
【００３５】
つぎに、図１にしたがって高圧ガス高速充填方法およびそれに用いる装置の動作を説明する。
【００３６】
いま、高圧容器２には容器の５０％、高圧容器３には容器の８０％、高圧容器４および５には１００％充填補給がなされ、他方、燃料タンク７は略エンプティ（からっぽ）であると仮定して説明する。合流管９が燃料タンク７に接続され、制御手段８の動作信号により、開閉弁１１が開けられていて、各充填弁２Ｂ〜５Ｂおよび各補給弁２Ｅ〜５Ｅは閉じられている。
【００３７】
ここで、制御手段８の動作を開始させると、燃料タンク７の圧力値Ｐ０を示す信号と、各高圧容器の圧力値Ｐ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３，Ｐ４を示す信号が制御手段８で比較され、各高圧容器２〜５の圧力と燃料タンク７の圧力Ｐ０との各圧力比が演算される。その結果、上記５０％充填の高圧容器２との間の圧力比が燃料タンク７への充填に適していると判定され、それに伴って開弁動作信号が充填弁２Ｂに伝えられて、同弁２Ｂが開弁される。これによって、まず最初である高圧容器２からの充填が開始される。
【００３８】
上記充填が進行して高圧容器２と燃料タンク７間の圧力比が１．５以下になろうとしたら、制御手段８はその過渡状態を不適と判定し、充填弁２Ｂに閉動作信号が送られ同弁２Ｂが閉じられる。同時に、次の高圧容器３を燃料タンク７に連通させるべく、充填弁３Ｂに開動作信号が送られ同弁３Ｂが開けられる。これにより、適正な圧力比を高圧容器３と燃料タンク７間に成立させて、高速充填流を続行させる。一方、充填弁２Ｂを閉じるのと同時に、制御手段８から補給弁２Ｅを開けかつ圧縮機１を運転する信号が発信され、高圧容器２に対する高圧ガスの充填補給が開始される。高圧容器２の充填圧力が４つの高圧容器の中で最大値になったところで補給弁２Ｅが閉じられ、圧縮機１も停止される。なお、ここでは高圧容器４，５が１００％充填の状態であるから、高圧容器２の上記最大圧力は高圧容器４，５と同圧である。
【００３９】
さらに充填が進行して高圧容器３と燃料タンク７間の圧力比が過小であると制御手段８で判定されたら、直ちに充填弁３Ｂを閉じ充填弁４Ｂを開ける。これによって、高圧容器４と燃料タンク７間の圧力比が適正値に更新されると、高速充填流が続行される。その結果、燃料タンク７側の圧力が所定値に達したことが圧力計１０から制御手段８に伝達されると、制御手段８からの動作信号により充填弁４Ｂと開閉弁１１が閉じられて充填が終了する。なお、上記の充填弁３Ｂが閉じられたときの高圧容器３の圧力が基準値を下回っているときには、制御手段８からの動作信号により補給弁３Ｅが開けられ、圧縮機１の運転開始により高圧容器３への充填補給がなされる。
【００４０】
上記の基準値は、充填ボンベの種類によって異なるが、自動車に搭載されている場合には、入ってくる自動車の燃料タンク７のガス残量分布を統計的に把握しておく。そして、例えば、残量２０％位が最大分布であれば、この２０％相当の圧力に対して十分な充填能力のある圧力値が高圧容器３側に残存しているかどうかが基準とされる。したがって、高圧容器３がこの基準値を下回るときには、制御手段８からの信号で補給弁３Ｅが開かれるのと同時に、圧縮機１が運転され、高圧容器３への充填補給がなされる。上記の基準値を下回るというのは、適正な圧力比を下回ることと同じ状態を意味している。
【００４１】
また、上記の動作において、複数個の高圧容器２〜５が準備されていても、燃料タンク７側の圧力が比較的高い場合には、それに見合った圧力の高圧容器を燃料タンク７に連通させなければ、燃料タンク７への充填ガス流が生じないこととなる。そこで、充填開始時の燃料タンク７の高圧ガスの残量に応じた圧力を測定し、複数個の高圧容器２〜５の圧力と燃料タンク７の圧力との圧力比が、燃料タンク７の高圧ガス残量に応じたその燃料タンク７への充填にとって適正な圧力比以上を呈する高圧容器を区分し、この適正圧力比以上の高圧容器のうち圧力比が小さい高圧容器を選定し、その高圧容器から順次燃料タンク７に連通される。したがって、高圧容器２〜５と燃料タンク７との圧力比が小さすぎたり、圧力比が「１」であるような高圧容器は、燃料タンク７に接続されないことになる。さらに、あらかじめ各高圧容器２〜５の圧力に差を設けて傾斜状の圧力配列とされ、最高圧力レベルに充填補給がなされた高圧容器を待機させておき、燃料タンク７の圧力が最終的な高い圧力に近づいてきたときに、待機させておいた高圧容器を燃料タンク７に連通させて、いわゆる循環的な高圧容器の使用が行なわれている。
【００４２】
以上に説明した実施の形態の作用効果を説明する。
【００４３】
図２の線図は、高圧容器２側の圧力をＰ１、燃料タンク７の圧力をＰ０とし、その圧力比Ｐ１／Ｐ０とガス流速との関係を示している。ここで、流体が高圧容器２〜５から燃料タンク７へ流れる条件は、高圧容器２〜５の圧力Ｐ１が充填ボンベの圧力Ｐ０のほぼ２倍より大きい場合は、高圧容器２〜５の圧力が支配的になって流速が決定され、それは音速以上にはならない。また、２倍を下回れば、（Ｐ１−Ｐ０）なる圧力差で流速が決定される。したがって、２倍を大きく下回る場合には、流速が大きく低下し、充填時間が長くなることを意味している。以上の原則により、２倍を保持するのが最善であるが、実際的には１．５倍以上、好ましくは１．７以上に保持しておけば、高速充填が実現する。
【００４４】
高圧容器２〜５のうちいずれかの高圧容器の圧力の回復措置すなわち充填補給の進行中に、それと並行して他の高圧容器から燃料タンク７へ充填が行なわれるので、高圧容器の回復措置と燃料タンク７への充填とが同時進行的に推進されることとなり、充填能力の回復時間が短縮される。このような回復時間の短縮は、例えば、自動車のように次々と燃料補給車が入ってくるような場合には、高圧容器２〜５をいち早く充填可能な態勢に回復させておくことにより、１台当たりの補給時間を可及的に短縮することができるのであり、高圧ガス高速充填システムが無駄なく効率的に運用されるのである。さらに、特定の高圧容器に対する充填補給は、他の高圧容器を上回る最高圧力レベルまで行なわれるので、回復した高圧容器は高い充填能力をもって待機することとなり、つぎに充填機能を果たすときには燃料タンク７への充填がより一層積極的に行なわれる。これらの利点が複合することにより、複数個の高圧容器２〜５から燃料タンク７への充填と、特定の高圧容器自体の充填能力回復とが有機的に関連付けられて、高圧ガスの高速充填が果たされるのである。
【００４５】
上記燃料タンク７に高圧ガスを充填するときには、燃料タンク７側は種々な圧力状態になっている。例えば、空の燃料タンク７に高圧容器２〜５から充填をする場合には、充填初期は高圧容器の圧力と燃料タンク７の圧力との圧力比が所定値以上になっているので充填速度は高く維持できるが、燃料タンク７への充填度合いが進行してくると、上記圧力比が小さくなりそれに伴って充填速度も徐々に低下してくる。したがって、圧力の小さな方から順次高圧容器を切換えるようにして、常に燃料タンク７に対する高圧容器の充填能力を適正に維持することにより、常に充填速度を高く保ち高速充填が実現するのである。
【００４６】
他の例としては、自動車の燃料タンク７の場合である。略空になった低圧状態、半分位残っている中間的な圧力状態、満タンに近い高圧状態等さまざまである。これらの各圧力状態に適合させて高圧容器２〜５側の圧力を変化させなければ充填速度を高めることができないので、高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比を所定値以上に保つことにより、高速充填が達成される。
【００４７】
あらかじめそれぞれの圧力に差を設けて傾斜状に設定した高圧容器を３つ以上準備し、燃料タンク７への高圧ガスの充填を行なって圧力が所定値以下となったのち高圧ガスの充填補給を行って圧力が最も高い側に属するものとした高圧容器を、その後の燃料タンク７への高圧ガスの充填に使用することにより、複数の高圧容器２〜５の循環的な使用を行なう。こうすることにより、上記のように３つ以上の高圧容器の圧力差が傾斜状に設定され、燃料タンク７への高圧ガス充填により低圧になった高圧容器が充填補給により最も高い側に属する圧力レベルに回復されるので、この最高圧力とされた高圧容器を待機させ、複数の高圧容器の循環的な使用ができ、３つ以上の高圧容器を効率的に動作させ、高速充填の促進に有効なものとなる。
【００４８】
また、充填補給がなされた高圧容器は複数の高圧容器のなかで最も高い圧力レベルとされるので、燃料タンク７への充填機能がより一層積極的に行なわれる。さらに、高圧容器の圧力差が傾斜状に設定されていることにより、各高圧容器２〜５の圧力差が略均一に設定されるので、順次切換えられる各高圧容器から燃料タンク７への充填量も略均一にすることができる。したがって、高圧容器２〜５への充填補給ガス量も可及的に均一化されて、充填補給の供給制御が行ないやすくなる。
【００４９】
充填開始時の燃料タンク７の高圧ガス残量に応じた圧力を測定し、上記複数個の高圧容器２〜５の圧力と燃料タンク７の圧力との圧力比が、燃料タンク７の高圧ガス残量に応じたその燃料タンク７への充填にとって適正な圧力比以上を呈する高圧容器のうち圧力比が小さい高圧容器を選定し、その高圧容器から順次燃料タンク７に連通させている。これにより、充填開始時の燃料タンク７の実測圧力値を基準にして、充填能力のある高圧容器を選定し、この選定された高圧容器のうち圧力の小さい高圧容器から燃料タンク７への高圧ガス充填が行なわれる。したがって、充填開始時の燃料タンク７の圧力の実態に即した高圧容器２〜５の選択がなされるとともに、そのなかの圧力の小さい高圧容器から燃料タンク７への充填が開始されるので、どの高圧容器から充填を開始するべきかが、最も適正に選定され、複数個の高圧容器を合理的に機能させることができる。
【００５０】
