Compressed gas supply system, method for operating compressed gas supply system, and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a compressed gas supply system (34) having at least two compressed gas tanks (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) which are attached to an anode passage (2) of a fuel cell system (1). In order to simplify or improve the operation of the compressed gas supply system (34), the compressed gas tanks (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) are each associated with a valve device (21) having a charging path in which an actively switchable charging valve is arranged and a pressure relief path in which an actively switchable pressure relief valve is arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a compressed gas supply system having at least two compressed gas tanks, which are attached to the anode path of a fuel cell system. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a compressed gas supply system. The invention further relates to an electronic device, preferably a controller of a vehicle, in particular a controller of a fuel cell vehicle. Background Art

[0002] German laid-open patent application DE 10 2020 206 230 A1 discloses a method for initial conditioning of a fuel cell of a fuel cell assembly for a fuel cell vehicle, wherein the fuel cell can be controlled by means of a control unit of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the fuel cell is initially conditioned at least partially or completely by means of the control unit. German laid-open patent application DE 10 2020 212 077 A1 discloses a method for operating a fuel cell system, wherein hydrogen is withdrawn from a hydrogen storage device and supplied to the anode of a fuel cell stack via an anode path, and the mass flow of hydrogen is predetermined by a hydrogen metering valve arranged in the anode path, wherein a pressure is variably set independently of the mass flow by means of a controllable pressure reducer arranged in the anode path upstream of the hydrogen metering valve, the pressure being set as a function of at least one current condition, in particular as a function of the ambient temperature, the time of the last refueling process, the filling level in the hydrogen storage device, a calibration pressure downstream of the pressure reducer, a pressure in the anode, a pressure in the cathode and / or a required hydrogen mass flow. A similar method for operating a fuel cell system is known from German laid-open patent application DE 10 2020 210 300 A1, in which hydrogen removed from a compressed gas container is thermally conditioned by means of a heat exchanger arranged in the anode path. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to simplify or improve the operation and / or filling of a compressed gas supply system having at least two compressed gas tanks which are attached to the anode path of a fuel cell system.

[0004] In a compressed gas supply system having at least two compressed gas tanks attached to the anode path of a fuel cell system, the task is solved in the following manner: the compressed gas tanks are respectively equipped with a valve device having a filling path and a pressure relief path, an actively switchable filling valve is arranged in the filling path, and an actively switchable pressure relief valve is arranged in the pressure relief path. Here, the higher manufacturing costs caused by the necessary paths and actively switchable valves in the valve device are consciously accepted. Through the actively switchable valve, each pressurized gas tank can be filled and emptied individually. On the one hand, this provides a huge advantage when filling the compressed gas tank in the compressed gas supply system at a corresponding gas filling station, such as a hydrogen filling station. On the other hand, the compressed gas contained in the compressed gas tank, especially hydrogen, can be transported between each compressed gas tank as needed when the compressed gas supply system is running, but can also be transported between each compressed gas tank when the motor vehicle equipped with the compressed gas supply system is stationary. Therefore, on the one hand, time is saved when filling. In addition, a single compressed gas tank can be filled with more compressed gas than in a traditional compressed gas supply system when necessary. Furthermore, individual compressed gas tanks can also be operated below a minimum limiting pressure if necessary, since they can be quickly and easily separated from the compressed gas supply system for a certain period of time and connected if necessary by closing the actively switchable valve.

[0005] A preferred embodiment of the compressed gas supply system is characterized in that the filling path and the pressure relief path in the valve device are connected in parallel in terms of fluid between the tank chamber and a branch of the corresponding compressed gas tank. It can be achieved in a simple way that each compressed gas tank can be filled individually via a filling path with an actively switchable filling valve. Each compressed gas tank can be individually relieved via a pressure relief path with a switchable pressure relief valve. Therefore, the compressed gas supply system can operate more efficiently than a conventional compressed gas supply system not only when filling but also when operating under extreme environmental conditions, especially ambient temperature.

[0006] Another preferred embodiment of the compressed gas supply system is characterized in that the filling valve in the filling path is arranged between the branch and a non-return valve, which is closed in the direction of the filling valve, wherein a non-return valve is arranged in the pressure relief path between the pressure relief valve and the branch, which is closed in the direction of the pressure relief valve. Functional failures during operation of the compressed gas supply system can thus be avoided.

