| 摘要 |
The invention provides a method and apparatus that conserves energy in the filling of a storage tank (1) with natural gas and dispensing natural gas from the storage tank to receiving tanks. The invention permits the refueling of gas receiving tanks at a fueling rate comparable to that achieved with liquid hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline and diesel. The apparatus includes the use of at least two compressors: a first compressor (2) and a second compressor (4), in series with and drawing less horsepower than the first, for compressing natural gas into a storage tank up to a certain pressure level that fills the tank, Upon demand for gas from the storage tank, the second compressor alone may be used to withdraw gas from the storage tank and supply gas at a fueling rate ro a receiving tank. When pressure in the storage tank drops to below a predetermined pressure level, the first compressor is brought on line to replenish gas in the storage tank to maintain the fueling rate through the second compressor |