本発明の高圧ガス高速充填装置は、前述の高圧ガス高速充填方法で説明した動作と同様な動作により、高圧容器２〜５の圧力の回復措置すなわち充填補給の進行中にそれと並行して他の高圧容器から燃料タンク７へ充填が行なわれるので、高圧容器の回復措置と燃料タンク７への充填とが同時進行的に推進されることとなり、充填能力の回復時間が短縮される。さらに、高圧容器２〜５に対する充填補給は、他の高圧容器を上回る最高圧力レベルまで行なわれるので、回復した高圧容器は高い充填能力をもって待機することとなり、つぎに充填機能を果たすときには燃料タンク７への充填がより一層積極的に行なわれる。これらの利点が複合することにより、複数個の高圧容器２〜５から燃料タンク７への充填と、高圧容器自体の充填能力回復とが有機的に関連付けられて、高圧ガスの高速充填が果たされるのである。
【００５１】
上記のように、圧力の低下した高圧容器２に高圧ガスの充填補給を行い、この充填補給中に高圧容器２以外の高圧容器３から燃料タンク７へ高圧ガスの充填を行うことにより、燃料タンク７への充填と高圧容器２への充填補給とが並行的に遂行され、高圧ガス高速充填システムが無駄なく効率的に運用される。また、４本の高圧容器２〜５の充填能力を常に不足を来すことのないレベルに保持し、できるだけ少ない個数の高圧容器で最大限の充填能力を発揮させることが可能となる。さらに、自動車のように次々と燃料補給車が入ってくるような場合には、高圧容器２〜５を常に充填可能な態勢にしておくことにより、１台当たりの補給時間を可及的に短縮することができる。
【００５２】
また、最低圧力の高圧容器２〜５にまずは高圧ガスを充填補給をし、また、充填補給を受けた高圧容器２〜５は、最高の所定圧力とされるので、高圧容器２〜５は常に充填能力を完備した状態におかれ、しかも、いわゆる充填ローテーションとしても合理的に無駄のない形態で管理運用がなされる。
【００５３】
自動車の場合のように、補給スタンドに入ってくる自動車の燃料タンク残量分布を統計的に把握しておいて、例えば、残量２０％位が最大分布であれば、この２０％相当の圧力に対して十分な充填能力のある圧力値が高圧容器３側に残存しているかどうかを基準とすることができる。したがって、高圧容器３がこの基準値を下回るときには、制御手段８からの信号で補給弁３Ｅが開かれるのと同時に、圧縮機１が運転され、実情に即した施設の運用ができる。
【００５４】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明の高圧ガス高速充填方法およびそれに用いる装置によれば、高圧容器の圧力の回復措置すなわち充填補給の進行中にそれと並行して他の高圧容器から充填ボンベへ充填が行なわれるので、高圧容器の回復措置と充填ボンベへの充填とが同時進行的に推進されることとなり、充填能力の回復時間が短縮される。このような回復時間の短縮は、例えば、自動車のように次々と燃料補給車が入ってくるような場合には、高圧容器をいち早く充填可能な態勢に回復させておくことにより、１台当たりの補給時間を可及的に短縮することができるのであり、高圧ガス高速充填システムが無駄なく効率的に運用されるのである。さらに、特定の高圧容器に対する充填補給は、他の高圧容器を上回る最高圧力レベルまで行なわれるので、回復した高圧容器は高い充填能力をもって待機することとなり、つぎに充填機能を果たすときには充填ボンベへの充填がより一層積極的に行なわれる。これらの利点が複合することにより、複数個の高圧容器から充填ボンベへの充填と、特定の高圧容器自体の充填能力回復とが有機的に関連付けられて、高圧ガスの高速充填が果たされるのである。
【００５５】
上記充填ボンベに高圧ガスを充填するときには、充填ボンベ側は種々な圧力状態になっている。例えば、空の充填ボンベに高圧容器から充填をする場合には、充填初期は高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との圧力比が所定値以上になっているので充填速度は高く維持できるが、充填ボンベへの充填度合いが進行してくると、上記圧力比が小さくなりそれに伴って充填速度も徐々に低下してくる。したがって、圧力の小さな方から順次高圧容器を切換えるようにして、常に充填ボンベに対する高圧容器の充填能力を適正に維持することにより、常に充填速度を高く保ち高速充填が実現するのである。
【００５６】
他の例としては、充填ボンベが自動車の燃料タンクの場合である。略空になった低圧状態、半分位残っている中間的な圧力状態、満タンに近い高圧状態等さまざまである。これらの各圧力状態に適合させて高圧容器側の圧力を変化させなければ充填速度を高めることができないので、高圧容器の圧力と充填ボンベの圧力との「圧力比」を所定値以上に保つことにより、高速充填が達成される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】
本発明の一実施の形態の高圧ガス高速充填装置を示すシステム図である。
【図２】
圧力比と流速との関係を示す線図である。
【符号の説明】
１　　　　　圧縮機
２〜５　　　高圧容器
２Ａ〜５Ａ　充填管
２Ｂ〜５Ｂ　充填弁
２Ｃ〜５Ｃ　圧力計
２Ｄ〜５Ｄ　補給管
２Ｅ〜５Ｅ　補給弁
６　　　　　自動車
７　　　　　充填ボンベ，燃料タンク
８　　　　　制御手段
９　　　　　合流管
１０　　　　圧力計
１１　　　　開閉弁[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for filling a high-pressure gas such as compressed natural gas at a high speed and an apparatus used for the method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when filling a high pressure gas into a filling cylinder on the side to be filled, temporarily store the high pressure gas in a high pressure vessel, connect the high pressure vessel to the filling cylinder, and connect the high pressure vessel and the filling cylinder. Filling is performed using the pressure ratio of Then, a plurality of high-pressure vessels are prepared.First, filling is started from a low-pressure high-pressure vessel, and when the pressure difference between the high-pressure vessel and the filling cylinder decreases and the filling flow rate decreases, another high-pressure vessel is used. Switch. As described above, the region where the filling flow rate is high is continued by switching the high-pressure vessel. As a result, the filling time is shortened, and high-speed filling is realized.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if a plurality of high-pressure containers are sequentially switched as the pressure of the filling cylinder increases, it is necessary to refill the high-pressure containers with reduced pressure with high-pressure gas. In order to efficiently expand the filling to the filling cylinder, it is necessary to refill the plurality of high-pressure containers in an organic manner in association with the filling of the filling cylinder.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a high-pressure gas high-speed filling method for rationally filling and replenishing a high-pressure container with a high-pressure gas, and to provide an apparatus used therefor.