Patent Application
20180347761
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a) and (b) to French patent application No. FR 1754870, filed Jun. 1, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The invention concerns a valve, a pressurized gas storage facility and a corresponding filling station.
The invention more particularly concerns a valve for a storage facility for fluid under pressure, in particular hydrogen gas, comprising a body housing a fluid circuit comprising a first end intended to be connected to the orifice of at least one pressurized fluid storage facility, at least one second, draw-off end intended to be connected to a receiver circuit to enable the supply of fluid drawn off from the storage facility via the circuit, at least one third, filling end intended to be connected to a source of gas under pressure to enable the filling of the storage facility via the circuit, the second end and the third end being connected to the first end via a draw-off branch of the circuit and a filler branch of the circuit, respectively, the draw-off branch and the filler branch being connected in parallel to the first end of the circuit and each comprising a set of valves.
The invention concerns in particular a high-pressure valve, notably for hydrogen applications (tank(s) and mobile or fixed stations).
Numerous valves and corresponding stations have been proposed for these applications. However, these known solutions do not enable optimization of filling and dispensing performance combined with modular usage.
In particular, the known solutions do not enable simultaneous guarantees of a high level of modularity of the storage facilities used in filling stations (used in particular for pressure balancing and/or as a compressor source).
An object of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the disadvantages of the above prior art.
To this end, the valve according to the invention, otherwise conforming to the generic definition thereof given in the above preamble, is essentially characterized in that the circuit includes two distinct draw-off ends fluidically connected to the draw-off branch and leading to the body of the valve at the level of two respective distinct orifices.
Moreover, embodiments of the invention can include one or more of the following features:
The invention also concerns a pressurized gas storage facility or pressurized gas storage facilities comprising an orifice connected to a valve according to any one of the following or above features.
The invention also concerns a station for filling pressurized gas tanks comprising at least one pressurized gas storage facility connected to at least one transfer line intended to be connected to a pressurized gas tank to be filled to provide a transfer of gas from the storage facility to the tank, the transfer line being connected to one of the draw-off ends of the body of the valve of the storage facility.
According to other possible features
The invention can also concern any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or following features.
Other features and advantages will become apparent on reading the following description given with reference to the figures in which:
The valve shown in
The valve comprises a body 2 housing a fluid circuit 3 comprising a first end 4 connected to the orifice of the storage facility 1. For example, the first end 4 of the valve leads to the level of an externally threaded portion intended to be threaded into the internally threaded orifice of the storage facility 1. Alternatively, this first end could of course be connected to a set of distinct storage facilities (a rack of cylinders for example). In other words the valve would be common to a plurality of storage facilities and connected to the latter by circuitry.
The fluid circuit 3 of the valve comprises two draw-off ends 5 intended to be connected to a receiver circuit to enable the supply of fluid drawn off from the storage facility 1. These two distinct draw-off ends 5 lead to the body 2 of the valve via respective orifices.
The two distinct draw-off ends 5 lead to the body 2 of the valve and are fluidically connected to the draw-off branch 15, i.e. the two distinct draw-off ends 5 can communicate fluidically with one another and with the draw-off branch 15.
The two draw-off ends 5 are situated downstream of the set of valves of the draw-off branch 15. The two ends are connected in parallel to the rest of the draw-off branch 15. In other words, downstream of the valves of the draw-off branch 15 the downstream end of the draw-off branch 5 is divided in two, leading to these two ends (or outlets) 5 on the body of the valve. Moreover, the gas can pass from one draw-off end 5 to the other without passing through the set of valves of the draw-off branch 15. In other words, the gas drawn off via one or the other of the draw-off ends 5 has passed through the same valves of the draw-off branch 15. The word “downstream” is relative to the direction of flow of the gas in the draw-off branch 15 from upstream (the storage facility) to downstream (one or the other of the ends 5).
Each of these draw-off ends 5 leads to the body 2 for example at the level of a standard or non-standard fluidic connector.
