JP2020020411A - Device and method of supplying pressurized gas to container - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device and a method of supplying a pressurized gas to a container for fuel supply.SOLUTION: A device (1) includes a refrigeration system for cooling a gas flowing from a gas source before flowing into a container (3), and a refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) including a compressor (8), a condenser portion (9), an expansion valve (10) and an evaporator portion (11) disposed in series. The refrigeration system includes a cold source (12) exchanging heat with the condenser portion (9), and a heat exchanger (7) disposed in a transfer circuit (4) and including a heat exchange portion between a gas flowing in the transfer circuit and the evaporator portion. The device includes an electronic controller constituted to switch the refrigeration system to a first standby mode when the device does not perform fuel supply to the container, to switch off the compressor when a temperature of the heat exchanger is a prescribed first standby temperature threshold value or less, and to start and operate the compressor to generate cooling power when the detected temperature of the heat exchanger is over a second standby threshold temperature to cool the heat exchanger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for replenishing a container with pressurized gas.

  The invention more particularly relates to an apparatus for refueling a container with a pressurized gas, in particular an apparatus for refueling a gas hydrogen tank, comprising a source of pressurized gas and one upstream connected to said gas source. An end, and a transfer circuit including at least one downstream end intended to be removably connected to the container, the apparatus for cooling gas flowing from a gas source before entering the container. A refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant cooling loop circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser section, an expansion valve, and an evaporator section arranged in series, wherein the refrigeration system exchanges heat with the condenser section. A source and a heat exchanger disposed in the transfer circuit and including a heat exchange section between the gas flowing in the transfer circuit and the evaporator section, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic device for controlling the refrigeration system. With controller The apparatus further includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heat exchanger, wherein the electronic controller switches the refrigeration system to a first standby mode when the apparatus is not refueling a container. It is composed of

  The hydrogen refueling station is designed to refuel a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) with high pressure (eg, 70 MPa or more) hydrogen at high speed (several minutes). To avoid overheating in the tank, the hydrogen must be pre-cooled (generally below -33 ° C) at the dispenser refueling nozzle.

  Known cooling or refrigeration systems supply refrigerant in a refrigerant cooling loop circuit to a hydrogen-cooled heat exchanger.

Refrigerant is CO _2. See, for example, the literature of JP2015921108A or US2016348840A. See also WO2018104982A1.

  Generally, heat exchangers include blocks or blocks of material that store cold heat to meet high demands. Refrigeration systems can provide nearly constant cooling, and cooling energy is stored in the thermal inertia (high thermal inertia) of the heat exchanger.

  However, thermal inertia may not be sufficient in some situations to provide the required cold. Further, when using other types of heat exchangers (eg, small diffusion junction heat exchangers), the thermal inertia is small. In that case, cooling energy must be supplied when there is demand. This requirement can change from zero to full cooling power within seconds.

  The most efficient use of cooling power is made using a countercurrent heat exchanger. In that case, it is desirable that the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet to the heat exchanger remains in a predetermined temperature range.

  For that purpose, a predetermined evaporating pressure range must be maintained at the inlet of the heat exchanger. Also, sufficient overheating must be maintained during the suction of the compressor. Overheating is, for example, a predetermined amount of heat added to the refrigerant after the refrigerant has already vaporized. It can be defined by the temperature at a given pressure and can be measured at the outlet of the heat exchanger or at the compressor inlet. The evaporation temperature of the refrigerant depends on the pressure.

  The reason for controlling the overheating is to confirm that the liquid refrigerant in the evaporator section has completely changed from liquid to vapor (gas) (this is to make sure that only vapor returns to the compressor suction / suction port). Because.)

  Further, the refueling device (or station) may be set in a standby mode (a standby state for refueling) for an extended time. Also, even with refueling, the amount of gas can be below the maximum design value. In these cases, the refrigeration system operates at low load.

  One goal is to overcome or reduce at least one of the aforementioned problems.

  To this end, the device according to the invention, according to the general definition given above, is essentially that the electronic controller activates the compressor when the temperature of the heat exchanger is below a predetermined first standby temperature threshold. Switching off, the electronic controller generating cooling power when the sensed temperature of the heat exchanger exceeds the second standby threshold temperature, starting and operating the compressor to cool the heat exchanger; The first standby mode thus configured is characterized.

