U.S. patent application number 11/461070 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for methods for dispensing hydrogen gas.
This patent application is currently assigned to PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to John F. Boyle, Luke T. Dalton, Fred Mitlitsky, Blake Myers, Hassan Obahi, Jason K. Shiepe.
Application Number | 20060260949 11/461070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27668444 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060260949 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mitlitsky; Fred ; et
al. |
November 23, 2006 |
Methods for Dispensing Hydrogen Gas
Abstract
In one embodiment, the method of dispensing hydrogen gas
comprises: selecting a hydrogen gas pressure using a pressure
selector disposed in operable communication with a hydrogen gas
output port, dispensing hydrogen gas at the selected hydrogen gas
pressure, ceasing a flow of hydrogen gas to the vessel, and
removing the nozzle from fluid communication with the vessel. The
nozzle is in fluid communication with a hose and the hydrogen gas
output port to form a first outlet disposed in mechanical
connection with a mobile platform. In yet another embodiment, the
method of dispensing hydrogen gas comprises: producing the hydrogen
gas in an electrolysis cell system, activating a hydrogen
dispenser, dispensing the hydrogen gas to a vessel, and ceasing a
flow of the hydrogen gas to the vessel. The hydrogen dispenser and
the electrolysis cell system are on a mobile platform.
Inventors: |
Mitlitsky; Fred; (Livermore,
CA) ; Boyle; John F.; (Emmaus, PA) ; Dalton;
Luke T.; (Portland, CT) ; Myers; Blake;
(Livermore, CA) ; Obahi; Hassan; (Westfield,
MA) ; Shiepe; Jason K.; (Middletown, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP - PROTON
55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH
BLOOMFIELD
CT
06002
US
|
Assignee: |
PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
27668444 |
Appl. No.: |
11/461070 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10248480 |
Jan 22, 2003 |
|
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|
11461070 |
Jul 31, 2006 |
|
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60319086 |
Jan 22, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
205/637 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C25B 15/08 20130101;
Y02E 60/50 20130101; H01M 8/04201 20130101; H01M 8/0656
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
205/637 |
International
Class: |
C25B 1/02 20060101
C25B001/02 |
Claims
1. A method of dispensing hydrogen gas, comprising: selecting a
hydrogen gas pressure using a pressure selector disposed in
operable communication with a hydrogen gas output port; disposing a
nozzle in fluid communication with a vessel to receive the hydrogen
gas; dispensing hydrogen gas at the selected hydrogen gas pressure;
ceasing a flow of hydrogen gas to the vessel; and removing the
nozzle from fluid communication with the vessel; wherein the nozzle
is in fluid communication with a hose and the hydrogen gas output
port to form a first outlet disposed in mechanical connection with
a mobile platform.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising vertically actuating
the first outlet.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected pressure is about
2,700 psi to about 4,500 psi.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected pressure is about
3,700 psi to about 6,750 psi.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first outlet further
comprises a valve, and further comprising actuating the valve.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting a hydrogen
gas fill pressure to the selected pressure.
7. A method of dispensing hydrogen gas, comprising: disposing a
first nozzle of a first outlet in fluid communication with a vessel
to receive the hydrogen gas, wherein the first outlet comprises the
first nozzle in fluid communication with a first hydrogen output
port, wherein the first hydrogen output port is in operable
communication with a first display panel, and wherein the first
nozzle, the first hydrogen output port, the hydrogen gas, and the
first display panel, are on a mobile platform; dispensing the
hydrogen gas; ceasing a flow of the hydrogen gas to the vessel; and
removing the nozzle from fluid communication with the vessel.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising dispensing additional
hydrogen gas from with a second outlet, and wherein the first
outlet and the second outlet are dispensing hydrogen gas at
different fill pressures.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein a first outlet pressure is about
2,700 psi to about 4,500 psi, and wherein a second outlet pressure
is about 3,700 psi to about 6,750 psi.
10. The method of claim 7, further comprising vertically actuating
the first outlet.