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the high-pressure gas high-speed filling method of the present invention fills a high-pressure gas from the high-pressure container into the filling cylinder at a pressure ratio between the high-pressure container storing the high-pressure gas and the filling cylinder on the filling side. A high-pressure gas high-speed filling method in which a plurality of the high-pressure containers are provided, and the plurality of the high-pressure containers are sequentially communicated with a filling cylinder to fill the filling cylinder with a high-pressure gas; The containers are sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder in ascending order of pressure, and among the plurality of high-pressure containers, the pressure ratio between the pressure of the specific high-pressure container connected to the filling cylinder and the pressure of the filling cylinder becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. At this time, a specific high-pressure vessel having a pressure equal to or lower than the predetermined value is filled and refilled with high-pressure gas, and the high-pressure vessel is determined to belong to the highest pressure side of the plurality of high-pressure vessels. Parallel and gist to carry out filling of the high pressure gas from the high pressure vessel other than the specific high-pressure vessel to the filling cylinder.
[0006]
That is, the plurality of high-pressure vessels are sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder in ascending order of pressure, and among the plurality of high-pressure vessels, the pressure between the pressure of the specific high-pressure vessel and the pressure of the filling cylinder communicated with the filling cylinder. When the ratio becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, a specific high-pressure container having a pressure equal to or lower than the predetermined value is filled with high-pressure gas, and the high-pressure container is assumed to belong to the highest pressure side of the plurality of high-pressure containers. During the replenishment, the high-pressure gas other than the above-mentioned specific high-pressure container is charged into the filling cylinder in parallel with the replenishment.
[0007]
The expression “filling and replenishing” means that, for example, high-pressure gas is replenished from a compressor to a high-pressure container having a reduced pressure to restore the filling capacity of the filling cylinder.
[0008]
The plurality of high-pressure vessels are sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder on the filling side in ascending order of pressure. That is, filling of the filling cylinder in the low gas pressure state is started from the high-pressure container having the lowest pressure among the plurality of high-pressure containers (hereinafter, referred to as “first high-pressure container” for convenience). Thereafter, when the pressure ratio between the pressure of the first high-pressure vessel performing the filling function and the pressure of the filling cylinder becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the proper filling capacity substantially disappears, the first high-pressure vessel is charged. On the other hand, refilling of high pressure gas is started. This refill is performed until the refill pressure is at the highest pressure level among the other high pressure vessels. During the replenishment of the first high-pressure vessel having the reduced filling capacity, the high-pressure vessel having the next higher pressure than the first high-pressure vessel (here, for convenience, " 2 to the filling cylinder).
[0009]
When the pressure ratio between the pressure of the second high-pressure container that has filled the high-pressure gas into the filling cylinder and the pressure of the high-pressure container again becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the second pressure is reduced in the same manner as in the first high-pressure container. The high pressure vessel is refilled and, in parallel with the refilling, from a high pressure vessel having the next higher pressure than the second high pressure vessel (herein referred to for convenience as a "third high pressure vessel") The cylinder is continuously filled. As described above, the plurality of high-pressure vessels are sequentially communicated with the filling cylinders in ascending order of pressure, and when the gas pressure of the filling cylinders reaches a predetermined value, filling is completed. Then, each time the filling capacity of each high-pressure container reaches an insufficient area, filling and replenishment is performed for the corresponding high-pressure container in order to restore the filling capacity.
