Active pressure and flow regulation system

摘要

In processes and systems utilizing a compressor to fill a vessel with gas, for example, in the filling of the fuel tank of a vehicle that operates on compressed natural gas (CNG), a number of advantages are realized by establishing independent control over the flow rate of gas discharged from the compressor, such as on the basis of the compressor discharge pressure, utilizing feedback from one or more gas pressure sensors. In representative embodiments, a detected or actual measured compressor discharge pressure can serve as a process variable, in a feedback control loop for regulating the output of the compressor.

主权项

1. A process for filling a vessel with gas, the process comprising:
compressing a source of the gas, in fluid communication with a suction side of a compressor, to a discharge pressure of a discharge side of the compressor in fluid communication with the vessel; wherein, during a filling period over which the compressor discharge pressure is increased, a flow rate of the gas through the compressor and to the vessel is controlled based on a comparison between the discharge pressure and a target discharge pressure of the compressor or a target pressure of the vessel, wherein the discharge pressure is determined by a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the discharge side, and wherein a signal from the pressure transducer regulates (i) a hydraulic pump speed or a hydraulic pump displacement of a hydraulic pump that drives a hydraulic section of the compressor, or (ii) a speed or a displacement of the compressor.