In addition (or alternatively), embodiments may include one or more of the following features.
A first standby temperature threshold between -40C and -20C,
The second standby temperature threshold is higher than the first standby temperature threshold, for example, 1 to 30 degrees higher than the first standby temperature threshold,
The compressor is a variable speed compressor and the electronic controller is configured to operate the compressor at a minimum speed above zero during the first standby mode when generating cooling power to cool the heat exchanger. And
The electronic controller is configured to operate the compressor during a preset minimum operating time when started during a first standby mode for generating cooling power to cool the heat exchanger;
The device has a temperature sensor for measuring or calculating the temperature of the heat exchanger,
In the first standby mode, the electronic controller is configured to control the refrigeration system to maintain the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the heat exchanger at a predetermined temperature,
The apparatus includes an expansion vessel having an inlet connected to a refrigerant cooling loop circuit downstream of an outlet of the compressor, and an outlet connected to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit upstream of an inlet of the compressor. A set of valves configured to control the flow of refrigerant to and from the expansion vessel to regulate the pressure in the loop circuit and / or the expansion vessel;
In a first standby mode, when the sensed pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit exceeds a preset standby pressure threshold, the electronic controller is configured to transfer cold heat to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit by the cold source to thereby control the refrigerant. Configured to start or activate the cold source such that the pressure in the cooling loop circuit decreases;
The electronic controller is configured to switch the refrigeration system to a second refueling mode when the electronic controller receives a signal indicating refueling start or request for the container,
In the second refueling mode, the electronic controller is configured to control the refrigerant temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchanger, and in particular, when the refrigerant temperature difference increases, increase the opening of the expansion valve; Is configured to reduce the opening of the expansion valve when the refrigerant temperature difference decreases,
The refrigerant cooling loop circuit has an upstream end connected to the outlet of the compressor, and a downstream end connected to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit upstream of the inlet of the compressor, and has a bypass conduit that bypasses the condenser section and the expansion valve. The device comprises a bypass regulating valve for controlling the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the bypass conduit;
The device comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the refrigerant pressure between the inlet of the compressor and the heat exchanger outlet, in particular in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit at the inlet of the compressor, and the electronic controller, in the first standby mode, When the measured pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit exceeds a preset standby pressure threshold, start the cold source and / or operate the compressor, thereby reducing the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit. Is configured to
The electronic controller is configured to regulate the suction pressure at the inlet of the compressor to a predetermined temperature set point via the opening of the bypass regulating valve and the control of the compressor speed;
The apparatus or method includes a temperature sensor for sensing a refrigerant temperature in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit between the compressor inlet and the heat exchanger outlet, particularly at the compressor inlet.
The electronic controller is configured to adjust the refrigerant temperature at the compressor inlet to a predetermined temperature set point by controlling the compressor speed and the opening of the bypass regulating valve;
An electronic controller connected to the expansion valve and configured to control a cooling power generated by the refrigeration system by controlling an opening of the expansion valve;
The apparatus or method includes a temperature difference sensor system that measures a difference between the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit at the outlet of the heat exchanger and the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit at the inlet of the heat exchanger. Configured to control the cooling power generated as a function of this temperature difference;
An electronic controller is configured to generate or receive a signal indicative of the cooling power required by the heat exchanger to cool the gas flow in the transfer circuit through the heat exchanger and generated by the refrigeration system accordingly. Control the cooling power
Signals indicating the cooling power required by the heat exchanger include the amount or flow rate of the gas flowing through the transfer circuit, the temperature of the gas flowing through the transfer circuit, the pressure of the gas flowing through the transfer circuit, the gas source. Including at least one of an external request such as pressure or pressure change, a wireless signal,
The method includes controlling the amount of refrigerant that is compressed by the compressor (8) and re-injected via a bypass conduit upstream of the compressor without flowing through the condenser section (9) and the expansion valve;
The compressed gas re-injected via the bypass conduit upstream of the compressor (8) is re-injected at the outlet of the heat exchanger,
The method includes, in a first standby mode, reducing the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop upstream of the compressor via starting the compressor when the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit exceeds a preset.

  The invention also relates to a method for refueling a container with a pressurized gas, in particular for refueling a gas hydrogen tank, comprising a gas source and a transfer circuit for transferring a compressed gas from the gas source to the container. Wherein the method comprises cooling a heat exchanger disposed in the transfer circuit, wherein the heat exchanger exchanges heat with gas flowing from the gas source to the vessel, and the cooling step comprises a refrigerant cooling loop. A cooling power is generated in an evaporator section of the circuit, and the refrigerant cooling loop circuit includes a compressor, a condenser section, an expansion valve, and an evaporator section arranged in series, and the condenser section includes a cold source and heat. Replacing, the method comprises the step of switching the refrigeration system to a first standby mode when the device is not refueling the container, wherein the temperature of the heat exchanger is a predetermined first mode. When the temperature is below the standby temperature threshold, the compressor Is Tchiofu, when the temperature of the heat exchanger exceeds the second standby threshold temperature, to generate a cooling power, characterized in that the compressor is started and operated to cool the heat exchanger.

According to other embodiments, the invention can include one or several of the following features.
The method includes directing the refrigerant of the refrigerant cooling loop circuit to the expansion vessel to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant cooling loop circuit to less than a predetermined value, and when the pressure of the expansion vessel becomes higher than the predetermined value, the method includes: Supplying cold via a cold source and drawing gas from the expansion vessel into a refrigerant cooling loop circuit, wherein both the cold source and the compressor are started when the heat exchanger has to be cooled, and the method comprises compression. Adjusting the suction pressure at the compressor inlet to a predetermined pressure level via control of the compressor speed and the amount of refrigerant re-injected via a bypass conduit upstream of the compressor, the method comprising: Adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet to a predetermined temperature set point by controlling the compressor speed and the opening of the bypass regulating valve, the method comprising controlling the refrigerant through the control of the opening of the expansion valve. Controlling the cooling power generated in the evaporator section of the refrigerating loop circuit, wherein the method reduces the cooling power generated in the evaporator section of the refrigerant cooling loop circuit by the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit at the outlet of the heat exchanger. Controlling the temperature as a function of the temperature difference between the temperature of the refrigerant and the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit at the inlet of the heat exchanger, the method comprising: Controlling as a function of a signal indicative of cooling power demand in the heat exchanger, said signal being an amount or flow rate of gas flowing through the transfer circuit, a temperature of the gas flowing through the transfer circuit, flowing through the transfer circuit. Including at least one of a gas pressure, a gas source pressure or pressure change, a user request to refuel the container, a radio signal,
The method includes the step of switching the device to a first standby mode when there is no demand for refueling the container, wherein the temperature of the heat exchanger is between, for example, -40C and -20C. The compressor is switched on when the temperature is below a predetermined first standby temperature threshold that is included, and the heat is turned on when the temperature of the heat exchanger is higher than a second standby threshold, for example, above the first standby temperature threshold. The compressor is started to generate cooling power to cool the exchanger,
The present invention also relates to any other apparatus or method that includes, within the scope of the claims, any combination of the above or below features.

