INSTALLATION WITH A DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A CONCENTRATION OF HYDROGEN

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the field of installations containing a hydrogen tank and / or a hydrogen circuit. These installations correspond, for example, to vehicles, in particular aircraft, motor vehicles, railway vehicles or boats, or even fixed ground installations. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0002] In a known manner, dihydrogen can constitute an alternative to oil in the propulsion of vehicles, in particular aircraft. Indeed, in a particularly advantageous manner, the oxidation reaction of dihydrogen produces water, which makes dihydrogen a cleaner energy than oil. Dihydrogen can in particular be used to power a set of fuel cells electrically supplying one or more electric propulsion motors of the vehicle, such as an aircraft, or as fuel, such as for an aircraft turboprop.

[0003] In a vehicle comprising a hydrogen tank or a hydrogen distribution circuit, it is desirable to prevent hydrogen from accumulating in unwanted places, in particular in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, for example under an aircraft fairing.

[0004] Thus, it is desirable to provide a solution that makes it possible to control the dihydrogen concentration in an installation comprising a dihydrogen tank and / or a dihydrogen circuit.

[0005] There are sensors for measuring hydrogen concentration. However, these sensors only measure hydrogen concentration very locally, at their location, and they also use a chemical membrane with a relatively long reaction time. Furthermore, since they are sensors, they allow the hydrogen concentration to be measured locally, but they do not allow the hydrogen concentration to be controlled by decreasing it. US 3203651, US 2022 / 307428, US 2021 / 003254, US 2757362 disclose fuel systems belonging to the state of the art. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] For this purpose, according to a first aspect, an installation is proposed containing a dihydrogen tank and / or a dihydrogen circuit.The installation comprises a device for regulating a dihydrogen concentration which comprises at least one pair of electrical conductors as well as at least one controller and which is located outside the tank and / or the circuit and, each pair of electrical conductors comprising a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor of each pair being spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and the at least one controller being configured to repeatedly control the application of a predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor so that, according to said predetermined distance, an electrical arc of controlled power is formed between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

[0007] Thus, since the device for regulating a dihydrogen concentration produces electric arcs repeatedly between the first and second electrical conductors, if dihydrogen is present in the ambient air, these electric arcs make it possible to burn dihydrogen and therefore reduce its concentration. This prevents in particular dihydrogen from accumulating in unwanted places in the installation. This makes it possible to reduce or delay the increase in the dihydrogen concentration in the air. The fact that the electric arcs are produced with a controlled power of low value allows integration without impact on the surrounding elements, such as mechanical parts or other systems.

[0008] According to a particular arrangement, the device comprises several spaced insulating spacers interposed between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor of each pair, the insulating spacers being in the form of balls or ovoids.

[0009] According to a particular arrangement, the device comprises a first series consisting of the first electrical conductors oriented in a first direction and comprises a second series consisting of the second electrical conductors oriented in a second direction intersecting the first direction, so that the first series and the second series form meshes.

[0010] According to a particular arrangement, the device comprises a first series of first electrical conductors oriented in a first direction and comprises a second series of second electrical conductors oriented in a second direction parallel to the first direction.

[0011] According to a particular arrangement, the device is configured in such a way that the at least one controller controls the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors simultaneously for the different pairs of electrical conductors.

[0012] According to a particular arrangement, the device is configured in such a way that, each pair of electrical conductors being supplied with electricity independently of the other pairs of electrical conductors, the at least one controller controls the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors in a time-shifted manner for at least two pairs of electrical conductors.

[0013] According to a particular arrangement, the at least one controller is configured to control the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors so that at most a single pair of electrical conductors is powered at each instant.

[0014] According to a particular arrangement, the at least one controller is connected to at least one optical sensor and the at least one controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one optical sensor, to analyze this signal so as to detect the possible presence of a light line corresponding to the combustion of dihydrogen and to transmit an alert signal to a signaling system of the installation in the event of detection of such a light line.

[0015] According to a particular arrangement, the at least one optical sensor is connected to at least one optical fiber.