11. A method of dispensing hydrogen gas, comprising: producing the
hydrogen gas in an electrolysis cell system; activating a hydrogen
dispenser; dispensing the hydrogen gas to a vessel; and ceasing a
flow of the hydrogen gas to the vessel; wherein the hydrogen
dispenser and the electrolysis cell system are on a mobile
platform.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the hydrogen gas is dispensed
with a first outlet, and further comprising dispensing additional
hydrogen gas with a second outlet, and wherein the first outlet and
the second outlet are dispensing hydrogen gas at different fill
pressures.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein a first outlet pressure is
about 2,700 psi to about 4,500 psi, and wherein a second outlet
pressure is about 3,700 psi to about 6,750 psi.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein activating the hydrogen
dispenser further comprises vertically actuating a first
outlet.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein activating the hydrogen
dispenser further comprises selecting a hydrogen gas pressure using
a pressure selector disposed in operable communication with a
hydrogen gas output port.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein producing the hydrogen further
comprises introducing water to the electrolysis cell system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/248,480 filed Jan. 22, 2003, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/319,086 filed Jan. 22, 2002, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates to electrochemical cells, and, more
particularly, to a dispensing apparatus for an electrolysis
cell.
[0003] Electrochemical cells are energy conversion devices, usually
classified as either electrolysis cells or fuel cells. Proton
exchange membrane electrolysis cells can function as hydrogen
generators by electrolytically decomposing water to produce
hydrogen and oxygen gases. Referring to FIG. 1, a section of an
anode feed electrolysis cell of the prior art is shown generally at
10 and is hereinafter referred to as "cell 10." Reactant water 12
is fed into cell 10 at an oxygen electrode (anode) 14 to form
oxygen gas 16, electrons, and hydrogen ions (protons) 15. The
chemical reaction is facilitated by the positive terminal of a
power source 18 connected to anode 14 and the negative terminal of
power source 18 connected to a hydrogen electrode (cathode) 20.
Oxygen gas 16 and a first portion 22 of water are discharged from
cell 10, while the protons 15 and second portion 24 of the water
migrate across a proton exchange membrane 26 to cathode 20. At
cathode 20, hydrogen gas 28 is formed and removed, generally
through a gas delivery line. Second portion 24 of water, which is
entrained with hydrogen gas, is also removed from cathode 20.
[0004] An electrolysis cell system may include a number of
individual cells arranged in a stack with reactant water being
directed through the cells via input and output conduits formed
within the stack structure. The cells within the stack are
sequentially arranged, and each one includes a membrane electrode
assembly defined by a proton exchange membrane disposed between a
cathode and an anode. The cathode, anode, or both may be gas
diffusion electrodes that facilitate gas diffusion to proton
exchange membrane. Each membrane electrode assembly is in fluid
communication with a flow field positioned adjacent to the membrane
electrode assembly. The flow fields are defined by structures that
facilitate fluid movement and membrane hydration within each
individual cell.
[0005] The second portion of water, which is entrained with
hydrogen gas, is discharged from the cathode side of the cell and
is fed to a phase separation unit to separate the hydrogen gas from
the water, thereby increasing the hydrogen gas yield and the
overall efficiency of the cell in general. The removed hydrogen gas
may be delivered directly to a hydrogen powered application for use
as a fuel. Alternately, the removed hydrogen gas may be charged to
a storage facility, e.g., a cylinder, a tank, or a similar type of
containment vessel, for subsequent delivery to a hydrogen powered
application.
[0006] Regardless of whether the hydrogen gas is delivered directly
to the application or delivered from a storage facility, the gas is
dispensed through a dispensing system. Oftentimes, however, the
application to which the gas is dispensed is remote from the
dispensing system, and the system lends itself to being stationary.
While hydrogen powered automobiles may be brought to the dispensing
system with little difficulty, larger and less easily movable
applications (e.g., heavy machinery) may be impossible to move.
[0007] While existing electrolysis cell systems are suitable for
their intended purposes, there still remains a need for
improvements, particularly regarding the efficient dispensing of
hydrogen gas to a hydrogen powered application to complete a
refueling operation. Therefore, a need exists for a dispensing
system that is capable of being moved to the particular application
and effectively delivering the hydrogen gas generated by the cell
system to the application.