The circuit 3 also comprises two filler ends 6 intended to be connected to a source of gas under pressure to enable filling of the storage facility 1. As before, these two filler ends 6 can lead to the body 2 (for example at the level of respective standard or non-standard fluidic connectors).
The two distinct filler ends 6 lead to the body 2 of the valve and are connected fluidically to the filler branch 16. In other words, the two distinct filler ends 6 can communicate fluidically with one another and with the filler branch 16.
The second (draw-off) end 5 and the third (filler) end 6 are therefore distinct and connected to the first end 4 via respective branches of the circuit 3: respectively a draw-off branch 15 and a filler branch 16. In other words, for filling and for drawing off from the storage facility 1, the fluid passes through distinct orifices of the valve (two inlets and two outlets that are independent) before taking a common circuit portion (the two branches 15, 16 joining before or at the level of the first end 4 of the circuit 3).
In other words, the draw-off branch 15 and the filler branch 16 are connected in parallel at the first end 4. The draw-off branch 15 and the filler branch 16 each comprise a set of valves. To be more precise, the draw-off branch 15 and the filler branch 16 each comprise a respective valve 7, 9 in series with a respective unidirectional valve 8, 10.
Each valve 7, 9 is for example a motorized valve, in particular a pneumatic valve. Of course any other type of valve can be envisaged (manual valve, solenoid valve, hydraulic valve, . . . ).
Each respective unidirectional valve 8, 10 is for example a check valve (mobile closure member associated with a return member that can be opened by a pressure differential in only one direction (the filler direction or the draw-off direction, respectively)).
As described in detail hereinafter, this architecture with double inlets 6 and double outlets 5 enables integration of a storage facility 1 of this kind into a circuit of a filling station with a guaranteed good seal in the case of bidirectional use (filling of/drawing off from the storage facility 1). In particular, this architecture enables simplification of the connections and the sizing of the station.
This also enables decorrelation of pressurization and depressurization of the storage facility 1. This also enables simplification of the assembly and the maintenance of a storage facility 1 of this kind in a circuit into which it is integrated.
This architecture enables the valve to have a high working pressure, for example 1100 bar.
The circuit 3 of the valve preferably also includes a first isolation valve 11 situated between on the one hand the two draw-off and filler branches 15, 16 and on the other hand the first end 4 of the circuit 3. In other words, the first isolation valve 11 is situated on the portion of the circuit 3 that is common to the operations of filling/drawing off from the storage facility 1. This first isolation valve 1 can be a manual valve and/or a motorized valve.
The valve preferably also includes a safety draining member 13 configured to free a passage for evacuation of the gas from the storage facility 1 if it is subjected to a temperature and/or a pressure above a particular threshold. This optional member 13 is for example a fusible member that opens up a (normally closed) passage between the first end 4 of the circuit 3 and at least one evacuation orifice 12 leading to the body 2 (for example two evacuation orifices 12 as shown here).
The circuit 3 can also comprise a purge line 22 having an upstream end connected to the first isolation valve 11 and the two draw-off and filler branches 15, 16 and a downstream end connected to the evacuation orifice or orifices 12 of the draining member 13. This purge line 22 comprises for example a second (manual and/or motorized) isolation valve 17. Opening the second isolation valve 17 therefore enables evacuation via the evacuation orifice or orifices 12 of the pressurized gas situated between the first isolation valve 11 and the two filler/drawing off branches 15, 16. The evacuation orifice or orifices 12 can be vented to the atmosphere and/or connected to a gas recovery volume. This purge line can be used to drain the storage facility.
As shown in
Likewise, the circuit 3 of the valve can include at least one pressure sensor 15 situated between the first isolation valve 11 and the first end 4 of the circuit 3.
This valve architecture advantageously enables use of a storage facility 1 of this kind in a gas installation, in particular in a station for filling tanks, in particular hydrogen tanks. In particular (cf.