[0010]
Accordingly, the gas filling into the filling cylinder is started from the first high-pressure vessel having a lower pressure among the plurality of high-pressure vessels, and the filling capacity of the first high-pressure vessel is substantially determined by the relative relationship with the filling cylinder. Upon disappearance, the first high-pressure container is subsequently subjected to filling and replenishment as a measure for restoring the filling ability. The high-pressure gas is filled from the second high-pressure container to the filling cylinder in parallel with the filling and replenishment. In summary, the high-pressure gas is filled from the low-pressure high-pressure vessel into the filling cylinder, and the filling of the high-pressure vessel (recovery measures) is performed until the highest pressure level of other high-pressure vessels is reached. Continuing the high pressure gas filling of the filling cylinder from another high pressure container while replenishment is in progress is performed as a series of operating elements.
[0011]
With the above-described operation, while the pressure recovery of the high-pressure vessel is being performed, i.e., while the refilling is in progress, the filling is performed from another high-pressure vessel to the filling cylinder in parallel with the replenishment. Are simultaneously propelled, and the recovery time of the filling capacity is shortened. Such shortening of the recovery time can be achieved, for example, by resuming the high-pressure container to a state in which the high-pressure container can be filled quickly when refueling vehicles come in one after another, such as a car, for example. The replenishment time can be reduced as much as possible, and the high-pressure gas high-speed filling system can be operated efficiently without waste. In addition, filling and refilling of a particular high-pressure vessel is performed up to the highest pressure level above the other high-pressure vessels, so that the recovered high-pressure vessel waits with high filling capacity, and the next time the filling function is performed, the filling cylinder is filled. Filling is performed more aggressively. By combining these advantages, the filling of the filling cylinder from a plurality of high-pressure vessels and the restoration of the filling capacity of the specific high-pressure vessel itself are organically linked, and high-speed filling of the high-pressure gas is achieved. .
[0012]
When the high pressure gas is charged into the filling cylinder, the filling cylinder side is in various pressure states. For example, when filling an empty filling cylinder from a high-pressure container, the filling speed can be kept high because the pressure ratio between the pressure of the high-pressure container and the pressure of the filling cylinder is equal to or higher than a predetermined value in the initial stage of filling. As the degree of filling of the filling cylinder progresses, the pressure ratio decreases and the filling speed gradually decreases accordingly. Therefore, by switching the high-pressure container sequentially from the one with the smaller pressure and always maintaining the filling capability of the high-pressure container with respect to the filling cylinder, the filling speed is always kept high and high-speed filling is realized.
[0013]
Another example is when the filling cylinder is a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. There are various conditions, such as a low pressure state that is almost empty, an intermediate pressure state where about half remains, and a high pressure state that is almost full. The filling speed cannot be increased unless the pressure on the high-pressure vessel side is changed in conformity with each of these pressure conditions.Therefore, the "pressure ratio" between the pressure of the high-pressure vessel and the pressure of the filling cylinder must be maintained at a predetermined value or more. Thereby, high-speed filling is achieved.
[0014]
The diagram in FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the pressure ratio P1 / P0 and the gas flow rate, where the pressure on the high pressure vessel side is P1 and the pressure on the filling cylinder side is P0. Here, the condition under which the fluid flows from the high-pressure vessel to the filling cylinder is such that when the pressure P1 of the high-pressure vessel is almost twice the pressure P0 of the filling cylinder, the pressure of the high-pressure vessel is dominant, and the flow velocity is determined. It does not exceed the speed of sound. If it is less than twice, the flow velocity is determined by the pressure difference (P1-P0). Therefore, when the value is much lower than twice, it means that the flow velocity is greatly reduced and the filling time is lengthened. According to the above principle, it is best to keep the value twice, but in practice, if the value is kept 1.5 times or more, preferably 1.7 times or more, high-speed filling is realized.
[0015]
As described above, a high-pressure gas is filled and supplied to a specific high-pressure container whose pressure has been reduced, and during this filling and replenishment, the high-pressure gas is filled from a high-pressure container other than the specific high-pressure container to a filling cylinder to thereby fill the container. The filling of the cylinder and the filling and refilling of the high-pressure container are performed in parallel, and the high-pressure gas high-speed filling system is efficiently operated without waste. Furthermore, when refueling vehicles come in one after another like a car, the refilling time per vehicle can be reduced as much as possible by keeping the high-pressure container always ready for filling. it can.
[0016]
In the high-pressure gas high-speed filling method of the present invention, three or more high-pressure containers which are set in advance and provided with a difference between the respective pressures are prepared, and the high-pressure gas is filled into the filling cylinder so that the pressure is reduced to a predetermined value or less. After that, the high-pressure vessel that was refilled with high-pressure gas and belonged to the side with the highest pressure was used for the subsequent filling of the high-pressure gas into the filling cylinder, so that multiple high-pressure vessels could be used cyclically. Is performed, as described above, the pressure difference between the three or more high-pressure vessels is set to be inclined, and the high-pressure vessel that has been reduced in pressure by filling the filling cylinder with high-pressure gas belongs to the highest side by filling and refilling. Since the pressure is restored to the level, the high-pressure vessel at the highest pressure is put on standby, multiple high-pressure vessels can be used cyclically, and three or more high-pressure vessels can be operated efficiently to promote high-speed filling. Effectiveness The things.
[0017]
In addition, the filled high-pressure container has the highest pressure level among the plurality of high-pressure containers, so that the filling function of the filling cylinder is more positively performed. Furthermore, since the pressure difference between the high-pressure vessels is set to be substantially uniform by setting the pressure difference between the high-pressure vessels to be inclined, the filling amount from each high-pressure vessel, which is sequentially switched, to the filling cylinder is also substantially uniform. can do. Therefore, the amount of gas supplied to the high-pressure container is made as uniform as possible, and the supply of the gas is easily controlled.
[0018]
In the high-pressure gas high-speed filling method of the present invention, a pressure corresponding to the remaining amount of the high-pressure gas in the filling cylinder at the time of starting the filling is measured, and the pressure ratio between the pressure of the plurality of high-pressure containers and the pressure of the filling cylinder is determined. If a high pressure vessel with a smaller pressure ratio is selected from among the high pressure vessels exhibiting an appropriate pressure ratio or more for filling the filling cylinder according to the remaining amount of high pressure gas, and the high pressure vessel is sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder, A high-pressure container having a filling capacity is selected based on the measured pressure value of the filling cylinder at the start of filling, and the high-pressure container having a small pressure among the selected high-pressure containers is filled with the high-pressure gas into the filling cylinder. . Therefore, a high-pressure container is selected in accordance with the actual state of the pressure of the filling cylinder at the start of filling, and the filling of the filling cylinder is started from a high-pressure container having a small pressure. Whether to start is most appropriately selected and a plurality of high pressure vessels can function rationally.
