WO2018054830A1 - Apparatus and a process for increasing the accuracy of measuring hydrogen quantity - Google Patents

Apparatus and a process for increasing the accuracy of measuring hydrogen quantity Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018054830A1
WO2018054830A1 PCT/EP2017/073459 EP2017073459W WO2018054830A1 WO 2018054830 A1 WO2018054830 A1 WO 2018054830A1 EP 2017073459 W EP2017073459 W EP 2017073459W WO 2018054830 A1 WO2018054830 A1 WO 2018054830A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hydrogen
control means
flow meter
flow control
line
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2017/073459
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrew James Murphy
Bulent TUGAL
Original Assignee
Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.
Shell Oil Company
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Publication of WO2018054830A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018054830A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0443—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0636—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0689—Methods for controlling or regulating
    • F17C2250/0694—Methods for controlling or regulating with calculations
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/065—Fluid distribution for refueling vehicle fuel tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0134—Applications for fluid transport or storage placed above the ground
    • F17C2270/0139—Fuel stations
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P90/00—Enabling technologies with a potential contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
    • Y02P90/45—Hydrogen technologies in production processes

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring the quantity of hydrogen supplied to hydrogen users comprising a first flow control means (1), a second flow control means (2), a third flow control means (3), a fourth flow control means (4), a first line (5), a second line (6), a first hydrogen flow meter (7), a second hydrogen flow meter (8), a third line (9), a fourth line (10), an interconnector line (11) and a hydrogen supply means (12). The present invention also provides a process which improves the certainty and accuracy of knowing how much hydrogen is delivered to a hydrogen user by taking multiple partial quantity measurements in different sequences and for different durations during the supply of the hydrogen user, using the apparatus of the present invention, which comprises a first hydrogen flow meter (6) and a second hydrogen flow meter (7), wherein the flow of hydrogen through the apparatus is controlled by a first flow control means (1), a second flow control means (2), a third flow control means (3) and a fourth flow control means (4).

Description

APPARATUS AND A PROCESS FOR INCREASING THE ACCURACY OF MEASURING HYDROGEN QUANTITY
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and a process for increasing the certainty and accuracy of measuring the quantity of hydrogen delivered to users .
Background of the Invention
Hydrogen is an important substance used in many processes ranging from the production of ammonia to the manufacture of edible oils. Hydrogen is also
increasingly used as an energy source for vehicle propulsion, such as a fuel for hydrogen fuel cell equipped vehicles.
For technical, commercial, legal and fiscal reasons, it is important to quantify with certainty and accurately the amount of hydrogen being used or delivered in such processes, however accurately measuring the amount of hydrogen is difficult due to both its intrinsic
properties, such as its low molecular weight, as well as due to extrinsic factors such as the effects of non¬ linear flow and inaccuracy in determining relevant volumes and temperatures etc.
Further, in processes such as the refuelling of hydrogen utilising vehicles, rapid changes in pressure, temperature and flow rate, as well as their dynamic ranges, further contribute to the difficulty of
quantifying accurately the amount of hydrogen being supplied. Currently in countries such as Germany, United Kingdom and the United States of America the XSAE J2601' standard of the Society of Automotive Engineers is adopted as a protocol for refuelling of hydrogen utilising vehicles. SAE J2601 mandates that light-duty vehicles are refuelled to 70 MPa and heavy-duty vehicles are refuelled to 35 MPa, over a period of about 3 to 5 minutes. Therefore any system for determining the quantity of hydrogen supplied during the refuelling of hydrogen utilising vehicles has to be able to overcome the challenges of rapid pressure changes, as well as temperature and flow rate changes that occur while refuelling under the SAE J2601 standard.
Current methods of determining the quantity of hydrogen deploy a single hydrogen flow meter located along a line that supplies the user or the process where hydrogen is to be used. However, the quantification of hydrogen by these methods all suffer from the problems described above. Differential pressure flow meters, vortex flow meters, mechanical flow meters, optical flow meters, thermal flow meters and Coriolis force flow meters are all examples of currently available types hydrogen flow meters.
The present invention provides an apparatus and a process for using the apparatus in a way that decreases the uncertainties and inaccuracies of quantifying the amount of hydrogen delivered to hydrogen users by increasing the consistency of measurements of the overall amount of hydrogen supplied to any one hydrogen user, particularly to a hydrogen utilising vehicle.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for measuring the quantity of hydrogen supplied to hydrogen users comprising a first flow control means (1), a second flow control means (2), a third flow control means (3), a fourth flow control means (4), a first line (5), a second line (6), a first hydrogen flow meter (7), a second hydrogen flow meter (8), a third line (9), a fourth line (10), an interconnector line (11) and a hydrogen supply means (12); wherein, the first flow control means (1) is located downstream of the hydrogen supply means (12) and comprises an inlet which is in fluid communication with an outlet of the hydrogen supply means (12); wherein, the first flow control means (1) is located upstream of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and comprises a first outlet which is in fluid communication with an inlet of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) via the first line (5); wherein, the first flow control means
(I) is located upstream of the second hydrogen flow meter (8) and comprises a second outlet which is in fluid communication with an inlet of the second hydrogen flow meter (8) via the second line (6); wherein, the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is located downstream of the first flow control means (1), and measures the quantity of hydrogen flowing through it supplied to it by the first flow control means (1) routed either: (i) via the first line (5), or (ii) via the second line (6), second hydrogen flow meter (8), the interconnector line (11) and the fourth flow control means (4); wherein, the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is located downstream of the first flow control means (1), and measures the quantity of hydrogen flowing through it supplied to it by the first flow control means (1) routed either: (i) via the second line (6), or (ii) via the first line (5), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the interconnector line
(II) and the fourth flow control means (4); wherein, the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) are in fluid communication with each other via the interconnector line (11); wherein, the second flow control means (2) is located downstream of the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and via the third line (9) is in fluid communication with: (i) the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and (ii) a hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14), and controls the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and directs it towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14); wherein, the third flow control means (3) is located downstream of the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and via the fourth line (10) is in fluid communication with: (i) the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and (ii) the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14), and controls the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from the second hydrogen flow meter (8) and directs it towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14); and wherein, the fourth flow control means (4) is located along the the interconnector line (11), and is in fluid communication with: (i) the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and (ii) the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and controls the flow of gaseous hydrogen between the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) .