As shown in
The station shown in
To be more precise, a first storage facility 1 (at the top in
Of course, the draw-off ends (connectors) 5 of all the storage facilities 1 are not necessarily all connected/linked to one another and to the same draw-off line 18. This enables provision of a multiple gas dispenser with the same gas source. For example, the installation can include two (or more) groups of storage facilities respectively connected to two (or more) distinct transfer lines 18. All these storage facilities 1 can on the other hand be connected to the same source (or distinct sources) via their draw-off ends 6. In the case for example of four storage facilities 1 connected to two transfer lines 18, the draw-off ends 5 of two storage facilities 1 can be connected in parallel to a first transfer line 18 whereas the draw-off ends 5 of the other two storage facilities 1 are connected in parallel to the other transfer line 18. The four storage facilities can be connected to the same source 20, 21 via the filler ends 6. Cf.
Likewise, the first storage facility 1 (at the top in
Finally, the evacuation orifices 12 of the three storage facilities can be connected to the same purge line 23.
The ends/orifices 5, 6, 12 of the valves of the storage facilities are therefore respectively connected in parallel:
As before, not all the draw-off ends of all the tanks are necessarily linked/connected to one another but can be grouped/linked to distinct transfer lines 18.
The ends/orifices of the valve of the final storage facility 1 (the one farthest away, at the row end, at the bottom in
Each valve associated with its storage facility 1 therefore has a double system of orifices/outlets 5, 6, 12 enabling a double connection that simplifies the interconnections between the storage facilities 1 and the rest of the station.
In this way it is relatively easy to add a storage facility 1 in parallel or to remove a storage facility at one end of this row of storage facilities 1. The costs linked to the connection of such storage facilities 1 can be minimized.
This architecture enables filling of a storage facility 1 while another is dispensing gas to a tank 22. This enables the provision of a plurality of independent dispensing terminals drawing from the same source (the compressor 20).
This architecture in particular enables parallel use of the storage facilities 1 in accordance with the cascade principle (without being limited as to the number of storage facilities 1) to optimize the quantity of gas stored in these storage facilities.
This architecture limits the number of connectors whilst enabling a high level of modularity.
This in particular enables a gradual increase in the daily capacity of the station. This also enables the number of cascade steps to be increased if necessary.
Moreover, this architecture enables use of one or more storage facilities 1 to fill one or more other storage facilities 1 of the installation (for example by balancing and where necessary from the source 20, 21).
Each storage facility 1 with its associated valve enables the replacement when necessary of a plurality of prior art storage facilities at the same time as simplifying installation and maintenance. This enables optimization of cascade filling using 60 to 70% of its capacity (instead of 30% in prior art solutions). One or more storage facilities 1 can also be used to fill one or more other storage facilities 1 (if necessary via a compressor).
If the valve of a storage facility 1 comprises a sensor or sensors for sending the pressure (and where applicable the temperature) of the gas in the circuit 3, the quantity of gas drawn off from each storage facility 1 (or with which it is filled) can be calculated using a gas state equation (PV=z.n.R.T for example).
This can replace or supplement a measurement by a mass flow meter.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications; and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The present invention may suitably comprise, consist or consist essentially of the elements disclosed and may be practiced in the absence of an element not disclosed. Furthermore, if there is language referring to order, such as first and second, it should be understood in an exemplary sense and not in a limiting sense. For example, it can be recognized by those skilled in the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.
The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
“Comprising” in a claim is an open transitional term which means the subsequently identified claim elements are a nonexclusive listing i.e. anything else may be additionally included and remain within the scope of “comprising.” “Comprising” is defined herein as necessarily encompassing the more limited transitional terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of”; “comprising” may therefore be replaced by “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” and remain within the expressly defined scope of “comprising”.
“Providing” in a claim is defined to mean furnishing, supplying, making available, or preparing something. The step may be performed by any actor in the absence of express language in the claim to the contrary.
Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstances may or may not occur. The description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur.
Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, it is to be understood that another embodiment is from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value, along with all combinations within said range.
All references identified herein are each hereby incorporated by reference into this application in their entireties, as well as for the specific information for which each is cited.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR 1754870 | Jun 2017 | FR | national |