[0019]
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the high-pressure gas high-speed filling apparatus of the present invention provides a high-pressure gas high-pressure gas storage device for storing high-pressure gas from the high-pressure container at a pressure ratio between the high-pressure container storing high-pressure gas and the filling cylinder on the filling side. A high-pressure gas high-speed gas filling device in which a plurality of the high-pressure containers are provided, and the plurality of high-pressure containers are sequentially communicated with a filling cylinder to fill the filling cylinder with a high-pressure gas. Are connected to the filling cylinder in order of decreasing pressure, and the pressure ratio between the pressure of the specific high-pressure vessel connected to the filling cylinder and the pressure of the filling cylinder is equal to or less than a predetermined value. When the pressure becomes lower than the predetermined value, the high-pressure gas is filled and supplied to the specific high-pressure container, and the high-pressure container is assumed to belong to the highest pressure side of the plurality of high-pressure containers. At the same parallel to the gist that it is configured to perform high-pressure gas filled into the filling cylinder from the high pressure vessel other than the specific high-pressure vessel.
[0020]
That is, the plurality of high-pressure vessels are sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder in ascending order of pressure, and among the plurality of high-pressure vessels, the pressure between the pressure of the specific high-pressure vessel and the pressure of the filling cylinder communicated with the filling cylinder. When the ratio becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, a specific high-pressure container having a pressure equal to or lower than the predetermined value is filled with high-pressure gas, and the high-pressure container is assumed to belong to the highest pressure side of the plurality of high-pressure containers. While the replenishment is in progress, high-pressure gas is charged from the high-pressure container other than the specific high-pressure container to the filling cylinder in parallel.
[0021]
By the operation of the high-pressure gas high-speed filling device similar to the operation described in the above-mentioned high-pressure gas high-speed filling method, the pressure of the high-pressure container is restored, that is, the filling cylinder is filled from another high-pressure container while the refilling is in progress. Is carried out, the recovery of the high-pressure vessel and the filling of the filling cylinder are simultaneously promoted, and the time for recovering the filling capacity is shortened. Furthermore, since the filling of the high-pressure vessel is performed to the highest pressure level higher than the other high-pressure vessels, the recovered high-pressure vessel waits with a high filling capacity, and when the filling function is performed next, the filling of the filling cylinder is performed. It is even more aggressive. By combining these advantages, the filling of the filling cylinder from the plurality of high-pressure containers and the restoration of the filling capacity of the high-pressure container itself are organically linked, and high-speed filling of the high-pressure gas is achieved.
[0022]
When the high pressure gas is charged into the filling cylinder, the filling cylinder side is in various pressure states. For example, when filling an empty filling cylinder from a high-pressure container, the filling speed can be kept high because the pressure ratio between the pressure of the high-pressure container and the pressure of the filling cylinder is equal to or higher than a predetermined value in the initial stage of filling. As the degree of filling of the filling cylinder progresses, the pressure ratio decreases and the filling speed gradually decreases accordingly. Therefore, by switching the high-pressure container sequentially from the one with the smaller pressure and always maintaining the filling capability of the high-pressure container with respect to the filling cylinder, the filling speed is always kept high and high-speed filling is realized.
[0023]
Another example is when the filling cylinder is a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. There are various conditions, such as a low pressure state that is almost empty, an intermediate pressure state where about half remains, and a high pressure state that is almost full. Since the filling speed cannot be increased unless the pressure on the high-pressure vessel side is changed in conformity with each of these pressure states, by maintaining the pressure ratio between the pressure of the high-pressure vessel and the pressure of the filling cylinder at or above a predetermined value, High speed filling is achieved.
[0024]
As described above, a high-pressure gas is filled and supplied to a specific high-pressure container whose pressure has been reduced, and during this filling and replenishment, the high-pressure gas is filled from a high-pressure container other than the specific high-pressure container to a filling cylinder to thereby fill the container. The filling of the cylinder and the filling and refilling of the high-pressure container are performed in parallel, and the high-pressure gas high-speed filling system is efficiently operated without waste. Furthermore, when refueling vehicles come in one after another like a car, the refilling time per vehicle can be reduced as much as possible by keeping the high-pressure container always ready for filling. it can.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
[0026]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the high-pressure gas high-speed filling method of the present invention and an apparatus used therefor.
[0027]
This apparatus operates the compressor 1 to fill and refill high-pressure gas into four high-pressure containers 2, 3, 4, 5, and supplies high-pressure gas from these high-pressure containers 2 to 5 to the fuel tank 7 of the automobile 6. The control means 8 performs overall control of filling and refilling the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 and filling the fuel tank 7. The fuel tank 7 corresponds to a filling cylinder on the filling side. The high-pressure containers 2 to 5 are located in the filling facility of the refueling station, and here, four are set as one set.
[0028]
The filling pipes 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A extending from the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 are integrated into a merging pipe 9, and the merging pipe 9 is connected to a fuel via a detachable connector (not shown). It is connected to the tank 7. Each of the filling pipes 2A to 5A is provided with a filling valve 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B which is opened and closed by an electric signal, and a signal is inputted from the control means 8 through a signal line shown in the figure. Note that a normal computer device is used for the control means 8.
[0029]
Pressure gauges 2C, 3C, 4C, and 5C for measuring the pressures of the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 are disposed in the filling pipes 2A to 5A, respectively, and symbols P1, P2, P3, and P4 are pressure values of the high-pressure vessels. Is shown. Further, a pressure gauge 10 for measuring the pressure of the fuel tank 7 is disposed in the merging pipe 9, and a reference symbol P 0 indicates a pressure value of the fuel tank 7. An electric signal of the pressure value is sent to the control means 8 from each of the pressure gauges 2C to 5C and 10 via a signal line. Reference numeral 11 denotes an on-off valve provided on the merging pipe 9.
[0030]
A supply pipe 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D is connected from the compressor 1 to each of the high-pressure containers 2 to 5, and in the middle thereof, supply valves 2E, 3E, 4E, 4E, which are opened and closed by an electric signal from the control means 8. 5E is provided, and the electric signal is inputted from the control means 8 through a signal line shown in the figure.
[0031]
Since the plurality of high-pressure containers 2 to 5 are sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder 7 in ascending order of pressure, the pressures of the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 and the pressure of the fuel tank 7 are compared. It is determined whether to start filling the fuel tank 7. For this purpose, the control means 8 is provided with a pressure comparison / judgment means for comparing the pressure values P1, P2, P3, P4 of the pressure gauges 2C, 3C, 4C, 5C of each high pressure vessel with the pressure value P0 of the fuel tank 7. Then, the pressure ratio between each of the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 and the fuel tank 7 is calculated. Then, the high-pressure vessel having the smallest pressure ratio is selected from the plurality of calculated pressure ratios, and any of the filling valves 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B attached thereto is opened. This valve opening operation is performed by a valve opening operation signal from the filling cylinder filling operation means paired with the above-mentioned pressure comparison / judgment means.
