Some compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling systems are configured for operation with relatively high natural gas source pressures. In some cases, CNG fueling systems comprise multiple compressors, multiple compressor crankshafts, and/or multiple compressor driver devices. In some cases, CNG fueling systems comprise multiple CNG storage tanks and/or are not capable of filling a fuel tank quickly.
Some compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling systems are configured for operation with relatively high natural gas source pressures. In some cases, CNG fueling systems comprise multiple compressors, multiple compressor crankshafts, and/or multiple compressor driver devices. In some cases, CNG fueling systems comprise multiple CNG storage tanks and/or are not capable of filling a fuel tank quickly. In some embodiments of the disclosure, a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system is disclosed as comprising a single compressor, a storage tank configured to receive CNG from the compressor, and a CNG feedback to the compressor from the storage tank.
In other embodiments of the disclosure, a method of operating a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system is disclosed as comprising providing a single compressor, storing CNG compressed by the compressor, and further compressing the stored CNG using the compressor.
In yet other embodiments of the disclosure, a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system is disclosed as comprising a single separable reciprocating gas compressor comprising a plurality of compression stages, a storage tank configured to receive CNG from the compressor, and a feedback configured to provide CNG from the storage tank to at least one of the plurality of compression stages.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description:
Referring In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a CNG refueling system capable of speedily refueling a vehicle storage tank and/or any other suitable CNG related device without multiple compressors, multiple compressor drivers, and/or a high pressure natural gas source. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a CNG refueling system comprising one compressor, one compressor driver, and/or a low pressure natural gas source. In some embodiments, the above-described CNG refueling system may be configured to feed CNG previously compressed by the compressor back into the same compressor and to transfer the recompressed CNG to a vehicle storage tank.
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In this embodiment, the natural gas source 104 may comprise a relatively low source pressure of less than about 350 psig, between about 5 psig to about 330 psig, between about 70 psig to about 330 psig, between about 275 psig to about 325 psig, and/or about 300 psig. A source regulator valve 124 may be configured to limit a natural gas pressure provided to the compressor 102, namely in this embodiment, the natural gas pressure provided to the first compression stage 112. In some cases, the source regulator valve 124 may be adjusted to comprise a high pressure limit of less than about 350 psig, between about 5 psig to about 330 psig, between about 40 psig to about 330 psig, between about 275 psig to about 325 psig, and/or about 300 psig. In some cases, a pressure release valve 126 may be provided to selectively reduce pressure provided to the compressor 102, namely in this embodiment, the natural gas pressure provided to the first compression stage 112. In some cases, the pressure release valve 126 may be selected and/or adjusted to comprise a release pressure of less than about 350 psig, between about 5 psig to about 330 psig, between about 40 psig to about 330 psig, between about 275 psig to about 325 psig, and/or about 300 psig. In some embodiments, the pressure release valve 126 may be set to comprise a release pressure higher than the high pressure limit of the source regulator valve 124. In some cases, the pressure release valve 126 may operate to release natural gas to atmosphere or storage.
In some embodiments, a stage bypass 128 may be provided in selective fluid communication with the natural gas source 104 and an output of the second compression stage 114. The stage bypass 128 may comprise a stage bypass valve 130 operable to selectively open and close the stage bypass 128. The stage bypass 128 may further comprise a bypass check valve 132. Similarly, a second stage check valve 134 may be provided to prevent fluid from reaching the stage bypass 128 and/or the second compression stage 114 outlet from a storage feedback 136 that is in selective fluid communication with the storage tank 106 and the input to the third compression stage 116. A feedback valve 138 may be provided to selectively open and close the storage feedback 136. A feedback regulator valve 140 may be configured to comprise a high pressure limit equal to or less than a maximum pressure rating for an input of the third compression stage 116.
In some embodiments, an output pressure of the first compression stage 112 may range from about 100 psig to about 1000 psig. In some embodiments, an output pressure of the second compression stage 114 may range from about 350 psig to about 1000 psig. In some embodiments, CNG may be supplied to the input of the third compression stage 116 at a pressure ranging from about 350 psig to about 1200 psig. In some embodiments, an output pressure of the third compression stage 116 may range from about 1000 psig to about 3000 psig. In some embodiments, CNG may be supplied to the input of the fourth compression stage 118 at a pressure ranging from about 1000 psig to about 3000 psig. In some embodiments, an output pressure of the fourth compression stage 118 may range from about 2000 psig to about 5000 psig.
In this embodiment, an output of the fourth compression stage 118 and the dispenser 108 may be selectively connected and/or disconnected from fluid communication with each other by a valve 142. Further, the storage tank 106 may be selectively connected in fluid communication with an input of the valve 142 via a valve 144. Similarly, the storage tank 106 may be selectively connected and/or disconnected in fluid communication with an output of the valve 142 via a valve 146.
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In some cases, a CNG fueling system 100 may operate as shown in
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In some embodiments, the CNG fueling system 900 may be operated to feed CNG back from storage tank 106 to fourth compression stage 118 via storage feedback 136″″ until the pressure of the CNG supplied by the storage tank 106 is reduced to a first predetermined threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the first predetermined threshold pressure may be associated with a lower end of a desirable input pressure range of the fourth compression stage 118. Once the first predetermined threshold pressure is reached, the CNG fueling system 900 may be operated to discontinue feeding CNG back from storage tank 106 to fourth compression stage 118.