SUMMARY
[0008] Disclosed herein are methods of dispensing hydrogen gas. In
one embodiment, the method of dispensing hydrogen gas comprises:
selecting a hydrogen gas pressure using a pressure selector
disposed in operable communication with a hydrogen gas output port,
disposing a nozzle in fluid communication with a vessel to receive
the hydrogen gas, dispensing hydrogen gas at the selected hydrogen
gas pressure, ceasing a flow of hydrogen gas to the vessel, and
removing the nozzle from fluid communication with the vessel. The
nozzle is in fluid communication with a hose and the hydrogen gas
output port to form a first outlet disposed in mechanical
connection with a mobile platform.
[0009] In another embodiment, the method of dispensing hydrogen gas
comprises: disposing a first nozzle of a first outlet in fluid
communication with a vessel to receive the hydrogen gas, dispensing
the hydrogen gas, ceasing a flow of the hydrogen gas to the vessel,
and removing the nozzle from fluid communication with the vessel.
The first outlet comprises the first nozzle in fluid communication
with a first hydrogen output port, wherein the first hydrogen
output port is in operable communication with a first display
panel, and wherein the first nozzle, the first hydrogen output
port, the hydrogen gas, and the first display panel, are on a
mobile platform.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the method of dispensing hydrogen
gas comprises: producing the hydrogen gas in an electrolysis cell
system, activating a hydrogen dispenser, dispensing the hydrogen
gas to a vessel, and ceasing a flow of the hydrogen gas to the
vessel. The hydrogen dispenser and the electrolysis cell system are
on a mobile platform.
[0011] The above described and other features are exemplified by
the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Referring now to the Figures, which are exemplary
embodiments, and wherein the like elements are numbered alike:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an anode feed
electrolysis cell of the prior art;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an electrolysis cell
system in which hydrogen gas can be generated;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a hydrogen
dispensing apparatus;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hydrogen dispensing
apparatus mounted on a truck bed; and
[0017] FIGS. 5A and 5B are rear sectional views of a truck bed
having a hydrogen dispensing apparatus disposed at bed level and at
ground level.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The terms "first, second, third," etc. used herein are
merely intended to distinguish between elements of the system and
are not intended to denote any ordering or sequence.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a hydrogen
gas source is an electrolysis cell system, which is shown generally
at 30 and is hereinafter referred to as "system 30." System 30 may
be generally suitable for generating hydrogen for use in gas
chromatography, as a fuel, and for various other applications.
While the inventive improvements described below are described in
relation to an electrolysis cell, the improvements are applicable
to both electrolysis and fuel cells. Furthermore, although the
description and figures are directed to the production of hydrogen
and oxygen gas by the electrolysis of water, the apparatus is
applicable to the generation of other gases from other reactant
materials.
[0020] System 30 includes a water-fed electrolysis cell capable of
generating hydrogen gas from reactant water. The reactant water
utilized by system 30 is stored in a water source 32 and is fed by
gravity or pumped through a pump 38 into an electrolysis cell stack
40. The supply line preferably includes an electrical conductivity
sensor 34 disposed therewithin to monitor the electrical potential
of the water, thereby determining its purity and ensuring its
adequacy for use in system 30.
[0021] Cell stack 40 comprises a plurality of cells, e.g., similar
to cell 10 described above with reference to FIG. 1, that are
encapsulated within sealed structures (not shown). The reactant
water is received by manifolds or other types of conduits (not
shown) that are in fluid communication with the cell components. An
electrical source 42 is disposed in electrical communication with
each cell within cell stack 40 to provide a driving force for the
dissociation of the water. Electrical source 42 is operatively
communicable with a cell control system (not shown) that controls
the operation of system 30.