[0016] According to a particular arrangement, the at least one optical fiber is parallel to the first electrical conductor or to the second electrical conductor.

[0017] According to a particular arrangement, the at least one controller is connected to at least one thermal sensor and the at least one controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one thermal sensor, to analyze this signal so as to detect a possible rise in temperature due to the combustion of dihydrogen and to transmit an alert signal to a signaling system of the installation in the event of detection of such a rise in temperature.

[0018] According to a particular arrangement, the at least one optical fiber is used both for the at least one optical sensor and for the at least one thermal sensor.

[0019] According to a particular provision, the installation further comprises an additional device for regulating dihydrogen using a catalyst material for an oxidation reaction of dihydrogen with ambient air.

[0020] According to a particular arrangement, the catalyst material is applied to at least one of an electrical conductor, an optical fiber or a spacer of said device.

[0021] According to a particular arrangement, the at least one controller is configured to operate according to two operating modes: a first mode, called monitoring mode, in which the at least one controller monitors the presence of dihydrogen in the device, as long as the presence of dihydrogen is not detected, and in which the at least one controller controls the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor of a pair of conductors according to a first time interval between two successive applications of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage;and a second mode of operation, when the presence of dihydrogen in the device is detected, such that when the at least one controller detects a concentration of dihydrogen at least in one area of ​​the device, said area corresponding to this pair of conductors, the controller controls the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor of the pair of electrical conductors according to a second time interval between two successive applications of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage, the second time interval being less than the first time interval. ;

[0022] According to a particular provision, the device is shaped in the form: of a coating applied to a surface of a volume of the installation in which dihydrogen is likely to accumulate; or of a sleeve arranged around a connection zone of dihydrogen distribution or storage elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above-mentioned features of the invention, as well as others, will appear more clearly on reading the following description of at least one exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the attached drawings, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] schematically illustrates an aircraft comprising a device for regulating a dihydrogen concentration; [ Fig. 2 ] schematically illustrates an arrangement of pairs of electrical conductors of the device for regulating a dihydrogen concentration; [ Fig. 3] schematically illustrates another arrangement of pairs of electrical conductors of the device for regulating a dihydrogen concentration; [ Fig. 4 ] schematically illustrates yet another arrangement of pairs of electrical conductors of the device for regulating a dihydrogen concentration; and [ Fig. 5 ] schematically illustrates a hardware arrangement of a controller of the device for regulating a dihydrogen concentration. DETAILED PRESENTATION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS Facility

[0024] In reference to the Fig. 1 , an installation corresponding to an aircraft 100 is proposed containing a dihydrogen tank and / or a dihydrogen circuit and comprising a device 1 for regulating a dihydrogen concentration.

[0025] It should be noted that the device 1 for regulating a dihydrogen concentration is not specific to an aircraft and can also be applied to any other type of installation comprising a dihydrogen tank or a dihydrogen distribution circuit without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0026] The device 1 is located in the aircraft 100 outside the dihydrogen tank and the dihydrogen circuit, in locations where it is desired that the dihydrogen cannot accumulate beyond a certain concentration.

[0027] For example, the aircraft 100 contains a hydrogen tank and a hydrogen circuit for powering one or more fuel cells powering one or more electric motors propelling the aircraft 100. According to another example, the aircraft 100 contains a hydrogen tank and a hydrogen circuit for powering a turboprop engine operating by combustion of hydrogen with hydrogen. Device for regulating a dihydrogen concentration

[0028] In reference to the Figs. 2 , 3 and 4 , the device 1 comprises in particular at least one pair 2 of electrical conductors comprising a first electrical conductor 4 and a second electrical conductor 6. The electrical conductors 4 and 6 may be metal wires (such as copper wires) or metal strips.

[0029] The device 1 further comprises a controller 200. The device 1 may comprise several controllers acting in a coordinated manner to implement the behaviors described herein in relation to the controller 200.