In some embodiments, the CNG fueling system 900 may be operated to feed CNG back from storage tank 106 to third compression stage 116 via storage feedback 136″′ until the pressure of the CNG supplied by the storage tank 106 is reduced to a second predetermined threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the second predetermined threshold pressure may be associated with a lower end of a desirable input pressure range of the third compression stage 116. Once the second predetermined threshold pressure is reached, the CNG fueling system 900 may be operated to discontinue feeding CNG back from storage tank 106 to third compression stage 116.
In some embodiments, the CNG fueling system 900 may be operated to feed CNG back from storage tank 106 to second compression stage 114 via storage feedback 136″ until the pressure of the CNG supplied by the storage tank 106 is reduced to a third predetermined threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the third predetermined threshold pressure may be associated with a lower end of a desirable input pressure range of the second compression stage 114. Once the third predetermined threshold pressure is reached, the CNG fueling system 900 may be operated to discontinue feeding CNG back from storage tank 106 to second compression stage 114.
In some embodiments, the CNG fueling system 900 may be operated to feed CNG back from storage tank 106 to first compression stage 112 via storage feedback 136′ until the pressure of the CNG supplied by the storage tank 106 is reduced to a fourth predetermined threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the fourth predetermined threshold pressure may be associated with a lower end of a desirable input pressure range of the first compression stage 112. Once the fourth predetermined threshold pressure is reached, the CNG fueling system 900 may be operated to discontinue feeding CNG back from storage tank 106 to first compression stage 112. In some embodiments, once the CNG fueling system 900 discontinues feeding CNG back from storage tank 106 to first compression stage 112, the CNG fueling system 900 may begin operation substantially similar to that shown in
While the CNG fueling systems disclosed above are described with specificity, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of CNG fueling systems are contemplated that comprise any necessary header and/or fluid distribution systems useful in selectively connecting any of the component parts of the CNG fueling systems in any combination. For example, alternative embodiments may comprise headers, valves, pipes, control systems, and/or any other suitable device for selectively connecting one or more storage tanks to one or more compressors, compression stages, dispensers, vehicle storage tanks, alternative natural gas supplies, and/or any other suitable interface. Similarly, alternative embodiments may comprise headers, valves, pipes, control systems, and/or any other suitable device for selectively connecting one or more compressors and/or compression stages to one or more compressors, compression stages, dispensers, vehicle storage tanks, alternative natural gas supplies, and/or any other suitable interface. Similarly, alternative embodiments may comprise headers, valves, pipes, control systems, and/or any other suitable device for selectively connecting one or more dispensers to one or more compressors, compression stages, dispensers, vehicle storage tanks, alternative natural gas supplies, and/or any other suitable interface. Similarly, alternative embodiments may comprise headers, valves, pipes, control systems, and/or any other suitable device for selectively connecting one or more vehicle storage tanks to one or more compressors, compression stages, dispensers, alternative natural gas supplies, and/or any other suitable interface. In some embodiments, the above-described systems and methods may comprise systems and/or methods for being implemented in an automated, semi-automated, programmed, electronically controlled, manual, and/or computer controlled nature. In some embodiments, the above-described systems and methods may be remotely controlled and/or robotically assisted.
In some cases, CNG stored in a storage tank, such as storage tank 106, may experience a reduction in temperature. One reason CNG stored in a storage tank may be cooled is because the storage tank 106 may be located above ground and exposed to cold ambient temperatures. In some geographic locations, the ambient temperatures may be as low as −20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Secondly, the stored CNG may experience a temperature decrease because of the Joule-Thompson effect according to which gasses are cooled as they expand. Accordingly, as CNG is removed from the storage tank, the removed CNG expands and cools and also causes some cooling of CNG remaining in the storage tank. In some embodiments, as the compressor pulls gas from storage, the storage tank may reduce from about 4000 psig to about 1000 psig. This 3000 psig decrease will cause the gas left in storage to decrease in temperature. The storage vessel may eventually warm the CNG that remains in storage, but the gas that is provided to the compressor may remain relatively cooler. Without means to prevent otherwise, the temperature of the CNG provided to the compressor may be undesirably cool, and that temperature depends how fast the gas is removed from the storage tank. Feeding cold gas to the compressor can be problematic. In some cases, cold gas can overload a driver of the compressor since colder gas is denser and more power is required to compress it. In other cases, the cold gas may shift a load on a piston rod of the compressor when gas flow is increased, thereby causing problems with the piston rod. Still further, the cool gas may reduce system equipment temperatures to near or below minimum design metal temperatures (MDMT) which can cause metal to become brittle and increase a risk of fracture. Accordingly, the embodiments of
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In some embodiments, a CNG system can be transitioned from operating only third compression stage 116 and fourth compression stage 118 (while drawing CNG from storage tank 106). In some cases, an input pressure to the third compression stage 116 can be higher while drawing CNG from storage tank 106 as compared to when drawing from the second stage 114 during four stage operation. To transition from the above-described two stage operation to four stage operation, the CNG supply from the storage tank 106 can be shut off (such as by closing feedback valve 138). As the pressure supplied to third compression stage 116 drops, it will approach a pressure that is typical for four stage operation. Once the pressure is substantially the same as four stage operation, the first compression stage 112 and the second compression stage 114 can be activated, thereby initiating four stage operation from a two stage operation in a very smooth manner.
At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations, and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of the embodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, Rl, and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=Rl+k*(Ru−Rl), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention.
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Child | 15709084 | US |