DESC:A COMPOSITE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) DISPENSING UNIT

FIELD OF INVENTION

[01] The present invention relates to a composite compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit. More specifically, the present invention relates a composite CNG/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit that utilizes pneumatic operation to boost gas from an input pressure range of 0.1 bar to 250 bar, and maintains consistent output pressure for efficient and safe dispensing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing units (CDU) rely on electrical/ engine power to drive the necessary components in order to dispense compressed natural gas (CNG) gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen. Conventional CDUs often pose safety risks, such as sparks and heat generation. The sparks and heat generation may lead to explosions, especially in hazardous environments. Further, relying on the electrical power to drive the necessary components results in high operational costs and maintenance of the system. Furthermore, relying on electrical power increases dependency on a stable power supply, which is not possible in remote or less-developed areas. Alternatively, the conventional CDUs reply on generators, which consumes more energy.

[03] In addition, it is difficult to maintain consistent high-pressure output using conventional CDUs as they are susceptible to contamination of the gas output.

[04] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a composite compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit that enhances the performance and safety of CNG/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing operations while reducing reliance on electricity and minimizing environmental impact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[05] It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU) that addresses the drawbacks of conventional electric-powered systems.

[06] It is another object of the present invention to utilize compressed air as the driving power source for a booster pump, eliminating the need for electricity and reducing operational costs and risks associated with electrical components in the conventional electric-powered systems.

[07] It is another object of the present invention to provide a compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU) suitable for various applications and capable of dispensing gas to multiple vehicles simultaneously.

[08] In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides a composite compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU) designed for safe and efficient gas dispensing operations. The CDU comprises a booster system having an air compressor and a booster pump. The air compressor supplies compressed air at 6-8 bars to the booster pump. The booster pump utilizes the compressed air to achieve high-pressure gas output, say up to 250 bars. The booster pump is configured to automatically stop and stabilize the output gas pressure at a pre-set level (say maximum of 250 bars), maintaining safe and consistent pressure throughout.

[09] The CDU comprises a cascade system consisting of a series of high-pressure CNG/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen cylinders arranged in a stacking manner. The cylinders act as reservoirs and store CNG/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen gas for dispensing through up to five gas dispensing units via a pipeline system. The pipeline comprises pressure gauges, pressure release valves, master flow meters, safety valves, solenoid valves, pressure transmitters, and breakaway valves to ensure accurate pressure monitoring, efficient gas flow regulation, and enhanced safety during the dispensing process.

[010] The CDU comprises a control system that integrates data from various sensors and manages the operation of valves and the gas dispensing units to ensure safe and efficient functioning. The gas dispensing units are equipped with flow meters for precise measurement of gas dispensed, facilitating accurate billing and inventory control.

[011] In one advantageous feature of the invention, the CDU utilizes compressed air as the primary power source and operates without electricity to drive the booster pump. This eliminates the risk of electrical fires and explosions, significantly improving safety during operation when compared to conventional electric-powered systems.

[012] In another advantageous feature of the invention, the booster pump boosts the gas pressure resulting in higher pressure gas outputs and faster filling times. Further, the booster pump automatically stops and stabilizes the pressure gas output at a pre-set level, maintaining consistent and safe pressure. This efficient pressure manipulation enhances the reliability and performance of the CDU.

[013] In another advantageous feature of the invention, the CDU presents sensors and manages the operation of valves/pumps, ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of the entire dispensing process.

[014] In another advantageous feature of the invention, the CDU offers multiple configurations, i.e., one or more dispensing arms for dispensing the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen. Further, the cylinders can be arranged based on various operational requirements.

[015] Features and advantages of the invention hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGURES. As will be realized, the invention disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] In the following drawings like reference numbers are used to refer to like elements. Although the following figures depict various examples of the invention, the invention is not limited to the examples depicted in the figures.