Other features or advantages will become apparent from reading the following description with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram and a partial view showing the structure and operation of the fuel supply device according to the first embodiment. It is the schematic diagram and partial view which show the structure and operation | movement of the fuel supply device by 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic diagram and partial view which show the structure and operation | movement of the fuel supply device by 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic and partial figure which show the structure and operation | movement of the fuel supply device by 4th Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic and partial view of different possible operations of the apparatus and processes that may be performed (independently or in combination). It is the schematic and partial figure which show the structure and operation | movement of the fuel supply device by a further embodiment. As shown in the drawing, an apparatus 1 for refueling a container 3 is for refueling a tank of a motor vehicle with a pressurized gas (eg, hydrogen, but may be another gas such as natural gas). Refueling station.

  The apparatus 1 comprises a pressurized gas source 2, one upstream end 5 connected to the gas source 2 and at least one downstream end 6 (intended to be detachably connected to a container or tank 3 to be filled. For example, a transfer circuit 4 including a nozzle).

  The gas source 2 may include, for example, at least one of a pressurized gas reservoir or buffer, a compressor, a bundle of pressurized gas cylinders or tube trailers, a liquefied gas source and a vaporizer, an electrolytic cell, and a gas network outlet. it can.

  The transfer circuit 4 is controlled by an electronic controller according to a predetermined refueling strategy (pressure increase or rate of pressure increase and / or injection volume control and / or control of density in tank 3 and / or control of temperature increase in tank 3). Can be provided.

  The apparatus 1 comprises a refrigeration system for cooling the gas flowing from the gas source 2 before entering the container 3 (e.g. to a predetermined temperature below 0C, especially between -33C and -40C). The temperature of the cooled gas is changed according to the refueling conditions (the temperature and / or pressure in the tank 3, the rate of pressure increase in the tank 3, the gas flow rate in the transfer circuit 4, the ambient temperature ...). It can also be controlled.

  The refrigeration system includes a refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 including a compressor 8, a condenser section 9, an expansion valve 10, and an evaporator section 11 arranged in series. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 is preferably carbon dioxide, but another refrigerant such as R717 (ammonia), R22, R134a, R404a, R507, or any refrigerant capable of reaching at least -40C. May be used.

  The condenser section 9 may include a heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 8.

  The refrigeration system includes a cold source 12 that exchanges heat with the condenser section 9. This cold source 12 may include a cooling fluid circuit such as a loop. For example, air, water, nitrogen, or any suitable cooling fluid or refrigerant. The cold source 12 can include any other cold organ (cooling equipment) or device that can cool the refrigerant, such as a heat convection unit, a cooling tower, or a secondary refrigeration cycle. The cooling fluid from the cold source 12 can exchange heat with the condenser section 9 in the heat exchanger.

  The refrigeration system comprises a heat exchanger 7 which is preferably arranged in the transfer circuit 4 and comprises a heat exchange part between the gas flowing in the transfer circuit 4 and the evaporator part 11. The evaporator section 11 may be a circuit (e.g., a coil) for exchanging heat with the transfer circuit 4 and / or a mass (e.g., several centimeters) of material (e.g., aluminum) that forms an organ having high thermal inertia for storing low temperatures. Thick metal or aluminum blocks and / or other materials, such as phase change materials).

  Preferably, the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 includes an upstream end connected to the outlet of the compressor 8 and a downstream end connected upstream of the compressor 8 in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 and includes the condenser section 9 and A bypass conduit (13) bypassing the expansion valve (10) is provided. The refrigeration system can preferably include a bypass regulating valve 15 for controlling the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the bypass conduit 13.

  As shown in FIG. 1, at least a part of the compressor 8, the condenser section 9, the cold source 12, the bypass adjustment valve, and possibly the expansion valve 10 can be arranged in the refrigeration module 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the downstream end of the bypass conduit 13 (the upstream can be connected to the compressor outlet) can be connected directly to the suction line of the compressor 8. This means that the hot compressed and bypassed refrigerant is directly re-injected into the inlet of the compressor 8.

  In another embodiment (FIG. 2), the downstream end of the bypass conduit 13 can be connected upstream of the inlet of the heat exchanger 7. This second solution allows mixing of the hot compressed and bypassed refrigerant with a cooler refrigerant flow regulated by the expansion valve 10 before entering the heat exchanger 7. This allows the expansion valve 10 to maintain an overheat level (sufficient temperature) in the circuit. This also allows for higher fluid velocities in the heat exchanger 7 and the compressor suction line.

  If the compressor is an oil-lubricated piston compressor, this allows better transport of oil that may have leaked and accumulated in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit, especially in the heat exchanger 7. However, if the evaporator load is low, keeping the temperature at the heat exchanger inlet constant can be more difficult to control.

  In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the downstream end of the bypass conduit 13 is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 7 of the transfer circuit 4. That is, the hot compressed and bypassed refrigerant is re-injected and mixed with the refrigerant leaving the heat exchanger 7.

  This means that the hot compressed and bypassed refrigerant is not injected into the inlet or suction line of the compressor 8 but is injected more upstream, preferably closer to the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 7.