[0007] Another preferred embodiment of the compressed gas supply system is characterized in that the valve device with a filling path, a filling valve, a pressure relief path, a pressure relief valve and the branch is integrated in a valve block, which is installed on the corresponding compressed gas tank. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the valve block also includes other, some legally required components, such as a check valve, a filter, a sensor, and particularly advantageously also a pressure limiter. The valve block is preferably installed at the end of the corresponding compressed gas tank. Due to manufacturing technical reasons, the valve block is preferably manufactured independently of the compressed gas tank. The valve block is, for example, screwed into the opening of the compressed gas tank. In order to seal between the valve block and the compressed gas tank, a simple sealing ring, such as an O-ring, can be used. By integrating an actively switchable valve into the valve block, the combination of the required valve device and a traditional compressed gas tank can be realized in a simple manner.

[0008] Another preferred embodiment of the compressed gas supply system is characterized in that the filling valve and the pressure relief valve are implemented as electromagnetically actuated 2 / 2-way valves. The 2 / 2-way valves include a closed position and an open position, in which the corresponding paths are released. The two valves are preferably preloaded into their respective closed positions, in which the fluid passage through the corresponding paths is interrupted. The valves can be opened by electromagnetic actuation. This increases the safety of the compressed gas supply system during operation.

[0009] Another preferred embodiment of the compressed gas supply system is characterized in that the filling valve and the pressure relief valve are connected to a controller in terms of control, and the controller is connected to a sensor device in terms of sensors, which includes at least one sensor that detects fluid operating data, such as pressure, temperature and / or mass flow at the branch. It is thus possible to achieve a comfortable regulation of the temperature, pressure and / or filling level in the corresponding compressed gas tank in a simple manner. Advantageously, a data set is stored in the controller, which contains corresponding reference data and / or limit data for pressure, temperature and / or mass flow.

[0010] In the method for operating the compressed gas supply system described above, the above-mentioned object is achieved alternatively or additionally in that the filling valve and the pressure relief valve are individually controlled by the controller according to the fluid operating data detected by the sensor device. As a result, the individual compressed gas tanks can be individually filled and emptied when necessary. On the one hand, this results in advantages when filling the compressed gas tanks of the compressed gas supply system. In addition, significant advantages are obtained during the operation of the compressed gas supply system.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the method is characterized in that the filling valve and the pressure relief valve are controlled individually by the controller, so that the compressed gas tanks are filled and / or emptied in a non-uniform manner. This is advantageous in particular when the compressed gas supply system contains compressed gas tanks of different sizes and / or also contains compressed gas tanks that are subjected to different ambient conditions, in particular ambient temperatures, in the installed state. This can be attributed, for example, to the arrangement of individual compressed gas tanks in or on the vehicle at a more exterior position, which can lead to these compressed gas tanks heating up faster in the event of strong solar radiation than compressed gas tanks arranged at a more interior position of the vehicle.

[0012] The invention also relates to an electronic device, preferably a control unit of a vehicle, in particular a fuel cell vehicle, which is configured to implement the method described above. The valve devices of the individual compressed gas tanks can be individually controlled by the electronic device. Thus, a comfortable adjustment of the filling level, temperature and / or pressure can be achieved in the individual compressed gas tanks of the compressed gas supply system.

[0013] The invention also relates to a valve device for the compressed gas supply system described above, in particular a valve block, a filling valve, a pressure relief valve, a sensor device, a sensor, a non-return valve and / or a compressed gas tank. These parts are sold separately. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description in which various exemplary embodiments are explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The accompanying drawings show:

[0016] Figure 1 : Schematic description of a compressed gas supply system with a total of five compressed gas tanks, which are filled at a hydrogen filling station, wherein each of the compressed gas tanks is equipped with a valve device, which valve device includes a filling path with an actively switchable filling valve and a pressure relief path with an actively switchable pressure relief valve; and

[0017] Figure 2 : In the form of a fluid circuit diagram Figure 1 Valve arrangement shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] exist Figure 1 Schematically shown in FIG. 4 is a hydrogen filling station 40 . Arrows 38 indicate that a vehicle (not described in detail) having a fuel cell system 1 is filled with hydrogen at the hydrogen filling station 40 .

[0019] The fuel cell system 1 comprises a fuel cell stack (not shown in greater detail) having fuel cells which each comprise an anode to which hydrogen is fed via an anode path 2. The design and function of such fuel cell systems are known per se.

[0020] A check valve 3, a filter 4, a pressure sensor 5, a temperature sensor 6, a temperature sensor 8, another pressure sensor 9, another filter 10, a pressure reducer 11, another filter 12 and a check valve 13 are arranged in the anode path 2. A fluid branch 7 is provided between the temperature sensor 6 and the temperature sensor 8. At the fluid branch 7, a collecting pipe 14 flows into the anode path 2.