[0030] The controller 200 is configured such that in operation, it repeatedly controls the application of a predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6. When applying said predetermined difference in electrical voltage, the first electrical conductor 4 is supplied with a first electrical voltage U4 and the second electrical conductor 6 is supplied with a second electrical voltage U6, the voltages U4 and U6 being such that the difference between U4 and U6 corresponds to said predetermined difference in electrical voltage.

[0031] In particular, one of the electrical voltages U4 and U6, for example U6, may correspond to a reference voltage of 0 volts. The value of the other electrical voltage, for example U4, then corresponds to said predetermined electrical voltage difference.

[0032] The first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6, of each pair 2 of electrical conductors, are spaced apart by a predefined distance 8. The values ​​of the predefined distance 8 and of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage are chosen so that an electric arc 10 is formed between the two electrical conductors 4 and 6 when the predetermined difference in electrical voltage is applied between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6.

[0033] For the record, an electric arc 10 is created by ionization of an insulating medium (here air) when two conductive surfaces (here, the pair 2 of electrical conductors 4 and 6) between which there is a difference in electrical voltage are sufficiently close (here, the electrical conductors are spaced by a predefined distance 8).

[0034] The controller 200 controls the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6 in such a way that the electric arc 10 occurs with a controlled power, in view of the spacing between the two electrical conductors 4 and 6 defined by said predefined distance 8.

[0035] To this end, the controller 200 for example controls a maximum value of electric current capable of flowing in the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6. The power of the electric arc 10, controlled by the controller 200, is chosen in such a way that the electrical energy dissipated in the electric arc 10 is greater by a predetermined margin than the activation energy of the dihydrogen (approximately 17 milli-Joules). This ensures that the electric arc 10 makes it possible to burn the dihydrogen present between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6.Furthermore, the power of the electric arc 10, controlled by the controller 200, is chosen such that the electrical energy dissipated in the electric arc 10 is less than a predetermined maximum value, for example chosen in an interval between 2 times and 10 times the value of the activation energy of the dihydrogen, preferably between 2 times and 5 times the value of the activation energy of the dihydrogen.

[0036] In the device 1, when the air contains dihydrogen, in particular from a leak in the dihydrogen tank or from a dihydrogen distribution pipe, the electric arc 10 makes it possible to burn the dihydrogen present between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6, to reduce the dihydrogen concentration and form water. This prevents in particular dihydrogen from accumulating in unwanted places in the installation. This makes it possible to reduce or delay the increase in the dihydrogen concentration in the air. The fact that the electric arcs are produced with a controlled power of low value allows integration without impacts on the surrounding elements, such as mechanical parts or other systems.

[0037] Preferably, the controller 200 controls the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6 according to a time interval, between two successive applications of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage, of between 1 millisecond and 10 seconds, preferably between 1 millisecond and 2 seconds. The rest of the time, no voltage difference is applied between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6. Arrangement of electrical conductors in parallel

[0038] According to an embodiment illustrated in the Fig. 2 , the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6 are arranged side by side in parallel directions.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the electrical conductors 4 and 6 are arranged so as to have a single layer (a single plane) of electrical conductors 4 and 6 in which a first electrical conductor 4 and a second electrical conductor 6 are successively alternated, in a spaced manner. The distance 8 between the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical conductors 6 can be guaranteed by insulating spacers 12 spaced from each other. Typically, these insulating spacers 12 can have the shape of balls, or ovoids, made of insulating material, which are positioned between the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical conductors 6.

[0040] There Fig. 3presents a variant in which the electrical conductors 4 and 6 are also arranged in parallel directions. According to this variant, the electrical conductors 4 and 6 are arranged in two superimposed layers (i.e., in two parallel planes). More precisely, a first series 14 consisting of the first electrical conductors 4 forms a first layer. The first electrical conductors 4 of the first series 14 are arranged next to each other and are oriented in the same direction.

[0041] A second series 16 consisting of the second electrical conductors 6 forms a second layer superimposed on the first layer. The second electrical conductors 6 of the second series 16 are arranged next to each other and are oriented in the same direction as the first electrical conductors 4 of the first series 14.