  For example, the downstream end of the bypass conduit 13 is fixed in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 immediately after the evaporator unit 11, for example, 20 cm to 30 cm after the outlet of the evaporator unit 11 or immediately after the outlet of the heat exchanger 7 ( Connected). Also, this connection of the hot gas bypass conduit 13 is preferably not too close to the refrigerant temperature reading 17 at the outlet of the evaporator section 11.

  Thereby, the influence of the bypass fluid on the measured temperature 17 can be avoided or limited. Thus, preferably, the temperature reading 17 is as close as possible to the outlet of the evaporator 11 (e.g., about 5-10 cm from the outlet due to the required fittings) and the connection of the bypass conduit 13 is about 20- 40 cm downstream or at the outlet or 20-30 cm downstream (e.g., 20-30 cm downstream of the first bend of the refrigerant cooling loop circuit / bypass conduit). However, since the evaporator section 11 is generally mounted inside the dispenser and the pipe comes from below, its position is almost automatically defined by the available space.

  Compared with the solution described in FIG. 2, this solution prevents or reduces the problem of temperature fluctuations at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7 because the hot and cold refrigerants are not mixed at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7 I do. Compared to the solution described in FIG. 1, this solution assists in the return of oil and the accumulation of liquid refrigerant in the return line of the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 (ie the line from the heat exchanger to the compressor inlet). To prevent

  Preferably, the bypass regulating valve 15 may be set to a closed position or a plurality of open positions for an adjusted period of time (eg, pulse width modulation of a solenoid valve), or the open and closed positions (eg, fully open and closed). It is a controlled valve that can be set to fully closed). Thereby, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the bypass conduit 13 can be interrupted or changed. The device 1 can include an electronic controller 21 connected to the bypass regulating valve 15 and configured (eg, programmed) to control the opening of the bypass regulating valve 15 (see FIG. 4).

  The electronic controller 21 may include equipment for storing a procedure for receiving and / or transmitting data. For example, it includes a microprocessor and / or a computer and / or a computer. The electronic controller 21 may be located in the device or station, or may be remote. This electronic controller 21 can also control the flow of gas in the transfer circuit 4 to the tank 3.

  The compressor 8 is preferably a variable speed compressor. The electronic controller 21 may be connected to the compressor 8 and configured to control the compressor 8 (on / off state) and the speed of the compressor 8.

  The cooling power of the refrigeration system can be controlled mainly by the opening degree of the expansion valve 10. The controller 21 is preferably connected to the expansion valve 10 and configured to control the cooling power generated by the refrigeration system by controlling the opening of the expansion valve 10.

  In order to maintain a constant evaporation pressure, the suction pressure upstream of the compressor 8, in particular at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7, must be maintained within a certain range.

  Therefore, the control of the evaporation pressure can be performed by controlling the speed of the bypass adjustment valve 15 and the speed of the compressor 8.

  The evaporating temperature, ie the temperature of the refrigerant after the expansion valve, depends on the pressure downstream of the expansion valve 10.

  Based on the desired evaporation temperature (for a given cooling of the refueling gas), the required suction pressure can be calculated (by a suitable state or correlation equation).

  The pressure can be measured at the heat exchanger 7 or preferably at the suction side of the compressor 8. As shown in FIG. 4, the device comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 between the inlet of the compressor 8 and the outlet of the heat exchanger 7, especially at the inlet of the compressor 8. 16 can be provided.

  To compensate for the pressure loss, the temperature measurement 18 at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7 can be used to reduce the set point of the suction pressure control.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the device can include a temperature sensor 18 for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator section 11 upstream of the heat exchanger 7, especially at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7.

  The suction pressure of the compressor 8 can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of the hot gas entering the bypass conduit 13 and the speed of the compressor 8.

  The refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger 7 can be zero when the compressor 8 is at minimum speed (or stopped) and the bypass regulating valve 15 is fully open.

  The maximum flow of refrigerant through the heat exchanger 7 is obtained when the bypass regulating valve 15 is closed and the compressor 8 is at its maximum speed.

  This relationship can be controlled by a division range control technique (signal amplitude sequence control technique).

  Thereby, it can be ensured that there is always sufficient overheating on the suction side of the compressor 8.

  Rapid load changes can result in a rapid response of expansion valve 10. This affects the suction pressure of the compressor 8. Due to the rapid response of the pressure control, opening of the expansion valve 10 may be associated with a feed forward signal to the pressure control output (ie, the speed setting of the bypass regulator valve 15 and the compressor 8). .

  When the cooling demand increases, the opening of the expansion valve 10 increases. To keep the evaporating pressure constant, the signal to the expansion valve 10 can also be used to calculate the feedforward signal to the suction pressure control. This means that an increase in the opening of the expansion valve may command a decrease in the bypassed refrigerant flow and / or an increase in the speed of the compressor 8.

  In a typical refrigeration application, superheat (refrigerant temperature) may be measured immediately after the evaporator section 11 (outlet of the heat exchanger 7).

  Alternatively or additionally, the superheat (refrigerant temperature) close to the inlet of the compressor 8 can be measured, for example, at the inlet of the refrigeration module 14 (the refrigeration module can also be called a refrigerator). is there.

  The main reason for measuring the temperature close to the evaporator section 11 (heat exchanger 7) is energy consumption. In this device, the distance between the refrigerator and the dispenser 6 can be used to supercool the liquid refrigerant and raise the temperature of the gas refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor 8. For example, referring to FIG. 4, this means that the line between the outlet of the condenser section 9 and the expansion valve 10, together with the line between the evaporator section 11 and the superheat control 22, are in the same insulating material or structure. Can be achieved by running on. For this reason, the superheat control is preferably controlled closer to the compressor 8 than to the heat exchanger 7.