[0022] Oxygen and water exit cell stack 40 via a common stream that
recycles the oxygen and water to water source 32 where the oxygen
is vented to the atmosphere. The hydrogen stream, which is
entrained with water, exits cell stack 40 and is fed to a
gas/liquid separator or phase separation tank, which is a
hydrogen/water separation apparatus 44, hereinafter referred to as
"separator 44," where the gas and liquid phases are separated. The
exiting hydrogen gas (having a lower water content than the
hydrogen stream to separator 44) can be further dried at a drying
unit 46, which may be, for example, a diffuser, a pressure swing
absorber, desiccant, or the like. This wet hydrogen stream can have
a pressure of about 1 pounds per square inch (psi) up to and
exceeding about 20,000 psi. Preferably the hydrogen stream pressure
is about 1 psi to about 10,000 psi with a pressure of about 1,500
psi to about 2,500 psi more preferred for some applications, and a
pressure of about 100 psi to about 275 psi more preferred for other
applications.
[0023] Water with trace amounts of entrained hydrogen is returned
to water source 32 from separator 44 through an optional
low-pressure hydrogen separator 48. Low pressure hydrogen separator
48 allows hydrogen to escape from the water stream due to the
reduced pressure, and also recycles water to water source 32 at a
lower pressure than the water exiting separator 44. Separator 44
also includes a release 50, which may be a relief valve, to rapidly
purge hydrogen to a hydrogen vent 52 when the pressure or pressure
differential exceeds a pre-selected limit.
[0024] Pure hydrogen from drying unit 46 is fed to a refueling
system 70 disposed in fluid communication with cell stack.
Refueling system 70 is a fluid distribution system that allows for
the transfer of hydrogen gas produced by system 30 to the
application site. Refueling system 70 may be remotely located with
respect to system 30, or it may be disposed directly at system 30.
A dispensing apparatus (shown below with reference to FIGS. 3
through 5) is maintained in fluid communication with refueling
system 70 to deliver the hydrogen gas to the application.
[0025] A hydrogen output sensor 64 can be incorporated into system
30 to monitor the hydrogen pressure. Hydrogen output sensor 64 can
be any suitable output sensor including, but not limited to, a flow
rate sensor, a mass flow sensor, or any other quantitative sensing
device such as a pressure transducer that converts the gas pressure
within the hydrogen line to a voltage or current value for
measurement. Hydrogen output sensor 64 is interfaced with a
transmitter 66, which is capable of converting the voltage or
current value into a pressure reading. A display (not shown) may be
disposed in operable communication with transmitter 66 to provide a
reading of the pressure, for example, at the location of hydrogen
output sensor 64 on the hydrogen line. Transmitter 66 is any
suitable converting device, such as an analog circuit, a digital
microprocessor, or the like, capable of converting a sensor signal
into a displayable value.
[0026] As stated above, the dispensing apparatus is disposed in
fluid communication with the electrolysis cell system through
refueling system 70. The electrolysis cell system, refueling system
70, and the dispensing apparatus are mounted so as to be mobile,
thereby enabling the hydrogen source to be brought to the
particular hydrogen-powered application. Referring now to FIG. 3,
one exemplary embodiment of a dispensing apparatus is shown
schematically at 78. Dispensing apparatus 78 includes a first
outlet 90 and a second outlet 92 both disposed in fluid
communication with refueling system 70 through an inlet line 134.
Inlet line 134 extending from refueling system 70 can include a
filter 135, a pressure control valve 136 to regulate the flow of
hydrogen gas from refueling system 70, an actuatable valve 137
responsive to either operator input or sensed system parameters
(e.g., upstream pressures, flow rates, and the like) to allow fluid
communication between refueling system 70 and outlets 90, 92, and a
flow meter 138 to monitor the flow to outlets 90, 92. Inlet line
134 may further be flexible in order to allow outlets 90, 92 to be
moved relative to refueling system 70. A grounding device (e.g., a
rod, line, or the like) 140 can be disposed in mechanical and, when
in operation, electrical communication with inlet line 134 and is
preferably inserted into the ground at a depth sufficient to enable
an electrical ground (e.g., a distance of about eight feet or so).
A hydrogen vent 86 is disposed in fluid communication with each
outlet 90, 92 to enable excess pressure within the system to be
vented to the atmosphere.