The present invention also provides a process for measuring the quantity of hydrogen supplied to a hydrogen user comprising the steps of : (a) supplying an initial quantity of hydrogen from a hydrogen supply means (12) to a first flow control means (1), and while it is being supplied; (b) in a first configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses a portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a first quantity of hydrogen only to a first hydrogen flow meter (7), and only the first hydrogen flow meter (7) takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it; (c) in a second configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses another portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a second quantity of hydrogen only to a second hydrogen flow meter (8), and only the second hydrogen flow meter (8) takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it; (d) in a third configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses a further portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a third quantity of hydrogen, a first portion of which is conveyed to the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and a remainder portion of which is conveyed to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) each take a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it, wherein during the supply of each initial quantity of hydrogen to the first flow control means (1), the above steps λ (b) ' , λ (c) ' and λ (d) ' may be carried out in any order, each one of such steps may be carried out any number of times and each step may be carried out for any duration, provided that only one such step is carried out at any one time; (e) further to step λ (b) ' above, during the supply of the first quantity of hydrogen to the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the flow of the first quantity of hydrogen exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is directed towards a hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via: (i) a third line (9); or (ii) an interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the second hydrogen flow meter (8), the third flow control means (3) and then via the fourth line (10), during which period the second hydrogen flow meter (8) also takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it, wherein the above steps λ (e) (i) ' and λ (e) (ii) ' may be carried out in any order, each one of such steps may be carried out any number of times and each step may be carried out for any duration, provided that only one such step is carried out at any one time; (f) further to step λ (c) ' above, during the supply of the second quantity of hydrogen to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), the flow of the second quantity of hydrogen exiting the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via: (i) the fourth line (10); or (ii) the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the second flow control means (2) and then via the third line (9), during which period the first hydrogen flow meter (7) also takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it, wherein the above steps λ (f) (i) ' and λ (f) (ii) ' may be carried out in any order, each one of such steps may be carried out any number of times and each step may be carried out for any duration provided that only one such step is carried out at any one time. Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the apparatus according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, which carries out an embodiment of the process according to the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The apparatus of the present invention comprises hydrogen supply means (12), which supplies gaseous hydrogen to the apparatus of the present invention, so that ultimately gaseous hydrogen can be supplied to hydrogen users .
Suitably, the hydrogen supply means (12) may be capable of supplying gaseous hydrogen at a temperature of as low as -60°C. Suitably, the hydrogen supply means may be capable of supplying gaseous hydrogen at a pressure of between at least 20 MPa and 107.5 MPa. Preferably, the hydrogen supply means (12) may be capable of supplying gaseous hydrogen at a pressure of least 35 MPa, more preferably at a pressure of least 70 MPa, and more preferably at a pressure of least 85 MPa.
Suitably, the hydrogen supply means (12) may be, for example, any hydrogen storage tank of a type known to the skilled person, preferably which can store and deliver gaseous hydrogen at any one of the abovementioned pressures and temperatures.
Suitably, the hydrogen supply means (12) also may be a hydrogen supply line, supplying gaseous hydrogen from a hydrogen distribution network or from a hydrogen
production facility, preferably which can deliver gaseous hydrogen at any one of the abovementioned pressures and temperatures .
Suitably, the hydrogen supply means may be also a type of gaseous hydrogen production equipment or system preferably located at a hydrogen retail site, such as but not limited to, steam methane steam reformer (s),
autothermal reformer (s), solid oxide fuel cell(s) with hydrocarbon reforming capability, and/or a water
electrolysis unit(s).
Suitably, the hydrogen supply means (12) may comprise, for example, a combination of a hydrogen supply line feeding gaseous hydrogen into a hydrogen storage tank, or a hydrogen production equipment feeding gaseous hydrogen into a hydrogen storage tank.
Suitably, there may be more than one type of hydrogen supply means (12) and the first flow control means (1) may comprise more than one inlet for receiving gaseous hydrogen from each type of hydrogen supply means (12) . Suitably, the hydrogen supply means may also comprise one or more gaseous hydrogen compressor (s) and/or hydrogen coolers so that the hydrogen supply means is able to provide a gaseous hydrogen output at any one of the abovementioned pressures and at a temperature of as low as -60°C.
The hydrogen supply means (12) is not limited to the abovementioned examples, and further may be either a mobile gaseous hydrogen transportation unit such as truck- or rail wagon-mounted hydrogen tank(s), or a fixed/immobile unit at a distribution/ supply site.
Suitably, the choice between any one of such hydrogen supply means will depend on many factors, not limited to for example, the availability of gaseous hydrogen at or near the vicinity of the hydrogen
retailer/supplier, availability of electricity and feedstock for electrolysers and steam reformers at or near the vicinity of the hydrogen retailer/ supplier, types of hydrogen users to be supplied etc.