  Thus, the device 1 comprises a temperature sensor 17 for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 between the inlet of the compressor 8 and the outlet of the heat exchanger 7, and in particular a sensor 22 at the inlet of the compressor 8 It is preferable to provide

  The electronic controller 21 can be configured to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the compressor 8 to a predetermined temperature range by controlling the speed of the compressor 8 and the opening of the bypass adjustment valve 15.

  Based on the actual measured or calculated pressure P and pressure set point PS (required pressure), the electronic controller acts on the bypass regulating valve 15 and the compressor 8 as shown in FIG.

The control of the cooling power may be based on the temperature measurement (superheat control) at the outlet of the heat exchanger 7. This control scheme works well only with slow changes in cooling demand. However, in the case of a tank refueling station, rapid load changes can occur. Simple temperature control strategy is the gas temperature to be cooled (e.g., H ₂₎ a, (typically between -33 ° C. and -40 ° C.) the correct temperature range for refueling can not be maintained in .

  In typical refrigeration applications, the change in cooling demand is very slow. In these cases, the reaction speed of the refrigerator is not important.

  For a refueling station, the cooling demand may change from zero to full cooling power within a few seconds. For this reason, a single temperature-based control may not be sufficient.

  Preferably, the device measures the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 at the outlet of the heat exchanger 7 and the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7. It has a sensor system. Electronic controller 21 may be configured to control the cooling power generated as a function of this temperature difference.

  For example, the temperature difference is calculated based on the temperature sensors 17, 18 at the outlet and the inlet of the heat exchanger 7.

  The temperature at the inlet 18 is equal to the evaporation temperature provided by the suction pressure. Instead of a measurement, the inlet temperature calculated via the suction pressure reacts faster and gives better control.

  In this context, the term {temperature sensor} means a device for directly or indirectly measuring temperature and / or a device for calculating temperature based on one or more parameters.

  The expansion valve 10 can be controlled via a closed loop control of the refrigerant temperature difference between the inlet 18 and the outlet 17 of the heat exchanger 8. If there is no or low cooling power required (eg a cold heat exchanger in standby mode), the temperature difference is very low. As the cooling demand increases, the temperature difference increases and control causes expansion valve 10 to open as needed.

  Since the actual cooling power is directly (typically proportional and / or adjusted open time) directly related to the opening of the expansion valve 10, it is therefore necessary to control whether the supplied cooling power is too high or too low. May be the temperature difference between the refrigerant inlet to the heat exchanger 7 and the refrigerant outlet.

  The apparatus 1 may be switched to the fuel supply mode when there is a fuel supply request.

  For example, the refueling mode may be activated upon generating or receiving a signal or command at the electronic controller 21. For example, when payment / request from a user and / or when refueling nozzle 6 is removed from the base dispenser.

  After the nozzle 6 is removed, it may take some time (e.g., 10-20 seconds) for the user to attach the nozzle 6 to the vehicle and activate the refueling sequence.

  When the connection of the nozzle to the tank 3 is performed, a pressure pulse test (for example, about 30 seconds) is performed, and actual refueling is started.

  A predetermined low gas temperature (e.g., about -33 [deg.] C) should be reached at dispenser outlet 6 within a short time (e.g., 30 seconds) after refueling is started.

  This device can be designed such that within a certain time (eg 60 seconds) after the nozzle is removed from its base, the heat exchanger 7 is cooled at a predetermined temperature (eg −38 ° C.). .

  This means that the heat exchanger is subcooled before the gas in the transfer circuit 4 flows to the tank 3.

  If the system is in standby mode (described below) when cooling of the heat exchanger 11 is required prior to the gas flow, the electronic controller 21 starts the compressor 8 and activates the expansion valve 10 and the bypass regulating valve 15. Can be controlled as described above. This causes rapid cooling.

  Refueling of the tank 3 requires, for example, 150 seconds to 500 seconds. Meanwhile, the actual cooling demand changes rapidly. These rapid changes are typically too fast for classical control. In order to maintain a stable temperature of hydrogen, it is preferable that a feedforward control is performed.

  For example, the operating parameters of the refrigeration system are based on the actual required cooling energy.

  Thus, once actual refueling has begun, refueling generates a cooling request. Based on the actual cooling requirements, the required cooling power can be calculated / provided.

  The electronic controller 21 can calculate and control the required refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchanger 7 (since the refrigerant flow rate must increase as the cooling demand increases).

  The compressor 8 can be started immediately after the start of refueling. The refrigeration system may cool the internal heat exchanger 9 (condenser part) and the heat exchanger 7 as much as possible from the beginning to reduce power consumption.

  As the cooling demand increases, first the bypass regulating valve 15 is closed, and then the speed of the compressor 8 is increased as required. This can be done via split range control (signal amplitude sequence control).

  In order to react faster to load changes, the required cooling power can be calculated based on the gas flow to be cooled. The calculated cooling request can act as an offset for the electronic controller 21. Thus, the expansion valve 10 can be opened before a significant change in the temperature difference occurs in the heat exchanger 7.

  Feedforward control based on actual cooling requirements may be used. Based on the gas flow rate in the transfer circuit 4 and the (expected) inlet temperature, the required cooling power can be calculated. Based on the required cooling power, the required refrigerant flow rate can be calculated, and then the required opening of the expansion valve 10 can be calculated. Therefore, a feedforward signal for controlling the cooling power can be generated using the required opening degree of the expansion valve 10.