[017] FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, illustrate a front view, a side view, and a rear view, respectively of a composite compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU), in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[018] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the CDU, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[019] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a side view and a front view, respectively of a composite compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU), in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[020] FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C illustrate a front view, a side view and a front rear view, respectively of a composite CNG Gasonet, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[021] The following detailed description is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof will be described in detail and shown by way of example. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments of the present invention to the particular forms disclosed. Conversely, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.

[022] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” and/or “having” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components when used herein, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[025] Various features and embodiments of a Composite CNG/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen Dispensing Unit are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGs. 1A-4C.

[026] Referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, a front view, a side view, and a rear view, respectively of a composite compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU) 10 is shown, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the CDU 10. The CDU 10 comprises a booster system 12 having an air compressor 14 and a booster pump 16. The air compressor 14 operatively connects to a motor 16. In one example, the motor 16 includes an electric motor. Optionally, the motor 16 includes a CNG/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen engine. The air compressor 14 provides air at 6-8 bars to the booster pump 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the air compressor 14 includes a pressure safety valve (not shown) to prevent over-pressurization.

[027] In the present invention, the air compressor 14 supplies pressured air at 6-8 bars, serving as the primary power source for the pneumatic operations. The air compressor 14 is strategically positioned in a safe zone and comprises all necessary piping to connect it to the booster pump 16. In one example, the booster pump 16 comprises a pneumatic pump. The booster pump 16 utilizes the compressed air from the air compressor 14 to drive from a large area end piston connected to a small area end. This allows high-pressure gas output and presents efficient pressure manipulation. The booster pump 16 is configured to automatically stop operation when the pressure gas output stabilizes at the pre-set level, say to a maximum of 250 bars. In other words, the booster pump 16 will be automatically stopped and the output gas pressure is stabilized at the present pressure when the pressure of the driving gas source is balanced with that of the pressurized gas. This ensures consistent and safe pressure maintenance of the booster pump 16.

[028] In one embodiment, the CDU 10 comprises a cascade system 20. The cascade system 20 comprises a series of compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders 22 arranged in a staking manner, as can be seen from at least FIG. 1B, for example. The cylinders 22 store compressed natural gas (CNG)/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen gas at high pressure and act as the reservoir from which the gas is dispensed to vehicles (not shown). In one example, the booster pump 16 comprises an air regulating valve 24. Considering that a desired pressure is maintained in the cascade, then it is possible to dispense the gas through up to 5 vehicles via five (5) gas dispensing units 60. The air regulating valve 24 regulates the flow of compressed air throughout the CDU 10, ensuring optimal air pressure for efficient operation of the pneumatic components.

[029] The cylinders 22 operatively connect to a pipeline 30 for supplying the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen for dispensing the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen to the vehicles via gas dispensing units 60. The pipeline 30 is constructed from high-quality stainless steel or any other suitable material in order to ensure durability, corrosion resistance, and longevity, minimizing maintenance requirements and enhancing overall system reliability. Here, the pipeline 30 comprises one or more pressure gauges 32, one or more pressure release valves 34, one or more master flow meters 36, one or more safety valves 38, one or more pressure meters 40, one or more solenoid valves 42, one or more pressure transmitters 44 and one or more breakaway valves 46.

[030] The pressure gauges 32 are made of stainless steel or any other suitable material. The pressure gauges 32 include vibration-resistant pressure gauges capable of providing direct pressure readings during the gas filling process. The pressure gauges 32 present an accurate and reliable pressure monitoring for efficient operation. The pressure release valves 34 automatically release pressure when the gas pressure exceeds the predetermined maximum limit (say more than predetermined limit of 250 bars), providing an additional layer of safety against over-pressurization. The master flow meters 36 measure the mass and flow rate of the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen. In one example, the master flow meters 36 include the pressure transmitters 44 that are used for precise gas dispensing and billing. The pressure transmitters 44 monitor the gas pressure in the pipeline 30 in real-time and transmit the data to the control system 50. The control system 50 utilizes the data to control the valve operations and enhances the overall safety of the CDU 10.