[0027] Each outlet 90, 92 is defined by a line 142 that can include
an actuatable valve 143 controllable in response to sensed system
parameters. Each line 142 preferably includes an upper product
output port 150 and a lower product output port 152 from which
hydrogen gas may be dispensed. Upper nozzle assemblies 154 are
attached to each upper product output port 150. Lower nozzle
assemblies are similarly attached to each lower product output port
152. Each nozzle assembly preferably comprises a breakaway coupling
144 disposed at its respective output port, a flexible hose 156
depending from breakaway coupling 144, and a nozzle 158 disposed at
flexible hose 156. Breakaway couplings 144 are readily separable
from their associated product outlet ports 150, 152 in the event
that a predetermined amount of force is applied at the associated
nozzle assembly 154.
[0028] First outlet 90 delivers hydrogen gas at a first pressure
through its associated product outlet ports 150, 152, and second
outlet 92 delivers hydrogen gas at a second pressure through its
associated product outlet ports 150, 152. The differing pressures
at which outlets 90, 92 deliver hydrogen gas are generally suited
for hydrogen-powered automobile applications. Other applications
for which the hydrogen gas may be used include, but are not limited
to, heavy machinery, aircraft, and marine applications. First
outlet 90 is preferably suited to deliver hydrogen gas at pressures
of less than or equal to about 4,500 psi (e.g., at pressures of
about 2,700 psi to about 4,500 psi, and more preferably at about
3,600 psi). Second outlet 92 is preferably suited to deliver
hydrogen gas at pressures exceeding about 3,500 psi, e.g., at about
3,700 psi to about 6,750 psi, and more preferably at about 4,600
psi to about 6,750 psi, with about 5,000 psi more preferred.
Outlets 90, 92 are configured such that they can simultaneously
deliver hydrogen gas, e.g., to two vehicles, tanks, or the like.
Further, one or more of the outlets can optimally comprise a
pressure selector such that an operator (e.g., person, computer, or
other controller) can select a desired pressure for dispensing the
hydrogen gas. For example, one operator can select a pressure of
3,750 psi and dispense hydrogen gas to fill a tank to a pressure of
3,750 psi, while a subsequent operator can select a pressure of
5,000 psi, at the same outlet, and dispense hydrogen gas to fill a
vessel to a pressure of 5,000 psi. The limits upon the pressures to
which a vessel can be filled from the mobile dispenser are merely
based upon equipment specifications. Filling of vessels to
pressures of up to and exceeding about 20,000 psi are
envisioned.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, one exemplary embodiment of a
vehicle by which dispensing apparatus 78 can be made mobile is
shown at 80. Vehicle 80 comprises a platform 82 on which dispensing
apparatus 78 and, optionally, the refueling system are mounted.
Platform 82 may be a truck bed or other type of wheeled structure,
as is shown, or any type of carriage mechanism including, but not
limited to, tracked platforms, railed platforms, floating
platforms, and the like, as well as combinations comprising at
least one of the foregoing mechanisms. Dispensing apparatus 78 is
preferably positioned between opposing ends of platform 82 such
that wheels 84 positioned at each end sufficiently support the
weight of dispensing apparatus 78. Outlets 90, 92 are generally
positioned adjacent to each other and side-by-side on platform
82.
[0030] Flexible hoses disposed at lower product output ports 152,
shown at 157, are generally of lengths such that their associated
nozzles can be accessed by an operator standing at ground level
when dispensing apparatus 78 is positioned at platform 82. Flexible
hoses 156 depending from upper product output ports 150 are
substantially shorter, thereby rendering their associated nozzles
158 virtually inaccessible by an operator standing at ground level.
Short hoses are preferred to minimize complexity of the apparatus
and to avoid possible hose damage due to hitting the ground.
Optionally, the outlets 90 and/or 92 can comprise a movable panel
(e.g., sliding, flipping, and the like, e.g., vertically
actuatable) and/or the outlets themselves can be on a movable
portion of the dispensing apparatus 78 that enables the height of
the nozzle and/or controls to be adjusted. The height can thereby
be adjusted for facile operator accessibility. As stated above,
although the hydrogen gas dispensed from first outlet 90 is
preferably at about 3,600 psi and the hydrogen gas dispensed from
second outlet 92 is preferably at about 5,000 psi in accordance
with current hydrogen use standards, other pressures can be
attained by adjusting the pressure of the storage vessels and/or
via the use of various pressure adjusting (increasing and/or
decreasing) devices (such as compressors, and the like). For
example, the nozzles can be designed to dispense gas at a range of
pressures based upon operator input, a sensed signal, or the
like.