  An estimate of the required cooling power can be calculated using the instruments available in the device 1. For example, the required cooling power can be set equal to the gas flow rate to be cooled multiplied by the difference between the enthalpy of the gas at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7 and the enthalpy of the gas at the outlet of the heat exchanger 7. . This can be calculated using the expected outlet gas temperature at nozzle 6 (typically -40C). At a minimum, an estimate of the gas flow may be required. This can preferably be derived, for example, from flow meter signals in the transfer circuit. However, it can also be calculated from signals of other equipment (for example, a pressure drop or pressure change in a gas source 2 such as a buffer). In order to improve the accuracy of calculating the cooling power, the gas pressure upstream of the heat exchanger 7, the gas pressure downstream of the heat exchanger 7, the gas temperature upstream of the heat exchanger, the ambient temperature, the temperature of the heat exchanger, etc. Other measurements can be taken into account.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cooling power request signal 24 causes the electronic controller 21 to act on the compressor 8 and the bypass valve 10 so as to satisfy the request.

  The device can also be in a standby mode (eg, between two fills).

  During this standby mode, the heat exchanger 7 may be maintained at a temperature that allows for a quick start of refueling (eg, for a predetermined period of time within 60 seconds).

  This requirement can define the maximum temperature of the heat exchanger 7 during the standby mode. For example, if the refrigeration system is able to cool the heat exchanger 7 by 20 ° K within 60 seconds, active cooling during the standby mode will result in the temperature of the heat exchanger 7 exceeding a predetermined threshold, for example, −18 ° C. To start when

  If the system is cold (e.g., a heat exchanger temperature below a first standby temperature threshold (e.g., below -20 <0> C)), the system is placed / held in standby mode. It is then preferable to switch off the compressor.

  During the standby mode, the liquid refrigerant is warmed and the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 increases.

  In order to reduce the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 (the pressure increases above a preset limit), the cold source 12 is started to generate the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20, or the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 can be cooled.

  If the temperature of the heat exchanger 7 has to be reduced (or has to be kept cold), the compressor 8 can also be started.

  Starting the compressor 8 causes a flow in the loop, reducing the pressure at its inlet.

When the device 1 is in the standby mode, the refrigerant (typically liquid CO ₂ ) downstream of the condenser heat exchanger 9 warms and evaporates, causing a pressure increase on the discharge side of the compressor 8. One solution is to start the cold source 12 to supply cold to the refrigerant and thereby reduce the refrigerant pressure. In order to reduce the number of times the cold source 12 is started, as shown in FIG. 9, the apparatus can include an expansion vessel 29 having an inlet connected to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 at an outlet on the compressor 8 side. The expansion container 29 has an outlet connected to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 at an outlet on the compressor 8 side. This device controls the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 (downstream of the compressor outlet) to the expansion vessel 29 and from the expansion vessel 29 to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 (upstream of the compressor 8 inlet). A set of valves 28, 30. The electronic controller 21 is configured to open the inlet valve 28 to the expansion vessel 29 until the pressure downstream of the compressor 8 is below a certain value (typically open at 35 barg) and close it at a preset value (eg 33 barg). can do.

  If the temperature of the heat exchanger 7 is too high, or if the pressure in the expansion vessel 29 is too high (for example, more than 15 barg), the cold source 12 can be started and the compressor 8 can be started. The outlet valve 30 of the expansion vessel 29 is opened, and the pressure in the expansion vessel 29 decreases again to an appropriate value (for example, 10 barg).

  If the heat exchanger 7 warms excessively during the standby mode, it is preferred that the heat exchanger 7 be cooled again.

  In this operating scenario, the time to reach low temperature is not important. Thus, the compressor 8 can be operated at the highest efficiency speed (typically the lowest speed).

  At the lowest speed of the compressor 8, the cooling power is, for example, 10 to 20 kW. This is enough cooling power to cool a typical heat exchanger by 30 K within 120 seconds. The minimum operation time of the compressor 8 may be fixed (for example, 120 seconds). Therefore, during this standby cooling of the heat exchanger 7, higher compressor speeds may not be required.

  For example, when the temperature of the heat exchanger 7 (“T17” of the temperature sensor 19 in FIG. 8) is lower than the first standby temperature threshold (“TS1” in FIG. 8, for example, −37 ° C.), the refrigeration system (cooling) or The compressor 8 can be switched off (maintained switched off, see reference numeral 25 in FIG. 8). The temperature of the heat exchanger 7 may be measured, for example, via the temperature sensor 19 or may be calculated based on other parameters.

  However, if this temperature T17 exceeds a second standby temperature threshold TS2 (eg, -20 ° C. or higher), the refrigeration system is switched on (or can be switched on) (“Y” in FIG. 8 and reference number 26). See). Otherwise, the refrigeration system (cooling) or compressor can be switched off (maintained switched off, see reference numeral 25 in FIG. 8).

  The electronic controller 21 can control the refrigeration system so that the set point of the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the heat exchanger becomes a predetermined temperature, for example, −40 ° C.

  Thus, the electronic controller 21 can adjust, for example, the evaporation temperature measured at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7. If this temperature rises excessively, the pressure set point at the inlet of the compressor 8 will decrease (ie, the temperature achieved at the inlet of the heat exchanger).

The expected pressure drop through the heat exchanger 7 and the compressor suction line can be less than 1 bar. Therefore, when the refrigerant is CO ₂ , it can be said that the influence on the evaporation temperature due to the pressure loss is less than 2 ° K. If different refrigerants are used, the temperature effect can be much greater.