The apparatus of the present invention comprises a first flow control means (1) . The first flow control means (1) is located downstream of a hydrogen supply means (12) and the first flow control means (1) comprises an inlet which is in fluid communication with at least an outlet of the hydrogen supply means (12) .
'Downstream' in the context of the apparatus of the present invention means a general direction along the apparatus towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14), and 'upstream' in the context of the apparatus of the present invention means a general direction along the apparatus towards the hydrogen supply means (12) .
'Fluid communication' in the context of the
apparatus of the present invention means that gaseous hydrogen can flow between the features mentioned to be "in fluid communication" with each other.
Suitably, the first flow control means (1) may be capable of operating at a temperature of as low as -60°C and at a hydrogen pressure of up to 107.5 MPa.
Preferably, the first flow control means (1) may be capable of operating at a hydrogen pressure of least 35 MPa, more preferably at a hydrogen pressure of least 70 MPa, and more preferably at a hydrogen pressure of least 85 MPa.
As well as being located downstream of the hydrogen supply means (12), the first flow control means (1) is also located upstream of a first hydrogen flow meter (7) and comprises a first outlet which is in fluid
communication with an inlet of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) via the first line (5) .
As well as being located downstream of the hydrogen supply means (12), the first flow control means (1) is also located upstream of a second hydrogen flow meter (8) and comprises a second outlet which is in fluid
communication with an inlet of the second hydrogen flow meter (8) via the second line (6) .
In order for the apparatus of the present invention to measure the quantity of hydrogen being supplied to a hydrogen user with improved certainty and accuracy, during the supply of hydrogen to each hydrogen user (17) multiple partial quantity measurements are taken by the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) in different orders between them, any number of times and for different durations.
"Partial" with respect to hydrogen quantity
measurements means that the measurement of the total amount of hydrogen supplied to a user is made up of lesser quantities, or parts.
The values of these lesser quantities, or parts, are mathematically accounted for in the manner explained further below to give the total amount hydrogen supplied to a user.
The flow of hydrogen in the apparatus is initially controlled by the first flow control means (1), which receives an initial quantity of hydrogen from the hydrogen supply means (12) and it then controls the amount and the flow direction of the hydrogen supplied downstream of it to the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and to the second hydrogen flow meter (8) . A second flow control means (2), a third flow control means (3) and a fourth flow control means (4) further assist in the process, in the manner further described below.
With respect to such downstream supply of hydrogen by the first flow control means (1), at any one time during the supply of gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen user (IV), suitably the first flow control means (1) is able to direct the flow of hydrogen to different flow meter (s) by adopting different configurations, such that in a first configuration only the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is supplied, or in a second configuration only the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is supplied, or in a third configuration both the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and second hydrogen flow meter (8) are supplied
simultaneously .
In an embodiment, suitably the apparatus of the present invention comprises a fifth line (18), which connects the first flow control means (1) to the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) . In such an embodiment, suitably, the first flow control means (1) may also adopt a fourth configuration, such that the first flow control means (1) directs gaseous hydrogen only to the fifth line (18) so that gaseous hydrogen may be supplied directly to the hydrogen user (17) without its quantity being measured.
At any one time during the supply of gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen user (17), the first flow control means (1) can only adopt one of the abovementioned configurations. Therefore the first configuration, the second configuration and the third configuration, and optionally the fourth configuration, of the first flow control means (1) are mutually exclusive configurations.
During the supply of hydrogen to a user, the first flow control means (1) is able to adopt and switch between any one of said configurations in any order any number of times and remain in each configuration for any duration, provided that only one configuration is adopted at any one time. Suitably, the first flow control means (1) may remain in any one of said configurations for any duration .
Suitably the selection of which of said
configurations may be adopted by the first flow control means (1), the frequency of its switches between any one of said configurations, as well as the duration that the first flow control means (1) may remain in any one configuration may be controlled and effected by an electronic control unit, and/or suitably selected by the operator of the apparatus. Suitably in the present invention, control by an electronic control unit is preferred, which can be programed by the user of the apparatus so that during the supply of hydrogen to a hydrogen user, the first and second flow meters receive hydrogen from the first control means (1) in any order, any number of time and for any duration. The rationale behind such operation is to use all the partial quantity measurements taken during the supply of hydrogen to a single user to mathematically account for any individual inconsistencies and/or errors that may be generated by or inherent in the components of the apparatus of the present invention, such as the hydrogen flow meters, and suitably to that extent such order, timing, frequency of the switches and their duration used is a matter for the user of the apparatus to determine under the
circumstances prevailing at the time of use of the apparatus .
The apparatus of the present invention comprises a first hydrogen flow meter (7) and a second hydrogen flow meter (8), each of which is located downstream of the first flow control means (1) . Each of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) comprise an inlet which is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first flow control means (1) via the first line (5) and via the second line (6), respectively.
The first hydrogen flow meter (7) measures the quantity of hydrogen flowing through it supplied to it by the first flow control means (1) routed either via the first line (5), or via the second line (6), second hydrogen flow meter (8), the interconnector line (10) and the fourth flow control means (4) .
The second hydrogen flow meter (8) either via the second line (6), or routed via the first line (5), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the interconnector line (10) and the fourth flow control means (4) .
Further, the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) are in fluid communication with each other via the interconnector line (10), which enables gaseous hydrogen exiting any one hydrogen flow meter to be supplied to the other hydrogen flow meter. Suitably, the flow of hydrogen along the interconnector line may be towards either the first hydrogen flow meter (7), or towards the second hydrogen flow meter (8), such flow being controlled by the fourth flow control means
(4) working in a manner described below.