[0031] Interface units 104 are disposed at the front face of each
outlet 90, 92 such that the dispensing of hydrogen gas can be
monitored and/or controlled by the operator. Interface units 104
are positioned at the front face of each outlet 90, 92, such that
monitoring and/or control is easily facilitated. In particular,
interface units 104 may include meters that supply the operator
with information pertaining to the volumes of hydrogen gas
dispensed. Interface units 104 may also include transactional
apparatuses, e.g., card-swiping apparatuses that enable the
operator to pay for hydrogen gas to be dispensed, and display
screens that supply the operator with information pertaining to the
specific transaction.
[0032] Dispensing apparatus 90, 92 may be mounted at platform 82
such that an operator at ground level can access upper nozzle
assemblies 156. To make the upper nozzle assemblies accessible,
dispensing apparatus 78 may be lowered. Each half of dispensing
apparatus 78 (i.e., first outlet 90 and/or second outlet 92) may,
furthermore, be lowered independently of the other, or both may be
lowered together. Lowering of dispensing apparatus 78 as a unit or
either outlet 90, 92 may be affected via a counterweight assembly,
shown at 108 with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, or the like.
[0033] Counterweight assembly 108 includes a counterweight 110
disposed in mechanical communication with apparatus 78 through a
pulley/cable arrangement 112. Pulley/cable arrangement 112 may
include any arrangement of pulleys 114 (e.g., block and tackle
arrangements) that enable dispensing apparatus 78 (or either outlet
individually) to be lowered and raised by an operator, manually or
automatically. Counterweight 110 is preferably mounted on a track
assembly (not shown) that allows counterweight 110 to translate
vertically without significant sway in horizontal directions. The
outlets are likewise mounted on similar track assemblies (not
shown).
[0034] As can be seen in FIG. 5A, upon articulation of dispensing
apparatus 78 in the direction indicated by an arrow 116,
counterweight 110 translates in the direction indicated by an arrow
118. Once dispensing apparatus 78 is lowered, counterweight 110 is
disposed proximate an upper end of the track on which it slides, as
can be seen in FIG. 5B. Automatic braking mechanisms (not shown)
retain dispensing apparatus 78 at ground level and counterweight
110 at the elevated level until the operator articulates dispensing
apparatus 78 in the direction of an arrow 120, thereby causing
counterweight 110 to translate in the direction of an arrow
122.
[0035] In operation, an operator (e.g., a consumer) activates the
dispenser (e.g., by swiping a card, removing the nozzle from the
nozzle holder, entering a code, and/or pushing a button, or the
like). An electrical connection is optionally made to the unit to
be fueled (e.g., a vehicle, tank, or the like), and the appropriate
dispensing nozzle is disposed in fluid communication with the
vessel to be fueled (e.g., a lever is used to mechanically engage
the connector to a fill tube with similar rating). Optionally the
operator may make a pressure selection on the dispensing unit to
define the pressure fill desired. Various sensors (e.g., pressure,
temperature, and the like) within the system monitor and/or control
the fueling process to ensure the fueling meets the appropriate
codes and standards. When the criteria for initiation of fueling
have been met (e.g., the sensors signal ready), the appropriate
methodology of filling initiates (e.g., fast or slow filling to the
desired pressure). Hydrogen is delivered to the tank by positive
pressure differential between the dispenser and the tank. Filling
will continue until a pre-set pressure level is achieved, or until
one of several other thresholds has been triggered (e.g., maximum
selected temperature reached, preset mass transfer has occurred,
maximum dollar amount of hydrogen has been reached, or another
sensor signal initiates a halt in the filling process). The
operator will then disengage the applicable connections (e.g.,
mechanical and/or electrical connections) and return the nozzle to
the dispenser.