[0032]
Even if a plurality of high-pressure containers are prepared, if the pressure on the fuel tank 7 side is relatively high, a high-pressure container having a pressure corresponding to the high pressure container must be connected to the fuel tank 7 if the pressure is not high. No filling gas flow will occur. Therefore, the following function is provided to the pressure comparison determination means. That is, the pressure according to the remaining amount of the high-pressure gas in the fuel tank 7 at the start of filling is measured, and the pressure ratio between the pressure of the plurality of high-pressure containers 2 to 5 and the pressure of the fuel tank 7 is determined. A high-pressure container exhibiting a pressure ratio or more appropriate for filling the fuel tank 7 in accordance with the remaining amount of gas is classified, and a high-pressure container having a small pressure ratio is selected from the high-pressure containers having an appropriate pressure ratio or more. From the fuel tank 7. Therefore, a high-pressure container whose pressure ratio between the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 and the fuel tank 7 is too small or whose pressure ratio is “1” is not connected to the fuel tank 7.
[0033]
Further, when the filling capacity of a specific high-pressure container connected to the fuel tank 7 among the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 becomes an insufficient level, that is, the pressure of the high-pressure container connected to the fuel tank 7 and the fuel When the pressure ratio with respect to the pressure of the tank 7 falls below a predetermined value as measured by the pressure comparison / determination means, the compressor 1 fills and refills a specific high-pressure container having a pressure below this predetermined value. . In order to perform the filling and replenishment, the control means 8 is provided with a high pressure container filling and replenishing operation means. The high-pressure container filling / supplying operation means receives an operation signal from the pressure comparison / determination means and opens any of the corresponding supply valves 2E to 5E, and operates the compressor 1 to charge the high-pressure container. Supply is performed.
[0034]
In order to carry out the cyclic use of the three or more prepared high-pressure vessels 2 to 5, filling and replenishing are performed for each high-pressure vessel by the high-pressure vessel filling and replenishing operation means, and the pressure of each high-pressure vessel is provided with a difference to incline. Pressure array. In order to do this, an operation signal corresponding to the above-mentioned "difference" is input from the control means 8 to the high-pressure container filling and replenishing operation means, whereby an inclined pressure arrangement is formed in the high-pressure container. Then, the high-pressure container filled and replenished to the highest pressure level is kept on standby, and when the pressure in the fuel tank 7 approaches the final high pressure, the kept high-pressure container is communicated with the fuel tank 7. Thus, the use of a so-called cyclic high-pressure vessel is performed.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the high-pressure gas high-speed filling method and the apparatus used therefor will be described with reference to FIG.
[0036]
It is now assumed that the high pressure vessel 2 is filled with 50% of the vessel, the high pressure vessel 3 with 80% of the vessel, and the high pressure vessels 4 and 5 with 100% filling, while the fuel tank 7 is substantially empty. Assuming the explanation. The merging pipe 9 is connected to the fuel tank 7, and the on-off valve 11 is opened by the operation signal of the control means 8, and the filling valves 2B to 5B and the replenishing valves 2E to 5E are closed.
[0037]
Here, when the operation of the control means 8 is started, a signal indicating the pressure value P0 of the fuel tank 7 and signals indicating the pressure values P1, P2, P3, and P4 of the respective high-pressure containers are compared by the control means 8, and Each pressure ratio between the pressure of the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 and the pressure P0 of the fuel tank 7 is calculated. As a result, it is determined that the pressure ratio between the high-pressure container 2 and the 50% -filled high-pressure container 2 is suitable for filling the fuel tank 7, and accordingly, a valve-opening operation signal is transmitted to the filling valve 2B. 2B is opened. As a result, the first filling from the high-pressure container 2 is started.
[0038]
When the filling proceeds and the pressure ratio between the high-pressure container 2 and the fuel tank 7 is about 1.5 or less, the control means 8 determines that the transient state is inappropriate and sends a closing operation signal to the filling valve 2B. The valve 2B is closed. At the same time, in order to connect the next high-pressure container 3 to the fuel tank 7, an opening operation signal is sent to the filling valve 3B and the valve 3B is opened. Thereby, an appropriate pressure ratio is established between the high-pressure container 3 and the fuel tank 7, and the high-speed filling flow is continued. On the other hand, at the same time as the filling valve 2B is closed, a signal for opening the supply valve 2E and operating the compressor 1 is transmitted from the control means 8, and the filling and supply of the high-pressure gas to the high-pressure container 2 is started. When the filling pressure of the high-pressure vessel 2 reaches the maximum value among the four high-pressure vessels, the supply valve 2E is closed, and the compressor 1 is also stopped. Here, since the high-pressure containers 4 and 5 are 100% filled, the maximum pressure of the high-pressure container 2 is the same as that of the high-pressure containers 4 and 5.
[0039]
When the control means 8 determines that the pressure ratio between the high-pressure container 3 and the fuel tank 7 is too small as the filling further proceeds, the filling valve 3B is closed and the filling valve 4B is opened immediately. Thus, when the pressure ratio between the high-pressure container 4 and the fuel tank 7 is updated to an appropriate value, the high-speed filling flow is continued. As a result, when the pressure in the fuel tank 7 reaches a predetermined value, which is transmitted from the pressure gauge 10 to the control means 8, the charging valve 4B and the opening / closing valve 11 are closed by the operation signal from the control means 8, and the charging is performed. Ends. When the pressure of the high-pressure container 3 when the filling valve 3B is closed is lower than the reference value, the replenishing valve 3E is opened by the operation signal from the control means 8, and the high pressure is started by the operation of the compressor 1. The container 3 is refilled.
[0040]
The above-mentioned reference value differs depending on the type of the filling cylinder, but when installed in a car, the distribution of the remaining amount of gas in the fuel tank 7 of the incoming car is statistically grasped. If, for example, the remaining amount of about 20% is the maximum distribution, it is determined whether or not a pressure value having a sufficient filling capacity for the pressure corresponding to this 20% remains in the high-pressure container 3 side. Therefore, when the pressure of the high-pressure container 3 falls below this reference value, the compressor 1 is operated at the same time that the supply valve 3E is opened by a signal from the control means 8, and the high-pressure container 3 is filled and refilled. Being below the reference value means the same state as being below an appropriate pressure ratio.
[0041]
In the above operation, even if a plurality of high-pressure containers 2 to 5 are prepared, if the pressure on the fuel tank 7 side is relatively high, the high-pressure container having a pressure corresponding thereto is communicated with the fuel tank 7. If not, the filling gas flow to the fuel tank 7 will not occur. Therefore, the pressure according to the remaining amount of the high-pressure gas in the fuel tank 7 at the time of starting the filling is measured, and the pressure ratio between the pressure of the plurality of high-pressure containers 2 to 5 and the pressure of the fuel tank 7 is determined. A high-pressure container exhibiting a pressure ratio or more appropriate for filling the fuel tank 7 in accordance with the remaining amount of gas is classified, and a high-pressure container having a small pressure ratio is selected from the high-pressure containers having an appropriate pressure ratio or more. From the fuel tank 7. Therefore, a high-pressure container whose pressure ratio between the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 and the fuel tank 7 is too small or whose pressure ratio is “1” is not connected to the fuel tank 7. Further, the pressure of each of the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 is previously provided with a pressure difference so as to form an inclined pressure arrangement, and the high-pressure vessel filled and replenished to the highest pressure level is kept on standby. When approaching a high pressure, the high-pressure container kept on standby is communicated with the fuel tank 7, so that a so-called cyclic high-pressure container is used.