Suitably, each of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) may be capable of operating at a temperature of as low as -60°C and at a hydrogen pressure of up to 107.5 MPa. Preferably, each of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) may be capable of operating at a hydrogen pressure of least 35 MPa, more preferably at a hydrogen pressure of least 70 MPa, and more preferably at a hydrogen pressure of least 85 MPa.
Suitably the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) may be, but not limited to, a differential pressure flow meter, a vortex flow meter, a Coriolis flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter, or may be a mechanical flow meter.
Suitably the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) may detect and measure the volume or the mass of the hydrogen flowing through it. Suitably, detection of mass is preferred. Suitably, a mass-detecting flow meter, such as a Coriolis flow meter, is preferred as the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and as the second hydrogen flow meter (8), however each of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) may be a different type of hydrogen flow meter. Suitably, the mass of hydrogen that has flowed through a flow meter is presented to the operator of the apparatus of the present invention in units conveying weight and/or mass. Optionally the apparatus of the present invention may have more than two hydrogen flow meters, in which case the first flow control means (1) suitably may adopt more than the said three configurations, to be able to direct hydrogen to each one of the hydrogen flow meters.
Suitably a hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) is attached to the apparatus of the present invention via an outward supply line (13), and suitably, is capable of dispensing gaseous hydrogen to hydrogen users (17), such as to a fuel tank of hydrogen utilizing vehicle (16) .
Suitably, the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) is capable of operating at a temperature of as low as -60°C and at a hydrogen pressure of up to 107.5 MPa.
Preferably, the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) may be capable of operating at a hydrogen pressure of least 35
MPa, more preferably at a hydrogen pressure of least 70 MPa, and more preferably at a hydrogen pressure of least 85 MPa.
Each of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is in fluid communication with the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) via a third line (9) and a fourth line (10), respectively. Suitably the third line (9) and the fourth line (10) converge prior to their connection to the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) to form an outward supply line (13) which is in fluid communication with the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) so that gaseous hydrogen from the apparatus of the present invention can be conveyed to the hydrogen dispense nozzle (14) and delivered to the hydrogen user (17) .
Suitably flow of gaseous hydrogen along the outward supply line (13) towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) may be regulated by a valve (19), which may be operated and/or controlled manually or by an electronic means .
Suitably, each of the third line (9), the fourth line (10) and the outward supply line (13) is capable of operating at a temperature of as low as -60°C and at a hydrogen pressure of up to 107.5 MPa. Preferably, each of the third line (9) and the fourth line (10) may be capable of operating at a hydrogen pressure of least 35 MPa, more preferably at a hydrogen pressure of least 70 MPa, and more preferably at a hydrogen pressure of least
85 MPa.
The apparatus of the present invention comprises a second flow control means (2) and a third flow control means (3 ) .
The aim of the apparatus of the present invention is to overcome any errors and inconsistencies that may be generated as a result of the limitations of a single hydrogen flow meter by having an apparatus that comprises at least two hydrogen flow meters, and during the supply of hydrogen to a user, to use a combination of routes to channel the hydrogen through each of the hydrogen flow meters - for example through one of them only, or through the other one only, or through one then the other (in either order) , or through both of them, each a number of times, and for different durations and to switch between these any number of times. To achieve said permutations of hydrogen flow through the first and the second hydrogen flow meters, the second flow control means (2), the third flow control means (3) and the fourth flow control means (4), control the flow of hydrogen from the
'downstream' side of the each respective hydrogen flow meter. As described above, the control of hydrogen flow into the first and the second hydrogen flow meters from their 'upstream' side is controlled by the first flow control means (1) . 'Downstream' and 'upstream' used in this context have the meanings as defined earlier.
The second flow control means (2) controls the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and directs it towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle ( 14 ) .
The third flow control means (3) controls the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from the second hydrogen flow meter (8) and directs it towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle ( 14 ) .
The second flow control means (2) is located downstream of the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and via the third line (9) is in fluid communication with the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) . Suitably, the second flow control means (2) may be directly attached to the first hydrogen flow meter (7), or it may be located further along the third line (9) . Suitably, the exact location of the second flow control means (2) along the third line (9) is not critical such that suitably the second flow control means (2) may be located immediately next to the first hydrogen flow meter (7) with an outlet of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) connected directly to an inlet of the second flow control means (2), or suitably the second flow control means (2) may be located further downstream along the third line (9) with a portion of the third line (9) connecting an outlet of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) to an inlet of the second flow control means (2) .
The third flow control means (3) is located
downstream of the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and via the fourth line (10) is in fluid communication with the second hydrogen flow meter (8) and the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) . Suitably, third flow control means (3) may be directly attached to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), or it may be located further along the fourth line (10) . Suitably, the exact location of the third flow control means (3) along the fourth line (10) is not critical such that suitably the third flow control means (3) may be located immediately next to the second hydrogen flow meter (6) with an outlet of the second hydrogen flow meter (8) connected directly to an inlet of the third flow control means (3), or suitably the third flow control means (3) may be located further downstream along the fourth line (10) with a portion of the fourth line (10) connecting an outlet of the second hydrogen flow meter (8) to an inlet of the third flow control means (3 ) .
The apparatus of the present invention also
comprises a fourth flow control means (4) to control the flow of gaseous hydrogen between the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) .
The fourth flow control means (4) is located along the the interconnector line (10), and is in fluid communication with the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) .
Suitably, each of the second flow control means (2), the third flow control means (3) and the fourth flow control means (4) can adopt either an 'open'
configuration that allows gaseous hydrogen to flow through the flow control means, or a 'closed' position that does not allow gaseous hydrogen to flow through the flow control means.
