Device and method for filling a tank or tanks with pressurized gas

A device for filling a tank or tanks with pressurized hydrogen gas, comprising:

• a circuit that comprises a plurality of upstream ends which are respectively connected to distinct sources of pressurized gas, at least one compressor, at least one buffer storage device, a set of operated valves and at least one downstream end intended to be connected to the tank or tanks to be filled;
• an electronic storage and processing control member connected to the operated set of valves and to the compressor(s), the control member being configured to command the set of operated valves and/or the compressor in order to ensure the transfer of gas into the tank from at least one source and/or from at least one buffer storage device by equalizing pressures and/or using the compressor;
• and a set of sensors for measuring the pressure within the sources and the buffer storage devices, wherein:
• the control member comprises a member for receiving or generating a signal representative of the demand for filling from among at least two distinct filling-demand levels, including a relatively high demand and a relatively low demand;
• the control member is configured to ensure that gas is transferred into the tank using at least a first mode of transfer employing the source at the highest pressure and a second mode of transfer employing a source at a pressure lower than the highest pressure;
• the control member is configured to fill the at least one tank using the first mode of transfer in response to the receipt or generation of a signal indicative of a relatively high demand for filling, and to fill the at least one tank using the second mode of transfer in response to the receipt or generation of a signal indicative of a relatively low demand for filling;
• the compressor is an electrical compressor or is of a type of compressor that involves rotational or translational movement of a compression element at a determined speed;
• and
• in the second mode of transfer, either the electrical power of the compressor is between 80% and 25% of the electrical power of the compressor in the first mode or the speed of the compression element of the compressor is between 80% and 25% of the speed of the compression element in the first mode of transfer.