[031] The safety valves 38 can be placed throughout the CDU 10 to automatically open in order to release pressure when the inlet pressure exceeds 1.05 times the maximum working pressure, providing crucial overpressure protection. Here, the safety valves 38 are used to control the maximum pressure of the gas dispensing units 60. When the working pressure is more than 1.05 times (26.25MPa) of setting value (25MPa), the safety valves 38 are opened to release pressure. The solenoid valves 42 control the sequential opening and closing of low, medium, and high pressure in the gas path system. The solenoid valves 42 enable efficient and accurate gas refilling processes. The breakaway valves 46 are configured to activate in emergency situations, such as when a vehicle suddenly moves during refueling or if a fueling nozzle of the dispensing arm 62, 66 is forcibly removed. When the stress on the high-pressure hose of the dispensing arm 62, 66 reaches or exceeds say 400N, then the breakaway valves 46 automatically separate, simultaneously shutting off the gas source on both ends to prevent gas leakage and potential hazards.

[032] Further, the CDU 10 comprises a control system 50 operatively connecting the pipeline 30 and the gas dispensing units 60. The control system 50 acts as the central nervous system of the CDU 10. The CDU 10 integrates data from various sensors and components placed on the pipeline 30, manages the operation of valves and pumps. Further, the control system 50 ensures the safe and efficient functioning of the entire dispensing process.

[033] The gas dispensing units 60 comprise one or more arms for dispensing the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen gas. In one example, the gas dispensing units 60 comprise two arms as shown in FIG. 1A. The two arms comprise a first dispensing arm 62 and a second dispensing arm 64. Here, the first arm 62 comprises a first flow meter 66 for monitoring the outflow of gas through the first arm 62. The second arm 64 comprises a second flow meter 68 for monitoring the outflow of gas through the second arm 62. Each of the first flow meter 66 and the second flow meter 68 accurately measures the amount of gas dispensed to the end-user in kilograms, ensuring precise billing and inventory control. In one embodiment, the gas dispensing units 60 comprise a display or interfacing unit 70 for operating the gas dispensing units 60.

[034] The presently disclosed CDU unit 10 presents a safe, efficient, and reliable CNG/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing solution that addresses the limitations of conventional electric-powered systems. In operation, the CDU unit 10 utilizes compressed air as a driving power source and the booster pump 16 as a pressure source, which utilizes the compressed air to drive the large area end piston to the small area end to get high pressure gas output. As the booster pump 16 is operated using the compressed air, there is no need of electricity to drive the pump as in the prior in the art. In order to operate the booster pump 16, an operator has to simply connect the booster pump 16 to the air compressor 14. The booster pump 16 boosts the gas pressure up to 250 bar. The higher pressure helps to increase gas pressure, and transfer high pressure gas, and charge cylinders. As specified above, the air compressor 14 drives the booster pump 16 using compressed gas. As such, the booster pump 16 does not produce any spark or flame and does not generate any kind of heat. This allows the CDU unit 10 to be installed at any place. The booster pump 16 is configured to automatically stop and stabilize the pressure gas output at the pre-set pressure resulting in an explosion-proof, energy saving, environmental protection, adjustable output pressure, small volume, light weight, simple operation, reliable performance and wide application range booster pump 16. The output pressure of composite CDU unit 10 can be adjusted by inlet valve, the output can ensure gas is not contaminated.

[035] Now referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, a side view and a front view, respectively of a composite compressed natural gas (CNG) / Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU) 100 is shown, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The CDU 100 comprises a booster system 102, similar to booster system 12 having an air compressor 14 and a booster pump 16, as explained above. The CDU 100 comprises a cascade system 104 having a series of compressed natural gas (CNG) / Bio Gas/ Hydrogen cylinders 106 arranged in a staking manner. Further, the CDU 100 comprises a single dispensing unit 108 having a dispensing arm 110. Furthermore, the CDU 100 comprises a display or interfacing unit 70 for operating the dispensing unit 108. The CDU 100 is presented to show a single dispensing arm 110 as opposed to two or more dispensing arms in the embodiment presented above. The CDU 100 includes all components and operates similar to the CDU 10, explained above.