[0021] A total of five compressed gas tanks 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 of the compressed gas supply system 34 are connected to the manifold 14 in terms of fluid. The compressed gas tanks 15 to 19 are partially designed to be of different sizes. The compressed gas tanks 15 to 17 are approximately the same size, but are larger than the two compressed gas tanks 18, 19, which are also designed to be of the same size.

[0022] Compressed gas tanks 15 to 19 are located in Figure 1 The left end of the compressed gas tanks 15 to 19 is provided with valve devices 21 to 25 respectively. Figure 1 The right end of the trough is provided with valve devices 26 to 30. The compressed gas tanks 15 to 19 are connected to the manifold 20 via the valve devices 26 to 30. The manifold 20 is used, for example, to manually empty the compressed gas tanks 15 to 19. The valve devices 26 to 30 are implemented as tank discharge valves.

[0023] The valve devices 21 to 25 are all designed identically and will be referred to below. Figure 2 According to Figure 1 The valve device 21 on the left end of the compressed gas tank 15 in FIG. 1 is described in detail. The valve device 21 is connected to the manifold 14 via a connecting pipe or a connecting pipe 31. Therefore, the compressed gas tank 15 Figure 2 The tank interior, which is designated by 64 , can be connected to the collector 14 and the anode path 2 via a valve device 21 .

[0024] The valve device 21 is integrated in the valve block 50, as shown in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve block is mounted on a compressed gas tank 15, which is implemented as a gas cylinder, for example. Figure 2 At the upper end of .

[0025] exist Figure 2 Schematically depicted at the top is a hydrogen filling station 40 with a filling path 38, which is symbolically indicated by arrows. The hydrogen filling station 40 can be connected to a controller 43 via an infrared interface 41 and a control line 42. The controller 43 is equipped with Figure 1 In the fuel cell vehicle of the fuel cell system 1 described in FIG. 1 , a compressed gas supply system 34 and the fuel cell system 1 are provided.

[0026] Hydrogen filling station 40 Figure 2 In the above. Figure 2 The compressed gas tank 15 in the form of a gas cylinder is shown at the bottom. Figure 2 The tank inner chamber 64 of the compressed gas tank 15 is connected to the emptying path 61, the filling path 65 and the pressure relief path 70. These three paths 61, 65 and 70 extend through the valve block 50.

[0027] exist Figure 2 In the middle upper part, the connecting line 31 is connected to the valve block 50 at the connection point 52. The connecting line 51 extends from the connection point 52 to the fluid branch 53 in the valve block 50. The connecting line 51 is preferably implemented as a connecting channel in the valve block 50. For simplicity, all fluid connections are referred to as lines below. However, all lines in the valve block 50 are preferably implemented as bores.

[0028] An optional hydraulic damper 56 in the form of a throttle is provided in the connecting line 51. A filter 57 is arranged between the hydraulic damper 56 and the branch 53. From the branch 53, an emptying path 61 is led, which opens into a tank interior 64. In the emptying path 61, two valves 62 and 63 are connected in series. The valve 62 is a manual emptying valve or drain valve. Via the valve 62, the compressed gas tank 15 can be manually emptied when necessary, for example when it is shut down at the end of its service life.

[0029] The valve 63 is a heat-activatable pressure relief valve. The tank interior 64 can be depressurized via the valve 63. A manually operable shut-off valve 58 is arranged between the branch 53 and the branch 54. The manually operable shut-off valve 58 is used to safely shut off the compressed gas tank 15, for example during maintenance.

[0030] From the branch 54, a sensor line 59 is led, via which operating data, such as pressure, temperature and / or fluid mass flow, are detected at the branch 54 in the valve block 50 by means of a sensor device 60 during operation of the pressure supply system. The connecting line 51 leading from the branch 52 opens into the branch 55, from which the filling path 65 leads and at which the pressure relief path 70 opens.

[0031] In the filling path 65, a filling valve 66 and a non-return valve 67 are connected in series. The non-return valve 67 opens toward the tank interior 64 and closes toward the filling valve 66. Starting from the branch 55, the filling path 65 runs parallel to the pressure relief path 70.

[0032] In the pressure relief path 70, a check valve 71, a pressure relief valve 72, a filter 73 and a flow restrictor 74 are connected in series. The check valve 71 is closed toward the pressure relief valve 72 and opens toward the branch 55. The flow restrictor 74 is used to limit leakage when an unexpected pipeline ruptures.

