Patent classifications
F17C2250/0452
HIGH-PRESSURE HYDROGEN TANK
A high-pressure hydrogen tank includes a metal circular cylinder configured to store high-pressure hydrogen therein, a cap part configured to cover each of opposite end portions of the metal circular cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding an outer periphery of a circular-cylindrical portion of the metal circular cylinder, and a fastening part configured to fix the cap part to the outer cylinder.
Hydrogen gas dispensing systems and methods
According to at least one aspect, a hydrogen gas dispensing system is provided. The hydrogen gas dispensing system includes a source configured to provide a hydrogen gas, a storage device configured to store the hydrogen gas up to a first pressure level, a dispenser configured to dispense the hydrogen gas up to a second pressure level that is higher than the first pressure level, and a compressor configured to compress the hydrogen gas from the source up to the first pressure level for storage in the storage device and configured to compress the hydrogen gas from the storage device up to the second pressure level for dispensing via the dispenser. According to at least one aspect, the dispensing system comprises an input power port configured to receive input power and an output power port configured to deliver output power derived from the input power to charge an electric vehicle.
Replaceable cartridge, cartridge system and method for connecting cartridges
A replaceable cartridge for storing a fluid includes a pressure vessel for holding the fluid; a connecting line extending from the pressure vessel to a first connection surface on an external side of the cartridge; and a valve system comprising a first shut-off member disposed in the connecting line; wherein the connecting line has a taper in a direction of the first connection surface.
Containers and methods for protecting pressure vessels
A container includes first and second hollow shells respectively including first and second inner surfaces to receive a portion of a pressure vessel (PV). The first hollow shell includes a fiber layer that is and at least partially impregnated with resin, and an energy dissipating material that is substantially concentric with the first inner surface and disposed between the first inner surface and the fiber layer. The second hollow shell includes a fiber layer that is at least partially impregnated with resin, and an energy dissipating material that is substantially concentric with the second inner surface and disposed between the second inner surface and the second fiber layer. The first and second hollow shells are attachable to one another to define a volume for at least partially enclosing the PV.
Fluid Transfer Apparatus
A fluid transfer apparatus transfers fluid from a first bulk storage vessel at a gas pressure equal to or greater than a first gas pressure. The fluid transfers to a first or second supply vessel; each having a gas pressure equal to or less than a second pressure. The second pressure less than the first pressure. The fluid transfer continues until the fluid in the first or second supply vessel reaches a predetermined weight inside the first or second supply vessel. The fluid in the filled first or second supply vessel, at the predetermined weight, under a pressure equal to or less than the second pressure; and the fluid in a liquefied and gas state. The apparatus heats the fluid in the first or second supply vessel, filled to the predetermined weight, to bring the fluid in the first or second supply vessel to a third gas pressure. The third gas pressure higher than the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure. The fluid in the first or second supply vessel having the third gas pressure can include fluid in the liquefied gas state and gas state or super critical state.
Compressed natural gas vehicle safety system and method
A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle's ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.
Fluid filling systems and methods
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for refilling fluid containers. A fluid container may include a bottle and a valve assembly. The valve assembly may include two valves and be configured to engage with the bottle and a filling head or dispensing head. A system is configured to provide pressurized fluid to the refillable container, monitor filling, determine when to stop filling, and determine how much fluid was provided. The valve assembly may include a float mechanism coupled to one of the valves of the valve assembly to ensure fluid flow is stopped when the fluid container is full. The fluid, which can include carbon dioxide, is stored in a storage tank. A flow system provides the fluid to a filling head, which engages with the fluid container. The flow system includes a transfer pump, valves, and sensors configured to provide the fluid to the filling head.
HYDROGEN GAS DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
According to at least one aspect, a hydrogen gas dispensing system is provided. The hydrogen gas dispensing system includes a source configured to provide a hydrogen gas, a storage device configured to store the hydrogen gas up to a first pressure level, a dispenser configured to dispense the hydrogen gas up to a second pressure level that is higher than the first pressure level, and a compressor configured to compress the hydrogen gas from the source up to the first pressure level for storage in the storage device and configured to compress the hydrogen gas from the storage device up to the second pressure level for dispensing via the dispenser. According to at least one aspect, the dispensing system comprises an input power port configured to receive input power and an output power port configured to deliver output power derived from the input power to charge an electric vehicle.
FLUID FILLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for refilling fluid containers. A fluid container may include a bottle and a valve assembly. The valve assembly may include two valves and be configured to engage with the bottle and a filling head or dispensing head. A system is configured to provide pressurized fluid to the refillable container, monitor filling, determine when to stop filling, and determine how much fluid was provided. The valve assembly may include a float mechanism coupled to one of the valves of the valve assembly to ensure fluid flow is stopped when the fluid container is full. The fluid, which can include carbon dioxide, is stored in a storage tank. A flow system provides the fluid to a filling head, which engages with the fluid container. The flow system includes a transfer pump, valves, and sensors configured to provide the fluid to the filling head.
Method of filling fuel gas
Decrease speed (gas pressure decrease speed) of fuel gas pressure in an in-vehicle fuel gas container and elapsed time after the fuel gas pressure reaches a predetermined lower limit value are measured. Then, based on the gas pressure decrease speed and the elapsed time, it is determined whether or not a burping occurrence condition where a fuel gas which entered space between an inner layer and an outer layer of the in-vehicle fuel gas container is discharged to the outside of the outer layer is satisfied. If the burping occurrence condition is satisfied, at the time of filling the fuel gas in the in-vehicle fuel gas container, control to prevent detection of the fuel gas by the fuel gas detector is performed.