[036] Now referring to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, a front view, a side view and a front rear view, respectively of a composite compressed natural gas (CNG) / Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU) gasonet 200 is shown, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The CDU 200 comprises a booster system 202, similar to booster system 12 having an air compressor 14 and a booster pump 16, as explained above. The CDU 200 comprises a cascade system having a series of compressed natural gas (CNG) / Bio Gas/ Hydrogen cylinders 204 arranged in a staking manner. Further, the CDU 200 comprises two dispensing units, say first dispensing arm 206 and a second dispensing arm 208. The CDU 200 is presented to show an alternate arrangement of the cascade system having the cylinders 204 over and beside the booster system 202. The CDU 200 includes all components and operates similar to the CDU 10, explained above.

[037] The presently disclosed CDU 200 presents several advantages over the prior art. In the CDU 200, all pipes and fittings are made of stainless steel to ensure a long life. The booster pump is configured to automatically stop and stabilize the output gas pressure at the pre-set pressure. This provides required safety from explosions and other accidents. Further, the booster pump is driven by air, so no spark or flame will be generated during the operation. Further, the booster pump does not release any type of heat ensuring a safe environment around. The air driven boosters are an efficient alternative instead of electrically driven products and can be used in explosion-proof areas.

[038] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

[039] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[040] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention of the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the true scope of the disclosed invention.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A composite compressed natural gas (CNG) / Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensing unit (CDU) (10), comprising:
an air compressor (14);
a booster pump (16);
a cascade system (20) comprising cylinders (22);
a gas dispensing unit (60) for dispensing gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen stored from the cylinders (22) via a pipeline (30); and
a control system (50) operatively connecting the pipeline (30) and the gas dispensing unit (60), wherein the control system (50) integrates data from the pipeline (30) and the gas dispensing unit (60) and controls the operation of the pipeline (30) and the gas dispensing unit (60),
characterized in that:
wherein the air compressor (14) supplies compressed air at a pressure of 2-8 bars to the booster pump (16), and wherein the booster pump (16) boosts the gas/ Bio Gas pressure up to 250 bars or boosts Hydrogen pressure up to 700 bars in the cylinders (22) and maintains consistent high-pressure gas output for efficient and safe dispensing of the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen via the pipeline (30) and the gas dispensing unit (60).

2. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the booster pump (16) utilizes compressed air from the air compressor (14) to drive a piston-based mechanism for compressing the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen.

3. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the booster pump (16) automatically stops the operation when the high-pressure gas output reaches a pre-set level.

4. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control system (50) monitors and controls the pressure, flow rate, and safety parameters of the (CDU) (10).

5. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the booster pump (16) comprises a pneumatic pump (16) having an air regulating valve (24) for controlling the flow of compressed air.

6. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pipeline (30) comprises pressure gauges (32), pressure release valves (34), mass flow meters (36), safety valves (38), solenoid valves (42), pressure transmitters (44), and breakaway valves (46) for efficient and safe dispensing of the gas via the pipeline (30) and the gas dispensing unit (60).

7. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pipeline (30) comprises safety valves (38) configured to release pressure when the gas pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.

8. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pipeline (30) comprises breakaway valves (46) configured to separate in case of emergency, shutting off the gas source on both ends.

9. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas dispensing unit (60) comprises one or more dispensing arms (62, 66) for dispensing the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen.

10. The CDU (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the dispensing arm (62, 66) comprises a flow meter (64, 68) for measuring the amount of the CNG gas/ Bio Gas/ Hydrogen dispensed.