[0042]
The operation and effect of the embodiment described above will be described.
[0043]
The diagram in FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the pressure ratio P1 / P0 and the gas flow velocity, where P1 is the pressure on the high-pressure vessel 2 side and P0 is the pressure of the fuel tank 7. Here, the conditions under which the fluid flows from the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 to the fuel tank 7 are such that when the pressure P1 of the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 is almost twice the pressure P0 of the filling cylinder, the pressure of the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 It becomes dominant and determines the flow velocity, which is no higher than the speed of sound. If it is less than twice, the flow velocity is determined by the pressure difference (P1-P0). Therefore, when the value is much lower than twice, it means that the flow velocity is greatly reduced and the filling time is lengthened. According to the above principle, it is best to keep the value twice, but in practice, if the value is kept 1.5 times or more, preferably 1.7 or more, high-speed filling is realized.
[0044]
During the recovery of the pressure of any one of the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5, that is, while the refilling is in progress, the fuel tank 7 is filled from another high-pressure vessel in parallel. The filling of the fuel tank 7 is promoted simultaneously and the recovery time of the filling capacity is shortened. Such a shortening of the recovery time can be achieved by, for example, recovering the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 to a state in which the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 can be quickly filled when refueling vehicles come in one after another like a car. The refill time per unit can be reduced as much as possible, and the high-pressure gas high-speed filling system can be operated efficiently without waste. Further, the filling and refilling of a specific high-pressure vessel is performed up to the maximum pressure level exceeding the other high-pressure vessels, so that the recovered high-pressure vessel stands by with a high filling capacity, and then returns to the fuel tank 7 when performing the filling function. Is more positively filled. By combining these advantages, the filling of the fuel tank 7 from the plurality of high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 is organically associated with the restoration of the filling capacity of the specific high-pressure vessel itself, and high-speed filling of the high-pressure gas is achieved. It is fulfilled.
[0045]
When the fuel tank 7 is filled with high-pressure gas, the fuel tank 7 is in various pressure states. For example, when filling the empty fuel tank 7 from the high-pressure containers 2 to 5, since the pressure ratio between the pressure of the high-pressure container and the pressure of the fuel tank 7 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value at the initial stage of the filling, the filling speed is Although it can be maintained at a high level, as the degree of filling of the fuel tank 7 progresses, the pressure ratio decreases and the filling speed gradually decreases accordingly. Therefore, by switching the high-pressure container sequentially from the one with the lowest pressure and always maintaining the filling capability of the high-pressure container to the fuel tank 7, the filling speed is always kept high and high-speed filling is realized.
[0046]
Another example is the case of a fuel tank 7 of an automobile. There are various conditions such as a low pressure state that is almost empty, an intermediate pressure state where about half remains, and a high pressure state that is almost full. The filling speed cannot be increased unless the pressures on the high pressure vessels 2 to 5 are changed in conformity with each of these pressure conditions, so that the pressure ratio between the pressure of the high pressure vessel and the pressure of the filling cylinder is maintained at a predetermined value or more. Thereby, high-speed filling is achieved.
[0047]
Prepare three or more high-pressure containers which are set in an inclined manner by providing a difference between the respective pressures in advance, and after filling the fuel tank 7 with the high-pressure gas to reduce the pressure to a predetermined value or less, refill the high-pressure gas. The plurality of high-pressure containers 2 to 5 are cyclically used by using the high-pressure container determined to belong to the highest pressure side for the subsequent filling of the fuel tank 7 with high-pressure gas. By doing so, the pressure difference between the three or more high-pressure containers is set to be inclined as described above, and the high-pressure container which has been reduced in pressure by filling the high-pressure gas into the fuel tank 7 belongs to the highest side by filling and refilling. Since the pressure is restored to the level, the high-pressure vessel at the highest pressure is put on standby, multiple high-pressure vessels can be used cyclically, and three or more high-pressure vessels can be operated efficiently, promoting high-speed filling. It becomes something.
[0048]
In addition, the filled high-pressure container has the highest pressure level among the plurality of high-pressure containers, so that the function of filling the fuel tank 7 is more positively performed. Further, since the pressure difference between the high-pressure containers is set to be substantially uniform by setting the pressure difference between the high-pressure containers to be inclined, the filling amount of the fuel tank 7 from each of the high-pressure containers that is sequentially switched. Can also be made substantially uniform. Accordingly, the amount of the refill gas supplied to the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 is also made as uniform as possible, and the supply of the refill gas can be easily controlled.
[0049]
The pressure according to the remaining amount of the high-pressure gas in the fuel tank 7 at the time of starting the filling is measured, and the pressure ratio between the pressure of the plurality of high-pressure containers 2 to 5 and the pressure of the fuel tank 7 is determined. A high-pressure container having a small pressure ratio is selected from high-pressure containers exhibiting a pressure ratio or more appropriate for filling the fuel tank 7 in accordance with the amount, and the high-pressure container is communicated with the fuel tank 7 sequentially from the high-pressure container. Thereby, a high-pressure container having a filling ability is selected based on the measured pressure value of the fuel tank 7 at the time of starting the filling, and the high-pressure gas from the low-pressure high-pressure container of the selected high-pressure container to the fuel tank 7 is selected. Filling is performed. Therefore, the high pressure vessels 2 to 5 are selected in accordance with the actual state of the pressure of the fuel tank 7 at the time of starting the filling, and the filling of the fuel tank 7 is started from the high pressure vessel having a small pressure among the high pressure vessels. Whether filling should be started from the high-pressure vessel is most appropriately selected, and a plurality of high-pressure vessels can function rationally.
[0050]
The high-pressure gas high-speed filling apparatus of the present invention performs the same operation as that described in the above-described high-pressure gas high-speed filling method, while recovering the pressure of the high-pressure containers 2 to 5, that is, while the refilling is in progress, performs other operations in parallel. Since the filling from the high-pressure container to the fuel tank 7 is performed, the recovery of the high-pressure container and the filling of the fuel tank 7 are simultaneously and progressively promoted, and the recovery time of the filling capacity is shortened. Further, the filling and replenishment of the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 is performed up to the maximum pressure level higher than the other high-pressure vessels, so that the recovered high-pressure vessel stands by with a high filling capacity. Filling is performed more aggressively. By combining these advantages, the filling of the fuel tank 7 from the plurality of high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 is organically associated with the recovery of the filling capacity of the high-pressure vessel itself, thereby achieving high-speed filling of the high-pressure gas. It is.