  The electronic controller 21 can control the temperature difference between the inlet 18 and the outlet 17 of the heat exchanger 7. If the heat exchanger warms up (given by an increase in the temperature difference ΔT), see reference numeral 27 in FIG. 6 and arrow “Y”, the controller 21 can open the expansion valve 10 (reference numeral 122 in FIG. 6). reference).

  When the heat exchanger 7 cools, the temperature difference decreases (see arrow “N” in FIG. 6), and the electronic controller 21 closes the expansion valve 10 (see reference numeral 23 in FIG. 6).

  Thereby, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 7 can be controlled based on this temperature difference (between the inlet and the outlet). As the temperature difference increases, the output of the controller 21 increases and more refrigerant is sent to the heat exchanger (and vice versa). This can be controlled as a feedforward control signal in expansion valve 10.

  The minimum output can be adjusted so that at zero load, the superheat temperature at the inlet of the compressor 8 is near a predetermined temperature (eg, + 10 ° K).

  For "standby cooling", the set point may be higher, for example, + 20K.

  The electronic controller 21 can control the speed of the compressor 8 and the bypass regulating valve 15 to maintain a constant pressure at the inlet of the compressor 8.

  The superheat control (temperature control) is preferably always active. If the superheat temperature is too low, the expansion valve 10 can be closed as needed.

  Preferably, if the superheat temperature at the compressor inlet is too low, the expansion valve 10 is closed independently of the actual cooling demand.

  If the superheat temperature rises excessively, the expansion valve 10 can be opened as needed.

  If the superheat temperature at the inlet of the compressor is too low, the hot gas bypass regulating valve 15 can be opened.

  To avoid completely closing the expansion valve 10, a minimum opening of the expansion valve 10 can be set. This minimum opening can be set so that the suction temperature at the inlet of the compressor 8 is always sufficiently heated by the injection of the high-temperature bypass gas.

  In addition to the above advantages, the device can allow very fast changes in cooling power, while maintaining a constant evaporation pressure and sufficient overheating at the suction of the compressor 8.

For example, the downstream end of the bypass conduit 13 is fixed in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 immediately after the evaporator unit 11, for example, 20 cm to 30 cm after the outlet of the evaporator unit 11 or immediately after the outlet of the heat exchanger 7 ( Connected). Also, this connection of the hot gas bypass conduit 13 is preferably not too close to the measured refrigerant temperature (temperature sensor 17) at the outlet of the evaporator section 11.

Thereby, the influence of the bypass fluid on the measured temperature (temperature sensor 17) can be avoided or limited. Therefore, preferably, the temperature measurement value (temperature sensor 17) is located as close as possible to the outlet of the evaporator 11 (e.g., about 5~10cm from the outlet by the required fittings), the connecting portion of the bypass conduit 13 of the outlet About 20-40 cm downstream or 20-30 cm downstream of the temperature sensor 17 (e.g., 20-30 cm downstream of the first bend of the refrigerant cooling loop circuit / bypass conduit). However, since the evaporator section 11 is generally mounted inside the dispenser and the pipe comes from below, its position is almost automatically defined by the available space.

To compensate for the pressure loss, the temperature reading at the inlet of the heat exchanger 7 (temperature sensor 18) can be used to reduce the set point of the suction pressure control.

The main reason for measuring the temperature close to the evaporator section 11 (heat exchanger 7) is energy consumption. In this device, the distance between the refrigerator and the dispenser 6 can be used to supercool the liquid refrigerant and raise the temperature of the gas refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor 8. For example, referring to FIG. 4, this means that the line between the outlet of the condenser section 9 and the expansion valve 10 is the same as the line between the evaporator section 11 and the superheat control (temperature sensor 22 ). Or it can be achieved by running in an insulated structure. For this reason, the superheat control is preferably controlled closer to the compressor 8 than to the heat exchanger 7.

Accordingly, the device 1 comprises a temperature sensor 17 for sensing the refrigerant temperature in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit 20 between the inlet of the compressor 8 and the outlet of the heat exchanger 7, and in particular a temperature sensor at the inlet of the compressor 8 22.

The temperature at the inlet (temperature sensor 18) is equal to the evaporation temperature provided by the suction pressure. Instead of a measurement, the inlet temperature calculated via the suction pressure reacts faster and gives better control.

The expansion valve 10 can be controlled via closed loop control of the refrigerant temperature difference between the inlet (temperature sensor 18) and outlet (temperature sensor 17) of the heat exchanger 8. If there is no or low cooling power required (eg a cold heat exchanger in standby mode), the temperature difference is very low. As the cooling demand increases, the temperature difference increases and control causes expansion valve 10 to open as needed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cooling power request signal 24 causes the electronic controller 21 to act on the compressor 8 and the expansion valve 10 so as to satisfy the request.

The electronic controller 21 can control the temperature difference between the inlet (temperature sensor 18) and the outlet (temperature sensor 17) of the heat exchanger 7. If the heat exchanger warms up (given by an increase in the temperature difference ΔT), see reference numeral 27 in FIG. 6 and arrow “Y”, the controller 21 can open the expansion valve 10 (reference numeral 122 in FIG. 6). reference).