[0042] The distance 8 between the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical conductors 6 may be guaranteed by insulating spacers. Typically, these insulating spacers 12 may have the shape of balls, or ovoids, made of insulating material, which are positioned between the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical conductors 6.

[0043] Thus, in other words, according to this embodiment the device 1 comprises two superimposed layers. Arrangement of electrical conductors in meshes

[0044] According to an embodiment shown in the Fig. 4, the device 1 comprises a first series 14 consisting of the first electrical conductors 4 in a first plane and oriented in a first direction and comprises a second series 16 consisting of the second electrical conductors 6 in a second plane parallel to the first plane and oriented in a second direction different from the first direction, so that the first series 14 and the second series 16 form meshes (in view perpendicular to the first and second planes). Thus, in other words, according to this embodiment, the electrical conductors of the first series 14 and the second series 16 are oriented in two intersecting directions. Each series 14 and 16 respectively forms a sheet. The device 1 comprises two stacked sheets forming meshes.

[0045] According to a particular arrangement, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

[0046] Furthermore, in a particularly advantageous manner, the distance 8 between the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical conductors 6 (i.e. between the first and second planes) can be guaranteed by insulating spacers 12. Typically, these insulating spacers 12 can have a shape of balls, or ovoids, made of insulating material which are positioned between the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical conductors 6. According to this embodiment, the insulating spacers 12 can be positioned between the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical conductors 6. Control of the power supply of electrical conductors

[0047] According to one embodiment, all of the pairs 2 of electrical conductors are supplied with electricity simultaneously, respectively with the first electrical voltage U4 for the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical voltage U6 for the second electrical conductors 6. Thus, according to this embodiment, the first electrical conductors 4 and the second electrical conductors 6 are all supplied with electricity simultaneously. In other words, according to this embodiment, the first electrical voltage U4 is applied at the same time to all of the first electrical conductors 4 of the device 1 and the second electrical voltage U6 is applied at the same time to all of the second electrical conductors 6 of the device 1.

[0048] According to another embodiment, each pair 2 of electrical conductors 4 and 6 is supplied with electricity independently of the other pairs 2 of electrical conductors, the electrical supply of at least two pairs 2 of electrical conductors being time-shifted. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to supply the pairs 2 of electrical conductors 4 and 6 in a discriminated manner. In other words, this embodiment makes it possible not to supply all the pairs 2 of electrical conductors 4 and 6 at the same time, and thus reduce the energy consumption of the device 1.

[0049] According to another embodiment, the electrical supply of each pair 2 of electrical conductors 4 and 6 is time-shifted relative to the electrical supply of the other pairs 2 of electrical conductors, so that at most a single pair 2 of electrical conductors 4 and 6 is electrically supplied at any given time. In other words, according to this embodiment the pairs 2 of electrical conductors 4 and 6 are energized one by one. Controller

[0050] The controller 200 includes electronic circuitry for controlling the power supply to the pairs 2 of electrical conductors 4 and 6.

[0051] As shown diagrammatically on the Fig. 5, the controller 200 may comprise, connected by a communication bus 210: a processor 201; a random access memory 202; a read-only memory 203, for example of the ROM (“Read Only Memory” in English) or EEPROM (“Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory” in English) type and an input-output interface manager 205. Advantageously, the input-output interface manager 205 makes it possible to control one or more power supplies making it possible to deliver in a controlled manner the first electrical voltage U4 and the second electrical voltage U6.

[0052] The processor 201 is capable of executing instructions loaded into the RAM 202 from the ROM 203, an external memory, a storage medium (such as an SD card), or a communications network. When the computer system 200 is powered on, the processor 201 is capable of reading instructions from the RAM 202 and executing them. These instructions form a computer program causing the processor 201 to control the power supply to the electrical conductors 4 and 6.