[0051]
As described above, the high-pressure container 2 having a reduced pressure is filled with high-pressure gas, and the high-pressure gas is charged from the high-pressure container 3 other than the high-pressure container 2 to the fuel tank 7 during the filling and replenishment. 7 and the high-pressure container 2 are replenished in parallel, and the high-pressure gas high-speed filling system is efficiently operated without waste. Further, the filling capacity of the four high-pressure containers 2 to 5 is always maintained at a level that does not cause a shortage, and the maximum filling capacity can be exhibited with as few high-pressure containers as possible. Furthermore, when refueling vehicles come in one after another like a car, the refilling time per vehicle is shortened as much as possible by keeping the high-pressure containers 2 to 5 ready for filling. can do.
[0052]
In addition, the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 having the lowest pressure are first filled and refilled with high-pressure gas, and the high-pressure vessels 2 to 5 that have been filled and refilled are set to the highest predetermined pressure. In a state where the filling capacity is completed, the management operation is performed in a form that is reasonably lean as a so-called filling rotation.
[0053]
As in the case of a car, the distribution of the fuel tank remaining amount of the car entering the refueling station is statistically grasped. For example, if the remaining amount is about 20% of the maximum distribution, the pressure corresponding to this 20% is obtained. Can be determined based on whether or not a pressure value having sufficient filling capacity remains on the high-pressure vessel 3 side. Therefore, when the pressure of the high-pressure vessel 3 is lower than the reference value, the compressor 1 is operated at the same time as the supply valve 3E is opened by the signal from the control means 8, so that the facility can be operated according to the actual situation.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the high-pressure gas high-speed filling method of the present invention and the apparatus used therefor, during the recovery of the pressure of the high-pressure container, that is, during the refilling, the filling from the other high-pressure container to the filling cylinder is performed in parallel. Therefore, the recovery measures of the high-pressure container and the filling of the filling cylinder are simultaneously promoted, and the recovery time of the filling capacity is shortened. Such shortening of the recovery time can be achieved, for example, by resuming the high-pressure container to a state in which the high-pressure container can be filled quickly when refueling vehicles come in one after another, such as a car, for example. The replenishment time can be reduced as much as possible, and the high-pressure gas high-speed filling system can be operated efficiently without waste. In addition, filling and refilling of a particular high-pressure vessel is performed up to the highest pressure level above the other high-pressure vessels, so that the recovered high-pressure vessel waits with high filling capacity, and the next time the filling function is performed, the filling cylinder is filled. Filling is performed more aggressively. By combining these advantages, the filling of the filling cylinder from a plurality of high-pressure vessels and the restoration of the filling capacity of the specific high-pressure vessel itself are organically linked, and high-speed filling of the high-pressure gas is achieved. .
[0055]
When the high pressure gas is charged into the filling cylinder, the filling cylinder side is in various pressure states. For example, when filling an empty filling cylinder from a high-pressure container, the filling speed can be kept high because the pressure ratio between the pressure of the high-pressure container and the pressure of the filling cylinder is equal to or higher than a predetermined value in the initial stage of filling. As the degree of filling of the filling cylinder progresses, the pressure ratio decreases and the filling speed gradually decreases accordingly. Therefore, by switching the high-pressure container sequentially from the one with the smaller pressure and always maintaining the filling capability of the high-pressure container with respect to the filling cylinder, the filling speed is always kept high and high-speed filling is realized.
[0056]
Another example is when the filling cylinder is a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. There are various conditions such as a low pressure state that is almost empty, an intermediate pressure state where about half remains, and a high pressure state that is almost full. The filling speed cannot be increased unless the pressure on the high-pressure vessel side is changed in conformity with each of these pressure conditions.Therefore, the "pressure ratio" between the pressure of the high-pressure vessel and the pressure of the filling cylinder must be maintained at a predetermined value or more. Thereby, high-speed filling is achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a system diagram which shows the high pressure gas high speed filling apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 2
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a pressure ratio and a flow velocity.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 compressor
2-5 High pressure vessel
2A-5A filling tube
2B-5B Filling valve
2C-5C pressure gauge
2D-5D supply pipe
2E ~ 5E Supply valve
6 cars
7. Filling cylinder, fuel tank
8 control means
9 Confluence pipe
10 Pressure gauge
11 On-off valve

Claims

The high-pressure container is filled with the high-pressure gas from the high-pressure container at a pressure ratio between the high-pressure container storing the high-pressure gas and the filling cylinder on the filling side, and a plurality of the high-pressure containers are installed. A high-pressure gas high-speed filling method in which the high-pressure containers are sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder to fill the high-pressure gas into the filling cylinder, wherein the plurality of high-pressure containers are sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder in ascending order of pressure. When the pressure ratio between the pressure of the specific high-pressure vessel connected to the filling cylinder and the pressure of the filling cylinder falls below a predetermined value, the specific high-pressure vessel having a pressure of not more than this predetermined value High-pressure gas filling and refilling are performed and belong to the highest pressure side of the plurality of high-pressure containers. High pressure gas fast filling method and performing the filling of high pressure gas into the base.

Preparing three or more high-pressure containers which are set in an inclined manner with a difference between the respective pressures in advance, filling the filling cylinder with the high-pressure gas, and refilling the high-pressure gas after the pressure falls below a predetermined value. 2. The high-pressure gas high-pressure gas as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of high-pressure containers are cyclically used by using the high-pressure container determined to belong to the side with the highest pressure for subsequent high-pressure gas filling in a filling cylinder. Filling method.

The pressure according to the remaining amount of the high-pressure gas in the filling cylinder at the start of filling is measured, and the pressure ratio between the pressure of the plurality of high-pressure containers and the pressure of the filling cylinder is determined according to the remaining amount of the high-pressure gas in the filling cylinder. 3. The high-pressure gas high-speed filling method according to claim 1, wherein a high-pressure container having a small pressure ratio is selected from high-pressure containers exhibiting a pressure ratio or more appropriate for filling the cylinder, and the high-pressure container is sequentially communicated with the filling cylinder.

The high-pressure container is filled with the high-pressure gas from the high-pressure container at a pressure ratio between the high-pressure container storing the high-pressure gas and the filling cylinder on the filling side, and a plurality of the high-pressure containers are installed. A high-pressure gas high-speed filling device for sequentially filling the high-pressure gas into the filling cylinder by communicating the high-pressure containers of the plurality of high-pressure containers sequentially with the filling cylinder. When the pressure ratio between the pressure of the specific high-pressure vessel connected to the filling cylinder and the pressure of the filling cylinder falls below a predetermined value, the specific high-pressure vessel having a pressure of not more than this predetermined value High-pressure gas filling and refilling are performed and belong to the highest pressure side of the plurality of high-pressure containers. High pressure gas fast filling apparatus characterized by being configured to perform a high-pressure gas filling the base.