A method for filling at least one buffer container of a hydrogen filling station, the station comprising a fluid circuit linked to said at least one buffer container, the circuit of the filling station comprising a first end linked to at least one source of hydrogen gas, the circuit comprising a second end provided with a transfer conduit intended to be removably connected to a tank, the method being characterized in that it comprises a step of determining the current concentration of at least one impurity in the hydrogen in the buffer container during the filling of same, a step of comparing said current concentration of the impurity relative to a predefined threshold concentration and, when the current concentration of the at least one impurity reaches said threshold concentration, stopping the filling of said buffer container.

A fuel delivery and storage system is provided. A further aspect employs a remote central controller and/or software instructions which receive sensor data from stationary and bulk fuel storage tanks, portable distribution tanks, and end use tanks. Another aspect of the present system senses and transmits tank or hydrogen fuel characteristics including temperature, pressure, filled volume, contaminants, refilling cycle life and environmental hazards. Still another aspect includes a group of hydrogen fuel tanks which is pre-assembled with sensor, valve, microprocessor and transmitter components, at least some of which are within an insulator.

A system for compressing hydrogen gas may include a compression stage with a water lubricated and sealed compressor, a gas-liquid separation stage, and a drying stage with an adsorption-type gas dryer. The system receives hydrogen gas via an inlet and discharges dry compressed hydrogen gas via an outlet. The system has an encapsulating vessel defining a cavity within which the separation stage and drying stage are located.

A method for filling a fluid container with a cryogenic fluid, the method including the step of reducing with a container temperature reducer a container temperature of the fluid container prior to adding the cryogenic fluid to the fluid container. The method can include additional steps, including: compressing with a compressor the cryogenic fluid based at least partially on the container temperature, controlling with a controller the extent that the compressor compresses the cryogenic fluid, cooling with a fin pack the cryogenic fluid, filtering with a filter the cryogenic fluid, analyzing with a fluid analyzer a fluid within the cryogenic fluid, monitoring with a water monitor a water content of the cryogenic fluid and/or monitoring with a fluid sensor a fluid property of the cryogenic fluid.

A fuel dispenser is provided with a nozzle drying function that prevents the refreezing of melted ice buildup upon subsequent uses of the nozzle. The fuel dispenser comprises a housing including a holster. A fuel dispensing nozzle is configured to mate with a holster. A port is configured to direct air into the holster and onto the nozzle. A controller is configured to control flow of the air through the port. The port may be attached to a blower located inside or outside of the dispenser using tubing. Alternatively, the port may be attached to a compressed air assembly. The compressed air assembly may include a pressure regulator configured to control the amount of air produced. A heater may heat the air flowing to the port. A pressure cap including a plurality of openings may be configured to seal the nozzle when the nozzle is mated with the holster.

A system to maintain an inert ullage in a hydrocarbon tank. The system provides for outgassing/venting of ullage gases when a high pressure event is found within the tank. Further, when a low pressure event occurs, during fuel discharge or based on ambient conditions, a source of inert gas, such as nitrogen) supplies gas on-demand to the hydrocarbon tank via a pressure regulator (preferably along the venting system) to maintain both the pressure and inerting of the ullage. A method for maintaining the inert ullage is also provided, whereby a low pressure event triggers a supply of inert gas into the tank.

A fuel delivery and storage method is provided. A further aspect employs a remote central controller and/or software instructions which receive sensor data from stationary and bulk fuel storage tanks, portable distribution tanks, and end use tanks. Another aspect of the present system senses and transmits tank or hydrogen fuel characteristics including temperature, pressure, filled volume, contaminants, refilling cycle life and environmental hazards. Still another aspect includes a group of hydrogen fuel tanks which is pre-assembled with sensor, valve, microprocessor and transmitter components, at least some of which are within an insulator.