[0033] The filling valve 66 and the pressure relief valve 72 are designed as 2 / 2-way valves with an open position and a closed position. The two valves 66 and 72 are electromagnetically actuated and are connected to the control device 43 in terms of control. The two valves 66 and 72 are preloaded into their respective closed positions, as indicated by the spring symbols. The sensor device 60 is also connected to the control device 43 in terms of sensors or controls. Figure 2 The control line or signal line or sensor line 76 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0034] The controller 43 is equipped with software by which the sensor signals detected by the sensor device 60 are processed during operation of the compressed gas supply system 34. The sensors of the sensor device 60 detect, for example, the temperature, pressure, mass flow, flow direction and, if necessary, other measured variables at the branch 54 of the valve block 50.

[0035] The compressed gas tanks 15 to 19 are individually controlled via the controller 43 in order to fill and / or empty the compressed gas tanks 15 to 19 inconsistently. For this purpose, the filling valve 66 and the pressure relief valve 72 are actively controlled via the controller 43. In this way, individual compressed gas tanks 15 to 19 can be emptied below the permissible operating system limit pressure, while at least one of the compressed gas tanks 15 to 19 remains charged with at least the permissible operating system limit pressure. In this way, a defined amount of compressed gas, in particular hydrogen, is maintained in the compressed gas tank emptied below the permissible operating system limit pressure, which can then be used to condition the fuel cell system 1 during system startup.

[0036] By actively opening the filling path 65 via the filling valve 66 by means of the controller 43, the compressed gas supply system 34 together with the fuel cell system 1 can be operated even at different tank internal pressures. Depending on the operating mode of the vehicle equipped with the fuel cell system 1 and the compressed gas supply system 34, such as driving, parking or refueling, the switching valves 66 and 72 are individually controlled.

[0037] By means of targeted time regulation or control of the pressure and / or temperature of the individual compressed gas tanks 15 to 19, the pressure can advantageously be reduced to below the limit pressure determined by the system. This reduction can be particularly advantageously carried out when the system is started, when the system is filled from a compressed gas tank with a low pressure, i.e. when it is filled with hydrogen or when it is conditioned for operation with hydrogen. This conditioning can be carried out to an extremely low residual pressure. The cruising range of the system is thus increased.

Claims

1. A compressed gas supply system (34) having at least two compressed gas tanks (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) attached to the anode path (2) of a fuel cell system (1), characterized in that The compressed gas tanks (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) are respectively equipped with a valve device (21) having a filling path (65) and a pressure relief path (70), wherein an actively switchable filling valve (66) is arranged in the filling path, and an actively switchable pressure relief valve (72) is arranged in the pressure relief path.

2. The compressed gas supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filling path (65) and the pressure relief path (70) in the valve device (21) are fluidically connected in parallel between a tank interior (64) of a corresponding compressed gas tank (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) and a branch (53).

3. The compressed gas supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The filling valve (66) is arranged in the filling path (65) between the branch (53) and a check valve (67) that closes in the direction of the filling valve (66), wherein in the pressure relief path (70) a check valve (71) that closes in the direction of the pressure relief valve (72) is arranged between the pressure relief valve (72) and the branch (53).

4. The compressed gas supply system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The valve device (21) having the filling path (65), the filling valve (66), the pressure relief path (70), the pressure relief valve (72) and the branch (53) is integrated in a valve block (50), and the valve block is mounted on a corresponding compressed gas tank (15, 16, 17, 18, 19).

5. A compressed gas supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The filling valve (66) and the pressure relief valve (72) are designed as electromagnetically actuable 2 / 2-way valves.

6. A compressed gas supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The filling valve (66) and the pressure relief valve (72) are connected to a controller (43) in terms of control, and the controller is connected to a sensor device (60) in terms of sensors. The sensor device includes at least one sensor that detects fluid operation data, such as pressure, temperature and / or mass flow at the branch (53).

7. Method for operating a compressed gas supply system (34) according to claim 6, characterized in that The filling valve (66) and the pressure relief valve (72) are individually controlled by the controller (43) according to fluid operation data detected by the sensor device (60).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The filling valve (66) and the pressure relief valve (72) are controlled individually in such a way that the compressed gas tanks (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) are filled and / or emptied in a non-uniform manner.

9. An electronic device, preferably a control unit (43) of a vehicle, in particular a fuel cell vehicle, which is configured to carry out the method according to claim 7 or 8.

10. A valve device (21) for a compressed gas supply system (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in particular a valve block (50), a filling valve (66), a pressure relief valve (72), a sensor device (60), a sensor, a non-return valve (13; 71) and / or a compressed gas tank (15, 16, 17, 18, 19).

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