Suitably by adopting said configurations and working in synchronicity with each other, gaseous hydrogen exiting from any one of the hydrogen flow meters can be directed by the second, third and fourth flow control means to the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14), either directly from the hydrogen flow meter from which the hydrogen is exiting, or indirectly via the other hydrogen flow meter. Suitably during the supply of hydrogen to a user, this enables the options of measuring the quantity of hydrogen supplied by using the first hydrogen flow meter (7) or the second hydrogen flow meter (8) alone, or both the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) .
Whether the gaseous hydrogen exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7) or the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is supplied to the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14), or to the other hydrogen flow meter, is mutually exclusive. Mutually exclusive' with respect to gaseous hydrogen exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7) means that at any one time gaseous hydrogen exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is directed to the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via the third line (9), or via the interconnector line (11), the second hydrogen flow meter
(8), the third flow control means (3) and the fourth line (10), and not via both of said routes. ''Mutually exclusive' with respect to gaseous hydrogen exiting the second hydrogen flow meter (8) means that at any one time gaseous hydrogen exiting the second hydrogen flow meter
(8) is directed to the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via the fourth line (10), or via the
interconnector line (10), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the second flow control means (2) and the third line (9), and not via both of said routes.
Suitably the control of which configuration is adopted by the second, third and fourth flow control means, and how each can work in synchronicity with the other flow control means may be controlled by an
electronic control unit, and/or by the operator of the apparatus. Suitably in the present invention, control by an electronic control unit is preferred.
The purpose of the process of the present invention is to provide a way of improving the certainty and accuracy of knowing how much hydrogen is delivered to a hydrogen user by taking multiple partial quantity measurements using a first hydrogen flow meter (7) and a second hydrogen flow meter (8) in different sequences and for different durations, controlled by a first flow control means (1), a second flow control means (2) a third flow control means (3) and a fourth flow control means ( 4 ) .
"Partial" with respect to hydrogen quantity
measurements means that the measurement of the total amount hydrogen supplied to a user is made up of lesser quantities, or parts.
The rationale behind such operation is to use all the partial quantity measurements taken during the supply of hydrogen to a single user to mathematically account for any individual inconsistencies and/or errors that may be generated by or inherent in the components of the apparatus of the present invention, such as the hydrogen flow meters, and suitably to that extent such order, timing, frequency of the switches and their duration used is a matter for the user of the apparatus to determine under the circumstances prevailing at the time of use of the apparatus .
The process of the present invention comprises the step of supplying an initial quantity of hydrogen from a hydrogen supply means (12) to a first flow control means (1) . While the first flow control means (1) is being supplied with the initial quantity of hydrogen, the first flow control means (1) controls the amount and the direction of the flow of portions of the initial quantity hydrogen that is supplied from it, either to the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and/or to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), by adopting either a first configuration, or a second configuration, or a third configuration.
While the first flow control means (1) is being supplied with the initial quantity of hydrogen, in a first configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses a portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a first quantity of hydrogen only to a first hydrogen flow meter (7) via a first line (5), and only the first hydrogen flow meter (7) takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it.
While the first flow control means (1) is being supplied with the initial quantity of hydrogen, in a second configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses another portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a second quantity of hydrogen only to the second hydrogen flow meter (8) via a second line (6), and only the second hydrogen flow meter takes a measurement of quantity of hydrogen flowing through it.
While the first flow control means (1) is being supplied with the initial quantity of hydrogen, in a third configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses a further portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a third quantity of hydrogen, a first portion of which is conveyed to the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and a remainder portion of which is conveyed to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) each take a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it.
Suitably, during the supply of hydrogen to a user (17), the initial quantity of hydrogen may be supplied to the first flow control means (1) only once, or more than once, depending how much hydrogen is needed by a hydrogen user, for example, depending on the capacity of a vehicle' s fuel tank, and on how much residual hydrogen was in such tank prior to the refueling. Suitably, the quantity of the initial quantity of hydrogen depends on factors such as the capacity of the hydrogen supply means (12), as well as its hydrogen supply rate.
Suitably, the supply of the initial quantity of hydrogen may be only once, lasting the whole duration of the period of hydrogen supply to a user (17) .
During the supply of each initial quantity of hydrogen to the first flow control means (1), whether the first flow control means (1) adopts the first
configuration, the second configuration or the third configuration of the first flow control means (1) is mutually exclusive, such that at any one time, the first flow control means (1) is either in the first
configuration and supplies only the first hydrogen flow meter (7), or it is in the second configuration and supplies only the second hydrogen flow meter (8), or it is in the third configuration and supplies both the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8 ) .
During the supply of each initial quantity of hydrogen to the first flow control means (1), the first flow control means (1) may adopt any one of said
configurations in any order, and any number of times, and may remain in any one of said configurations for any duration, provided that the first flow control means (1) adopts only one such configuration at any one time.
Suitably, the first flow control means (1) may remain in only one such configuration for the entire period of hydrogen supply to a user (17) .
During the period of supply of each initial quantity of hydrogen to the first flow control means (1), the frequency of the switches between said configurations, the duration that the first flow control means (1) remains in any one of said configurations, and how many times it adopts any one of the same configurations can vary, and can be suitably controlled or selected by an electronic control unit or suitably by the operator of the apparatus. Suitably control by an electronic control unit is preferred.
Further, during the period of supply of the first quantity of hydrogen to the first hydrogen flow meter (7) by the first flow control means (1) (i.e. only while it is in its 'first configuration' ) , the flow of the first quantity of hydrogen that has gone through, and now exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7), is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via the third line (9), or via the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the second hydrogen flow meter (8), the third flow control means (3) and then via the fourth line (10), during which period the second hydrogen flow meter (8) also takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it.