[0053] All or part of the control of the electrical supply of the electrical conductors 4 and 6 can thus be implemented in software form by executing a set of instructions by a programmable machine, for example a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) type processor or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a machine or a dedicated component, for example an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) component or ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Generally speaking, the controller 200 comprises electronic circuitry adapted and configured to implement, in software and / or hardware form, the control of the electrical supply of the electrical conductors 4 and 6. Arc detection

[0054] In a particularly advantageous manner, the device 1 can integrate means for detecting an electric arc 10. Typically, these means can be connected to the controller 200 to send back information on the detection of an electric arc 10. In addition, according to a particular arrangement, this information can also be transmitted to information means of the aircraft 100, such as the avionics of the aircraft 100, to indicate the presence of a dihydrogen concentration greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, at a location of the aircraft 100 where the device 1 is positioned.

[0055] It is specified that the electric arc detection means can also make it possible to check the correct operation of the device 1 by verifying the correct generation of electric arcs 10.

[0056] According to a particular arrangement, the controller 200 comprises electronic circuitry for measuring electrical currents (i.e. intensity) flowing in the first electrical conductor 4 and in the second electrical conductor 6, to detect an electric arc 10 connecting the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor of the same pair 2. The measurements carried out are analyzed by the controller 200 to determine the presence of an electric arc. Thus, when the controller 200 does not determine the presence of an electric arc while the controller 200 has commanded the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6, the controller 200 thus determines a failure of the device 1 and the controller 200 reports this failure to a signaling system of the installation, for example to a signaling system in the cockpit of the aircraft.

[0057] According to another particular arrangement, the controller 200 is connected to an optical sensor, to optically detect an electric arc between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6. In a particular embodiment, the optical sensor is connected to an optical fiber running along one of the electrical conductors of the pair 2 of electrical conductors. The optical fiber can pick up a light signal emitted by the electric arc and transmit this light signal to the optical sensor connected to the controller 200. The controller 200 is configured to analyze a signal transmitted by the optical sensor so as to detect the possible presence of a light line (of the light signal) corresponding to the combustion of dihydrogen. Indeed, when burning, dihydrogen emits light radiation having a specific wavelength (656.3nm).If the signal transmitted by the optical sensor corresponds to this wavelength, the controller 200 thus detects the presence of dihydrogen in the device 1. The amplitude of the light line is a function of the dihydrogen concentration. If it detects the presence of dihydrogen at a concentration greater than a predetermined concentration, the controller 200 transmits an alert signal to a signaling system of the installation, for example so as to signal an alert in the cockpit of the aircraft 100.

[0058] According to another particular arrangement, the controller 200 is connected to a thermal sensor, to thermally detect an electric arc 10 between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6. In particular, the thermal sensor comprises an optical fiber. This optical fiber can then be used both for the thermal sensor and for the optical sensor according to the previous particular arrangement.

[0059] In embodiments in which the first and second electrical conductors are arranged in parallel, the device 1 allows longitudinal localization by the controller 200 of a dihydrogen concentration. In embodiments in which the first and second electrical conductors are arranged in a mesh, the device 1 allows two-dimensional localization by the controller 200 of a dihydrogen concentration.

[0060] Advantageously, the controller 200 is configured to operate in two operating modes: a first mode, called monitoring mode, in which the controller 200 monitors the presence of dihydrogen in the device 1, as long as the presence of dihydrogen is not detected. In the first mode, the controller 200 controls the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6 of a pair 2 of electrical conductors according to a first time interval between two successive applications of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage;and a second operating mode, when the presence of dihydrogen in the device 1 is detected, such that when the controller 200 detects a concentration of dihydrogen at least in one area of ​​the device 1, said area corresponding to this pair 2 of electrical conductors, the controller 200 controls the application of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage between the first electrical conductor 4 and the second electrical conductor 6 of the pair 2 of electrical conductors according to a second time interval between two successive applications of the predetermined difference in electrical voltage, the second time interval being less than the first time interval. This second operating mode makes it possible to increase the frequency of the electric arcs, and consequently, the volume of dihydrogen burned, when a concentration of dihydrogen is detected. This results in better efficiency of the device 1. ;

