NATURAL GAS FILLING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

摘要

A natural gas filling system for a vehicle includes a piping system defining a first flow path, a receptacle, a tank, and a cooling circuit. The piping system includes a first end and a second end. The receptacle is coupled to the first end of the piping system, and the receptacle is configured to engage a natural gas filling station. The tank is in fluid communication with the receptacle and is configured to store a natural gas supply. The cooling circuit defines a second flow path and includes an expansion valve configured to reduce a pressure of a secondary fluid flow. The second flow path is in thermal communication with the first flow path such that heat transfer from the piping system into the cooling circuit cools the natural gas flowing between the receptacle and the tank.

主权项

1. A natural gas filling system for a vehicle, comprising:
a piping system defining a first flow path, the piping system including a first end and a second end; a receptacle coupled to the first end of the piping system, wherein the receptacle is configured to engage a natural gas filling station; a tank coupled to the second end of the piping system, wherein the tank is in fluid communication with the receptacle and is configured to store a natural gas supply; and a cooling circuit defining a second flow path, the cooling circuit including an expansion valve configured to reduce a pressure of a secondary fluid flow, wherein the second flow path is in thermal communication with the first flow path such that heat transfer from the piping system into the cooling circuit cools the natural gas flowing between the receptacle and the tank.