[0036] The hydrogen dispensing apparatus described herein can be
employed in conjunction with any type of electrochemical cell
system (e.g., it can receive hydrogen from an electrolysis cell
system that is in fluid communication with the dispensing apparatus
78 and co-located on the vehicle 80 or located remotely). The
hydrogen from the dispensing apparatus can be employed to fuel any
hydrogen consuming device, e.g., fuel cells (such as proton
exchange membrane fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC),
phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), and the like) employed in
various applications including vehicles, residential/commercial
power supply units (primary and back-up, and the like).
[0037] Mobility of the apparatus provides additional advantages
over stationary hydrogen dispensing systems, inasmuch as the
mounting of the hydrogen dispensing apparatus to a movable platform
renders the apparatus capable of being easily moved to accommodate
the demands of substantially stationary hydrogen applications. Some
possible stationary applications range from construction sites,
buildings, and the like, to mobile vehicle fueling stations (e.g.,
a mobile hydrogen dispensing unit can be located at a fueling
station and, when the amount of stored hydrogen decreases below a
selected level, the dispensing unit can be replaced with another
mobile hydrogen dispensing unit). Alternatively, since the hydrogen
dispensing apparatus is designed to allow connection to an
auxiliary storage unit (e.g., a tube trailer), when the auxiliary
storage is depleted, it can be replaced with a different auxiliary
storage unit that contains hydrogen. In yet another alternative
embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit might be filled by the
dispensing apparatus. The full auxiliary storage unit might be
delivered to a customer and replaced with a depleted auxiliary
storage unit for subsequent filling.
[0038] The dispensing apparatus can alternatively comprise: a first
outlet configured to dispense said hydrogen gas at a first
pressure; and a second outlet configured to dispense said hydrogen
gas at a second pressure, said second outlet being in fluid
communication with said first outlet through an inlet line, said
inlet line being disposed in fluid communication with a hydrogen
source. Optionally, the first outlet and said second outlet can
each comprise, a line, a first product output port disposed in
fluid communication with the line, a second product output port
disposed in fluid communication with said line, a first nozzle
assembly disposed in fluid communication with said first product
output port, and a second nozzle assembly disposed in fluid
communication with said second product output port. The first
nozzle assembly and the second nozzle assembly can each optionally
comprise, a breakaway coupling, a flexible hose disposed in
operable communication with said breakaway coupling, and a nozzle
disposed in operable communication with said flexible hose.
Additionally, the dispensing apparatus can further comprise a
grounding device disposed in electrical communication with said
inlet line, a wheeled structure, wherein said dispensing apparatus
is mounted on said wheeled structure, an interface unit disposed
proximate said first outlet, or a counterweight/pulley assembly to
affect the translation of said dispensing apparatus in a vertical
direction, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the
foregoing additional features.
[0039] One method for dispensing hydrogen gas can comprise:
activating the hydrogen dispenser, wherein said dispenser comprises
an inlet line in fluid communication with a hydrogen source, said
inlet line optionally comprising a filter, a pressure control
valve, an actuatable valve, and/or a flow meter; a first outlet
disposed in fluid communication with said inlet line, said first
outlet comprising an actuatable valve, a first product output port,
a second product output port, a first breakaway coupling disposed
at each of said output ports, a first flexible hose disposed at
each of said first breakaway couplings, and a first nozzle disposed
at each of said flexible hoses; a second outlet disposed in fluid
communication with said inlet line, said second outlet comprising
an actuatable valve, a third product output port, a fourth product
output port, a second breakaway coupling disposed at each of said
output ports, a second flexible hose disposed at each of said
breakaway couplings, and a second nozzle disposed at each of said
flexible hoses; an electrical grounding device disposed in
mechanical communication with said inlet line; and a mobile
platform, wherein said dispensing apparatus is supported on said
mobile platform; mechanically connecting at least one of said first
nozzles or said second nozzles to a hydrogen unit; dispensing
hydrogen to said hydrogen unit; and ceasing hydrogen flow to said
hydrogen unit. Optionally, as the hydrogen is dispensed (either at
the storage vessel (cylinder, or the like) or as the hydrogen
enters the outlet line(s)), it can be cooled. Preferably the
hydrogen is cooled to non-cryogenic temperatures.
[0040] While the disclosure has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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