Pneumatic hydrogen refueling system is a device used to refuel hydrogen from storage equipment into hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen storage tanks, or other hydrogen using equipment. The system must operate safely and efficiently under high pressure conditions and typically integrates multiple pneumatic and control components. The following will provide a detailed explanation of the various components of the system and their working principles.
The hydrogen booster pump is the core part of the hydrogen refueling system, used to lift hydrogen from low pressure to a high pressure suitable for refueling. The gas driven piston type hydrogen booster pump compresses hydrogen gas to a higher pressure through the reciprocating motion of the piston. Usually used for high-pressure applications, it can compress hydrogen gas to 45MPa and 100MPa, and is used for refueling hydrogen supply systems at 35MPa and 70MPa levels. The boosting performance of the booster pump directly affects the filling speed and efficiency of the filling system, and the most suitable hydrogen booster pump should be selected according to the needs.
The pressure control system of the pneumatic hydrogen refueling system is used to manage the flow of hydrogen, ensuring that the pressure of hydrogen is maintained within a safe range during storage, compression, and refueling processes. Pressure sensors can monitor the pressure in the hydrogen pipeline in real time, ensuring that there are no excessive or insufficient pressure fluctuations during the refueling process. In the event of abnormal pressure rise, the safety valve will automatically open to release excess pressure and prevent damage to pipelines or equipment.
Gas storage tanks are used to store high-pressure hydrogen gas, usually after it has been compressed and stored, ready to be supplied to vehicles or other equipment. The design of gas storage tanks should meet the safety requirements under high pressure conditions. Common types of gas storage tanks include steel gas storage tanks, which are traditional high-pressure gas tanks with strong durability but heavier weight. Composite material gas storage tanks are made of high-strength lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, which can withstand higher pressures and are lighter in weight. They are usually used for hydrogen storage in mobile devices. The gas storage tank needs to be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its safe operation under high pressure.
The flow control of the hydrogen refueling system is crucial, especially under high pressure. Excessive refueling speed may lead to a rapid increase in temperature, posing a safety hazard. The flow control valve is used to regulate the flow of hydrogen gas, ensuring a smooth and safe filling process.
Pneumatic hydrogen refueling systems typically integrate an automated control and monitoring system, primarily used to manage the entire refueling process, including:
Automation control: Control parameters such as compression, flow rate, pressure, and temperature of hydrogen gas through a programmable logic controller (PLC) or other automation system.
Real time monitoring: Collecting data through sensors, displaying and recording real-time information such as hydrogen pressure, temperature, and flow rate during the refueling process.
Fault detection and alarm: Once abnormal pressure, temperature, or flow rate is detected, the system will automatically trigger an alarm and take safety measures, such as stopping refueling or releasing pressure, to avoid accidents.
Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, especially under high pressure. Therefore, the pneumatic hydrogen refueling system must have strict leak prevention design, with leak detection devices monitoring possible leak locations through hydrogen sensors, promptly closing valves, and activating emergency exhaust devices. Automatically shut down the transmission of hydrogen gas when system abnormalities or leaks are detected to prevent further leaks.