Whether the hydrogen exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7), is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) via the third line (9) (thereby resulting in only first hydrogen flow meter (7) taking a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it), or via the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the second hydrogen flow meter (8), the third flow control means (3) and then via the fourth line (10) (and thereby resulting in both the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) taking separate measurements of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it) is mutually
exclusive. In this context, "mutually exclusive" means that either one or the other said route towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) is carried out at any one time, however said routes may be carried out in any order, each one may be carried out any number of times and each one may be carried out for any duration, provided that only one such step is carried out at any one time. The flow of the first quantity of hydrogen exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via the third line (9), effected by the second flow control means (2) adopting an open configuration and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) adopting a closed configuration, or via the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the second hydrogen flow meter (8), the third flow control means (3) and then via the fourth line (10), effected by the second flow control means (2) adopting a closed configuration, and at the same time both the fourth flow control means (4) and the third flow control means (3) each adopting an open configuration .
Further, during the period of supply of the second quantity of hydrogen to the second hydrogen flow meter
(8) by the first flow control means (1) (i.e. only while it is in its 'second configuration' ) , the flow of the second quantity of hydrogen that has gone through, and now exiting the second hydrogen flow meter (8), is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via the fourth line (10), or via the
interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the second flow control means (2) and then via the third line (9), during which period the first hydrogen flow meter (7) also takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it .
Whether the hydrogen exiting the second hydrogen flow meter (8), is directed towards the hydrogen
dispenser nozzle (14) via the fourth line (10) (thereby resulting in only second hydrogen flow meter (8) taking a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it), or via the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the second flow control means (2) and then via the third line (9) (and thereby resulting in both the second hydrogen flow meter (8) and the first hydrogen flow meter (7) taking separate measurements of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it) is mutually exclusive. In this context, "mutually
exclusive" means that either one or the other said route towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) is carried out at any one time, however said routes may be carried out in any order, each one may be carried out any number of times and each one may be carried out for any duration, provided that only one such step is carried out at any one time. The flow of the second quantity of hydrogen exiting the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via the fourth line (10), effected by the third flow control means (3) adopting an open configuration and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) adopting a closed configuration; or via the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the second flow control means (2) and then via the third line (9), effected by the third flow control means (3) adopting a closed configuration, and at the same time both the fourth flow control means (4) and the second flow control means (2) each adopting an open configuration .
Further, during the period of supply of the third quantity of hydrogen to both the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and to the second hydrogen flow meter (8) (i.e. only while it is in its xthird configuration' ) , the flow of the first portion of the third quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through, and now exiting, the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) via the third line (9), and simultaneously the flow of the remainder portion of the third quantity of that has flowed through, and now exiting, the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) via the fourth line (10) effected by both the second flow control means (2) and the third flow control means (3) each adopting an open configuration and the fourth flow control means (4) adopting a closed configuration. During the xthird configuration', both the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) take a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it.
As a summary, the operation of the first flow control means (1), the second flow control means (2) the third flow control means (3) and the second flow control means (2) are coordinated such that the following six mutually exclusive scenarios ( (a) , (b) , (c) , (d) and (e) ; and optionally (f) ) take place:
(a) only the first hydrogen flow meter (7) takes a
measurement of the amount of hydrogen, because the first flow control means (1) is in the first configuration therefore supplies a first quantity of hydrogen only to the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and during such period the second flow control means (2) adopts an open configuration and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) adopts a closed configuration;
(b) only the second hydrogen flow meter (8) takes a
measurement of the amount of hydrogen, because the first flow control means (1) is in the second configuration and therefore supplies a second quantity of hydrogen only to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and during such period the third flow control means (3) adopts an open configuration and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) adopts a closed configuration;
(c) the first hydrogen flow meter (7), then the second hydrogen flow meter (8) each take a measurement of the amount of hydrogen, because the first flow control means (1) is in the first configuration therefore supplies a first quantity of hydrogen only to the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and during such period the second flow control means (2) adopts a closed configuration, and at the same time both the fourth flow control means (4) and the third flow control means (3) each adopt an open configuration;
(d) the second hydrogen flow meter (8), then the first hydrogen flow meter (7) each take a measurement of the amount of hydrogen, because the first flow control means (1) is in the second configuration and supplies a second quantity of hydrogen only to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and during such period the third flow control means (3) adopts a closed configuration, and at the same time both the fourth flow control means (4) and the second flow control means (2) each adopt an open configuration;
(e) both the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the
second hydrogen flow meter (8) simultaneously take a measurement of the amount of hydrogen flowing through each one of them, because the first flow control means (1) is in the third configuration and therefore supplies a first portion of the third quantity of hydrogen to the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and a remainder portion of the third quantity of hydrogen to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and during such period both the second flow control means (2) and the third flow control means (3) each adopt an open configuration and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) adopts a closed configuration; and
(f) optionally, gaseous hydrogen may be supplied to the hydrogen user (17) without its quantity being measured, if the first flow control means (1) direct the hydrogen only to a fifth line (18) directly towards a hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) .
Table 1 sets out such summary of the actions of the flow control means for each of scenarios (a) to (e) above. In the 'Scenario' column of Table 1, the
labelling of each row corresponds to the scenarios (a) to
(e) above.
To improve the certainty of knowing how much hydrogen is supplied to each hydrogen user, the measurements of hydrogen that has flowed through each hydrogen flow meter, i.e. the "partial quantity
measurements", are mathematically combined to obtain a total hydrogen amount supplied to a hydrogen user.