Claims (17)

An apparatus (1) for refueling a container with a pressurized gas, particularly for refueling a gas hydrogen tank,
A pressurized gas source (2);
A transfer circuit (4) comprising one upstream end (5) connected to the gas source (2) and at least one downstream end (6) intended to be detachably connected to the container (3). ) And
The device (1) comprises a refrigeration system for cooling gas flowing from a source of pressurized gas (2) before entering the container (3),
The refrigeration system comprises a refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) including a compressor (8), a condenser section (9), an expansion valve (10) and an evaporator section (11) arranged in series,
The refrigeration system includes a cold source (12) for exchanging heat with the condenser section (9), a gas disposed in the transfer circuit (4), and a gas flowing in the transfer circuit (4) and the evaporator section ( And a heat exchanger (7) including a heat exchange unit between the heat exchanger and the heat exchanger.
The apparatus comprises an electronic controller (21) for controlling said refrigeration system,
The apparatus further comprises a temperature sensor (19) for sensing the heat exchanger temperature (7),
An electronic controller (21) configured to switch the refrigeration system to the first standby mode when the device is not refueling the container;
In a first standby mode, the electronic controller (21) switches off the compressor (8) when the temperature of the heat exchanger (7) is below a predetermined first standby temperature threshold, and the heat exchanger (7). ) Is configured to start and operate the compressor (8) to generate cooling power and cool the heat exchanger (7) when the detected temperature is higher than the second standby threshold temperature. A device characterized by:   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first standby temperature threshold is between -40C and -20C.   Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second standby temperature threshold is higher than the first standby temperature threshold, for example 1 to 30 degrees higher than the first standby temperature threshold.   During the first standby mode, when the compressor is a variable speed compressor (8) and the electronic controller (21) generates cooling power to cool the heat exchanger (7); The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressor (8) is arranged to operate at a minimum speed above zero.   When the electronic controller (21) is started during the first standby mode to generate a cooling power for cooling the heat exchanger (7), the electronic controller (21) operates during a preset minimum operation time. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device is arranged to operate the compressor (8).   Device according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a temperature sensor (19) for measuring or calculating the temperature of the heat exchanger (7).   In the first standby mode, the electronic controller (21) is configured to control the refrigeration system to maintain the refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the heat exchanger (7) at a predetermined temperature. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that:   An inlet connected to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) downstream of the outlet of the compressor (8); and an outlet connected to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) upstream of the inlet of the compressor (8). An expansion vessel (29) is provided, said device comprising: a refrigerant flow to the expansion vessel (29) and an expansion vessel (29) for regulating the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) and / or the expansion vessel (29) Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a set of valves (28, 30) configured to control the flow of the refrigerant from 29).   In the first standby mode, the electronic controller (21) causes the cold source (12) to cool the refrigerant when the sensed pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) exceeds a preset standby pressure threshold. The cooling source (12) is configured to be started or activated so as to be transmitted to the cooling loop circuit (20) and thereby reduce the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20). Item 9. The apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 8.   2. The electronic controller according to claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is configured to switch the refrigeration system to a second refueling mode upon receiving a signal indicating a start or request for refueling the container. 3. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 9.   In the second refueling mode, the electronic controller (21) is configured to control a refrigerant temperature difference between an inlet (18) and an outlet (17) of the heat exchanger (7); When the refrigerant temperature difference increases, the opening of the expansion valve (10) is increased, and when the refrigerant temperature difference decreases, the opening of the expansion valve (10) is decreased. An apparatus according to claim 10.   The refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) has an upstream end connected to an outlet of the compressor (8) and a downstream connected to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) upstream of an inlet of the compressor (8). And a bypass conduit (13) having an end and bypassing said condenser section (9) and said expansion valve (10), said device comprising a bypass regulator for controlling the flow of refrigerant flowing into said bypass conduit (13). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a valve (15).   An electronic controller comprising a pressure sensor (16) for sensing the refrigerant pressure in the cooling loop circuit (20) between the compressor inlet and the heat exchanger (7) outlet, in particular at the compressor (8) inlet; (21) activating the cold source (12) in a first standby mode when the measured pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) exceeds a preset standby pressure threshold; and / or Device according to claim 12, characterized in that it is arranged to operate the compressor (8) and thereby reduce the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20). A method for refueling a container with pressurized gas, particularly a method for refueling a gas hydrogen tank,
An apparatus comprising a gas source (2) and a transfer circuit (4) for transferring compressed gas from the gas source (2) to the container (3);
The method comprises cooling a heat exchanger (7) located in the transfer circuit (4);
Said heat exchanger (7) exchanges heat with the gas flowing from the gas source (2) to the vessel (3);
The cooling step generates a cooling power in the evaporator section (11) of the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20);
The refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) includes a compressor (8), a condenser section (9), an expansion valve (10), and an evaporator section (11) arranged in series,
The condenser section (9) exchanges heat with a cold source (12),
Switching the refrigeration system to a first standby mode when the device is not refueling the container;
In the first standby mode, when the temperature of the heat exchanger is equal to or lower than a predetermined first standby temperature threshold, the compressor (8) is switched off, and the temperature of the heat exchanger (7) is reduced to the second temperature. The method characterized in that the compressor (8) is started and operated to generate cooling power and cool the heat exchanger (7) when above a standby threshold temperature of 2.   15. The method according to claim 14, comprising directing some of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) to the expansion vessel (29) to reduce the pressure in the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) to below a predetermined value. The method described in.   When the pressure in the expansion vessel (29) rises above a predetermined value, the method supplies cold heat to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit (20) via the cold source (12) and from the expansion vessel (29) to the refrigerant cooling loop circuit ( The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises the step of withdrawing gas in 20).   17. The method according to claim 12, wherein both the cold source (12) and the compressor (8) are started when the heat exchanger (7) has to be cooled. the method of.

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