[0061] In particular, in the embodiment in which the electrical supply of the pairs 2 of electrical conductors is time-shifted, when the controller 200 detects a dihydrogen concentration in a particular area of ​​the device 1, the controller 200 only applies the second time interval for the pairs 2 of electrical conductors corresponding to this particular area. Thus, the frequency of the electric arcs is only increased in the particular area in which the dihydrogen concentration is detected. This makes it possible to further increase this frequency and therefore to further improve the efficiency of the device 1. Combination with a catalytic neutralization organ

[0062] According to a particular arrangement, the aircraft 100 may also comprise a complementary device for regulating the dihydrogen using a catalyst material for an oxidation reaction of the dihydrogen with the ambient air to oxidize the dihydrogen emanating from the tank and / or the circuit. Combining the device 1 and the complementary device allows better regulation of the dihydrogen concentration.

[0063] For example, the catalyst material comprises alumina and / or cerium oxide and / or a platinoid. According to a particularly advantageous arrangement, the platinoid chosen is platinum and / or palladium. According to one embodiment, the platinoid chosen is a platinum dioxide, also known as an Adams catalyst.

[0064] According to a particular arrangement, the complementary device comprises a plurality of wires or spacers covered with the catalyst material. It is specified that by wires, it is understood wires, strips or cords. The wires can be electrically conductive wires or optical fibers. Advantageously, the complementary device comprises a detection member, in the form of electronic and / or optoelectronic circuitry connected to each wire, in order to detect an oxidation reaction of the dihydrogen by the oxidizing material and transmit (for example, to the pilot) dihydrogen detection information. The detection member can be connected, integrated or partially integrated with the controller 200. If the wires are electrical conductors, then the detection member comprises impedance sensors (typically coils) positioned on each wire.When hydrogen meets the catalyst material on the surface of a wire, the oxidation reaction of the hydrogen produces heat that is transmitted into the electrically conductive wire, changing its impedance. Thus, impedance sensors can detect a variation in impedance on one or more wires, and therefore deduce the presence of hydrogen in contact with these wires. And if the wires are optical fibers, then the detection device includes temperature sensors positioned on each wire. When hydrogen meets the catalyst material on the surface of a fiber optic wire, the oxidation reaction of the hydrogen produces heat that is transmitted to the optical fiber, changing its temperature. Thus, temperature sensors can detect a variation in the temperature of one or more optical fibers, and therefore deduce the presence of hydrogen in contact with these optical fibers. Fixing

[0065] According to a particularly advantageous arrangement, the insulating spacers 12 can keep the electrical conductors 4 and 6 connected to each other.

[0066] According to another arrangement, the electrical conductors 4 and 6 may be connected by a sheet or a link made of electrically insulating material. It is specified that, according to this embodiment, the electrical conductors 4 and 6 are kept spaced apart to allow possible passage of dihydrogen.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the electrical conductors 4 and 6, as well as links made of electrically insulating material, can be interlaced to form a weave. It is specified that according to this embodiment, the electrical conductors 4 and 6 are kept spaced apart to allow possible passage of dihydrogen.

[0068] According to another arrangement, the electrical conductors 4 and 6 may be bonded to a surface, such as for example an external surface of a dihydrogen tank or a dihydrogen circuit pipe, while being kept spaced apart. The surface may also correspond to a surface of a closed or semi-closed space, for example of the aircraft 100, in which it is appropriate to avoid an accumulation of dihydrogen.

[0069] According to another arrangement, the device 1 is shaped in the form of a sleeve arranged around a connection zone of dihydrogen distribution elements, for example around a dihydrogen distribution pipe connection.

Claims

1. Apparatus containing a dihydrogen tank and / or a dihydrogen circuit, the apparatus also comprising a device (1) for regulating a concentration of dihydrogen which comprises at least one pair (2) of electrical conductors (4, 6) as well as at least one controller (200) and which is located outside the tank and / or the circuit and, each pair (2) of electrical conductors (4, 6) comprising a first electrical conductor (4) and a second electrical conductor (6), the first electrical conductor (4) and the second electrical conductor (6) of each pair (2) being spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and the at least one controller (200) being configured to repeatedly command the application of a predetermined voltage difference between the first electrical conductor (4) and the second electrical conductor (6) so that, based on said predetermined distance, an electric arc of controlled power is formed between the first electrical conductor (4) and the second electrical conductor (6).

2. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the device (1) comprises several spaced-apart insulating spacers (12) interposed between the first electrical conductor (4) and the second electrical conductor (6) of each pair (2), the insulating spacers (12) being in the form of balls or of ovoids.

3. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises a first series (14) composed of the first electrical conductors (4) orientated in a first direction and comprises a second series (16) composed of the second electrical conductors (6) orientated in a second direction which intersects the first direction, so that the first series (14) and the second series (16) form cells.

4. Apparatus (100) according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the device (1) comprises a first series (14) of first electrical conductors (4) orientated in a first direction and comprises a second series (16) of second electrical conductors (6) orientated in a second direction which is parallel to the first direction.

5. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) is configured so that the at least one controller (200) commands the application of the predetermined voltage difference between the first electrical conductors (4) and the second electrical conductors (6) simultaneously for the various pairs (2) of electrical conductors (4, 6).

6. Apparatus (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (1) is configured so that, each pair (2) of electrical conductors (4, 6) being supplied with electricity independently of the other pairs (2) of electrical conductors (4, 6), the at least one controller (200) commands the application of the predetermined voltage difference between the first electrical conductors (4) and the second electrical conductors (6) with a time lag for at least two pairs (2) of electrical conductors (4, 6).

7. Apparatus (100) according to Claim 6, wherein the at least one controller (200) is configured to command the application of the predetermined voltage difference between the first electrical conductors (4) and the second electrical conductors (6) so that at most a single pair (2) of electrical conductors (4, 6) is supplied with power at each instant.

8. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one controller (200) is connected to at least one optical sensor and the at least one controller (200) is configured to receive a signal originating from the at least one optical sensor, to analyse this signal so as to detect the possible presence of a spectral line corresponding to the combustion of dihydrogen and to transmit a warning signal to a signalling system of the apparatus in the event that such a spectral line is detected.

9. Apparatus (100) according to Claim 8, wherein the at least one optical sensor is connected to at least one optical fibre.

10. Apparatus (100) according to Claim 9, wherein the at least one optical fibre is parallel to the first electrical conductor (4) or to the second electrical conductor (6).

11. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one controller (200) is connected to at least one thermal sensor and the at least one controller (200) is configured to receive a signal originating from the at least one thermal sensor, to analyse this signal so as to detect a possible temperature rise due to the combustion of dihydrogen and to transmit a warning signal to a signalling system of the apparatus in the event that such a temperature rise is detected.

12. Apparatus (100) according to Claim 11, combined with one of Claims 9 and 10, wherein the at least one optical fibre is used both for the at least one optical sensor and for the at least one thermal sensor.

13. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional device for regulating dihydrogen using a material which catalyses an oxidization reaction of dihydrogen with the surrounding air.

14. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the catalytic material is applied to an electrical conductor and / or an optical fibre and / or a spacer of the device (1) for regulating the concentration of dihydrogen.

15. Apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one controller (200) is configured to operate in two operating modes: - a first mode, referred to as monitoring mode, in which the at least one controller (200) monitors for the presence of dihydrogen in the device (1) as long as the presence of dihydrogen is not detected, and in which the at least one controller (200) commands the application of the predetermined voltage difference between the first electrical conductor (4) and the second electrical conductor (6) of a pair (2) of conductors with a first time interval between two successive applications of the predetermined voltage difference; and - a second operating mode, when the presence of dihydrogen in the device (1) is detected, such that, when the at least one controller (200) detects a concentration of dihydrogen at least in one region of the device (1), said region corresponding to this pair of conductors, the controller (200) commands the application of the predetermined voltage difference between the first electrical conductor (4) and the second electrical conductor (6) of the pair (2) of electrical conductors with a second time interval between two successive applications of the predetermined voltage difference, the second time interval being shorter than the first time interval.