Suitably, if the quantity of hydrogen is measured by the hydrogen flow meters as a weight, said total hydrogen amount supplied to a hydrogen user is the weight of the hydrogen delivered.
In the case of the embodiment of the present invention which has only two hydrogen flow meters (i.e. the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8)), such mathematical combination is obtained by adding the total hydrogen quantity that has flowed through the first hydrogen flow meter (7) in the abovementioned scenarios (c) and (d) (in the equation set out below, the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is
represented by the letter λΑ' , and the total hydrogen quantity that has flowed through it during scenarios (c) and (d) is represented by ∑A(C+d)' ) to the total hydrogen quantity that has flowed through the second hydrogen flow meter (8) in the abovementioned scenarios (c) and (d) (in the equation set out below, the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is represented by the letter λΒ' , and the total hydrogen quantity that has flowed through it scenarios (c) and (d) is represented by λ∑B(C+d) ' ) and dividing their total by two to obtain an average hydrogen quantity under scenarios (c) and (d) , and then adding such average to the total hydrogen quantity that has flowed through the first hydrogen flow meter (7) in the abovementioned scenarios (a) and (e) (in the equation set out below, the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is represented by the letter λΑ' , and the total hydrogen quantity that has flowed through it during scenarios (a) and (e) is represented by λΣΑ(¾+Θ)') to the total hydrogen quantity that has flowed through the second hydrogen flow meter
(8) in the abovementioned scenarios (b) and (e) (in the equation set out below, the second hydrogen flow meter
(8) is represented by the letter ΛΒ' , and the total hydrogen quantity that has flowed through it during scenarios (b) and (e) is represented by 'EBic+di' ) . Said calculation for the abovementioned embodiment of the present invention may be represented by the following equation : 2 total
Figure imgf000031_0001
Suitably, in the case of the embodiment of the present invention which has more than two hydrogen flow meters, optionally the abovementioned calculation is adapted accordingly.
Suitably, an electronic computation means, such as a computer operating an appropriate software, may work out such combination to conclude the total amount of hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen user, and communicate said total amount to the user of the apparatus via, for example, an electronic display unit .
Table 1
Figure imgf000032_0001
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 shows within the dotted area a simplified schematic diagram of the apparatus according to the invention, which carries out the process according to the invention.
The apparatus comprises a first flow control means (1), a second flow control means (2), a third flow control means (3), a fourth flow control means (4), a first line (5), a second line (6), a first hydrogen flow meter (7) (also labelled with the letter λΑ' ) , a second hydrogen flow meter (8) (also labelled with the letter λB' ) , a third line (9), a fourth line (10), an
interconnector line (11), a hydrogen supply means (12) and an outward supply line (13) .
Optionally, Figure 1 also shows, a hydrogen
utilising vehicle (17) comprising a hydrogen fuel tank (16) and a line (15) for conveying hydrogen dispensed from the hydrogen dispensing nozzle (14) to the hydrogen fuel tank (16) . Suitably, line (15) may be within the hydrogen utilising vehicle, and suitably via its upstream end may be attached to the hydrogen dispensing nozzle (14) .
Figure 2 shows a within the dotted area simplified schematic diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, which carries out the processes according to the invention. Features numbered (1) to (17) (inclusive) are the same as those numbered with the same numbers in Figure 1.
Suitably flow of gaseous hydrogen along the outward supply line (13) towards the hydrogen dispense nozzle
(14) may be regulated by a valve (19), which may be operated manually or by an electronic means . The embodiment depicted in Figure 2, optionally comprises a fifth line (18), which connects the first flow control means (1) to a hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) via the outward supply line (13) . Optionally in such embodiment, hydrogen may be supplied directly from the hydrogen supply means (12) to the hydrogen user (17) without its quantity being measured, for example if the first hydrogen flow meter and the second hydrogen flow meter are either not working, or are being serviced.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. An apparatus for measuring the quantity of hydrogen supplied to hydrogen users comprising:
(a) a first flow control means (1);
(b) a second flow control means (2);
(c) a third flow control means (3);
(d) a fourth flow control means (4)
(e) a first line (5) ;
(f ) a second line (6) ;
(g) a first hydrogen flow meter (7);
(h) a second hydrogen flow meter (8);
(i) a third line ( 9 ) ;
(j) a fourth line (10);
(k) an interconnector line (11); and
(1) a hydrogen supply means (12);
wherein, the first flow control means (1) is located downstream of the hydrogen supply means (12) and
comprises an inlet which is in fluid communication with an outlet of the hydrogen supply means (12);
wherein, the first flow control means (1) is located upstream of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and comprises a first outlet which is in fluid communication with an inlet of the first hydrogen flow meter (7) via the first line (5) ;
wherein, the first flow control means (1) is located upstream of the second hydrogen flow meter (8) and comprises a second outlet which is in fluid communication with an inlet of the second hydrogen flow meter (8) via the second line (6) ;
wherein, the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is located downstream of the first flow control means (1), and measures the quantity of hydrogen flowing through it supplied to it by the first flow control means (1) routed either: (i) via the first line (5), or (ii) via the second line (6), second hydrogen flow meter (8), the interconnector line (11) and the fourth flow control means (4 ) ;
wherein, the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is located downstream of the first flow control means (1), and measures the quantity of hydrogen flowing through it supplied to it by the first flow control means (1) routed either: (i) via the second line (6), or (ii) via the first line (5), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the interconnector line (11) and the fourth flow control means (4 ) ;
wherein, the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) are in fluid communication with each other via the interconnector line (11);
wherein, the second flow control means (2) is located downstream of the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and via the third line (9) is in fluid communication with: (i) the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and (ii) a hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14), and controls the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and directs it towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) ;
wherein, the third flow control means (3) is located downstream of the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and via the fourth line (10) is in fluid communication with: (i) the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and (ii) the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14), and controls the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from the second hydrogen flow meter (8) and directs it towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) ; and wherein, the fourth flow control means (4) is located along the the interconnector line (11), and is in fluid communication with: (i) the first hydrogen flow meter (7), and (ii) the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and controls the flow of gaseous hydrogen between the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8 ) .
2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein, the first flow control means (1) controls the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply means (12) to the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and to the second hydrogen flow meter (8) via the first line (5) and the second line (6) respectively, such that in a first configuration only the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is supplied, or in a second configuration only the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is supplied, or in a third configuration both the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and second hydrogen flow meter (8) are supplied
simultaneously .
3. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding
Claims, wherein a fifth line (11) connects the first flow control means (1) to the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) .
4. A process for measuring the quantity of hydrogen supplied to a hydrogen user comprising the steps of :
(a) supplying an initial quantity of hydrogen from a hydrogen supply means (12) to a first flow control means (1), and while it is being supplied;
(b) in a first configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses a portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a first quantity of hydrogen only to a first hydrogen flow meter (7), and only the first hydrogen flow meter (7) takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it; (c) in a second configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses another portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a second quantity of hydrogen only to a second hydrogen flow meter (8), and only the second hydrogen flow meter (8) takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it;
(d) in a third configuration, the first flow control means (1) uses a further portion of the initial quantity of hydrogen to supply a third quantity of hydrogen, a first portion of which is conveyed to the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and a remainder portion of which is conveyed to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), and the first hydrogen flow meter (7) and the second hydrogen flow meter (8) each take a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it, wherein during the supply of each initial quantity of hydrogen to the first flow control means (1), the above steps λ (b) ' , λ (c) ' and λ (d) ' may be carried out in any order, each one of such steps may be carried out any number of times and each step may be carried out for any duration, provided that only one such step is carried out at any one time;
(e) further to step λ (b) ' above, during the supply of the first quantity of hydrogen to the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the flow of the first quantity of hydrogen exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is directed towards a hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via: (i) a third line (9); or (ii) an interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the second hydrogen flow meter (8), the third flow control means (3) and then via the fourth line (10), during which period the second hydrogen flow meter (8) also takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it, wherein the above steps λ (e) (i) ' and λ (e) (ii)' may be carried out in any order, each one of such steps may be carried out any number of times and each step may be carried out for any duration, provided that only one such step is carried out at any one time; (f) further to step λ (c) ' above, during the supply of the second quantity of hydrogen to the second hydrogen flow meter (8), the flow of the second quantity of hydrogen exiting the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either via: (i) the fourth line (10); or (ii) the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the second flow control means (2) and then via the third line (9), during which period the first hydrogen flow meter (7) also takes a measurement of the quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through it, wherein the above steps λ (f) (i)' and λ (f) (ii) ' may be carried out in any order, each one of such steps may be carried out any number of times and each step may be carried out for any duration provided that only one such step is carried out at any one time.
5. A process according to Claim 4, wherein the flow of the first quantity of hydrogen exiting the first hydrogen flow meter (7) is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either: (i) via the third line (9), effected by the second flow control means (2) adopting an open configuration and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) adopting a closed configuration; or (ii) via the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the second hydrogen flow meter (8), the third flow control means (3) and then via the fourth line (10), effected by the second flow control means (2) adopting a closed configuration, and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) and the third flow control means (3) both adopting an open configuration.
6. A process according to Claim 4, wherein the flow of the second quantity of hydrogen exiting the second hydrogen flow meter (8) is directed towards the hydrogen dispenser nozzle (14) either: (i) via the fourth line (10), effected by the third flow control means (3) adopting an open configuration and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) adopting a closed
configuration; or (ii) via the interconnector line (11), the fourth flow control means (4), the first hydrogen flow meter (7), the second flow control means (2) and then via the third line (9), effected by the third flow control means (3) adopting a closed configuration, and at the same time the fourth flow control means (4) and the second flow control means (2) both adopting an open configuration .
7. A process according to Claims 5 and 6, wherein, the measurements of the total quantity of hydrogen that has flowed through each hydrogen flow meters during each of the above steps λ (b) ' , λ (c) ' , λ (d) ' , λ (e) (ii) ' and λ (f ) (ii) ' are combined to obtain a total hydrogen amount supplied to the hydrogen user.
PCT/EP2017/073459 2016-09-20 2017-09-18 Apparatus and a process for increasing the accuracy of measuring hydrogen quantity WO2018054830A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1398603A2 (en) * 2002-09-12 2004-03-17 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Process for filling compressed gas fuel dispensers which utilizes volume and density calculations
US6722399B1 (en) * 2002-10-29 2004-04-20 Transcanada Pipelines Services, Ltd. System and method for unloading compressed gas
US20130014854A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2013-01-17 Tomoyuki Mori Fuel gas station, fuel gas filling system, and fuel gas supplying method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1398603A2 (en) * 2002-09-12 2004-03-17 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Process for filling compressed gas fuel dispensers which utilizes volume and density calculations
US6722399B1 (en) * 2002-10-29 2004-04-20 Transcanada Pipelines Services, Ltd. System and method for unloading compressed gas
US20130014854A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2013-01-17 Tomoyuki Mori Fuel gas station, fuel gas filling system, and fuel gas supplying method

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