Pressure vessel inspection device and monitoring sensor used for the device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pressure vessel inspection device and a monitoring sensor for the device, the pressure vessel inspection device comprising: a monitoring sensor, including a filament arranged on the outer surface of the pressure vessel, a coating coated on the outer surface of the filament to have an electrical physical quantity, and an electrode connected to the end of the filament and exposed to the outside; and a control unit, configured to measure the structural health of the pressure vessel based on the electrical physical quantity of the coating according to the deformation of the pressure vessel, so as to monitor the structural health of the pressure vessel and simplify the structure and manufacturing process.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0037134 filed on March 26, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a pressure vessel inspection device and a monitoring sensor used for the device, and in particular to a pressure vessel inspection device capable of performing structural health monitoring (SHM) on a pressure vessel and a monitoring sensor used for the device. Background Art

[0004] The hydrogen car is configured to generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and drive a motor to travel. More specifically, the hydrogen car includes a 2 ) of hydrogen tank (H 2 tank), is configured to pass hydrogen and oxygen (O 2 ) to generate electricity by redox reaction between the elements, various devices configured to discharge generated water, a battery configured to store the electricity generated by the fuel cell stack, a controller configured to convert and control the generated electricity, and a motor configured to generate driving force, etc.

[0005] The TYPE4 pressure vessel may be used as a hydrogen tank for a hydrogen vehicle and includes a liner made of a non-metallic material (eg, plastic), a carbon fiber layer formed around an outer surface of the liner, and a glass fiber layer formed around an outer surface of the carbon fiber layer.

[0006] However, as the hydrogen tank approaches the end of its service life, the structural performance of the hydrogen tank may deteriorate due to material degradation, fatigue accumulation due to repeated expansion and contraction caused by the filling and release of hydrogen, and when physical impact, etc. causes damage to the outer surface of the hydrogen tank (such as scratches or corrosion), the structural performance (structural health) of the hydrogen tank will deteriorate.

[0007] As mentioned above, when the structural health of hydrogen tanks deteriorates, the risk of accidents increases. Therefore, the structural health of hydrogen tanks needs to be monitored regularly, and hydrogen tanks that do not meet structural health standards need to be replaced in a timely manner.

[0008] Therefore, in the prior art, a method for monitoring the structural health of a hydrogen tank has been proposed, namely, by attaching a FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor to the outer surface of the hydrogen tank and then monitoring the structural health of the hydrogen tank by detecting the wavelength of reflected light based on the temperature or strain rate at the attachment point.

[0009] However, since the monitoring device using the FBG sensor in the related art requires expensive equipment such as a laser oscillator and a signal analyzer, there are problems that its structure is complicated and the manufacturing cost increases.

[0010] In addition, during the manufacturing process of the hydrogen tank (e.g., the process of winding the glass fiber filament), the FBG sensor of the monitoring device in the prior art is difficult to attach, and the FBG sensor needs to be customized one by one according to the size and shape of the hydrogen tank. Therefore, there is a problem that the manufacturing of the FBG sensor is troublesome and inconvenient, and the manufacturing cost and time are excessively consumed.

[0011] Therefore, various types of research have been conducted recently to simplify the structure of the inspection device for monitoring the structural health of the pressure vessel and to simplify the manufacturing process of the inspection device, but the results are not satisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology for simplifying the structure and manufacturing process of the inspection device. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present disclosure provides a pressure vessel inspection device capable of accurately monitoring the structural health of the pressure vessel and a monitoring sensor used for the device.

[0013] The present disclosure can also simplify the structure and manufacturing process and reduce the cost.

[0014] The present disclosure can achieve flexible application according to the structure of the pressure vessel regardless of the shape and size of the pressure vessel, thereby creating an optimal monitoring environment.

[0015] The present disclosure can improve safety and reliability and reduce the risk of safety accidents.

[0016] The present disclosure can accurately predict the service life of a pressure vessel and replace the pressure vessel in time.

[0017] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the present disclosure, aspects of the present disclosure provide a pressure vessel inspection device, comprising: a monitoring sensor, including a filament arranged on the outer surface of the pressure vessel, a coating coated on the outer surface of the filament to have an electrical physical quantity, and an electrode connected to the end of the filament and exposed to the outside; and a control unit, configured to measure the structural health of the pressure vessel based on the electrical physical quantity of the coating according to the deformation of the pressure vessel.

[0018] The present disclosure enables accurate monitoring of the structural health of pressure vessels and simplifies the structure and manufacturing process.

[0019] That is, the monitoring device in the prior art is configured such that a FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor is attached to the outer surface of the hydrogen tank and the wavelength of reflected light is detected according to the temperature or strain rate of the attachment point to monitor the structural health of the hydrogen tank. Since the monitoring device requires expensive equipment such as a laser oscillator and a signal analyzer, there is a problem that its structure is complicated and the manufacturing cost increases.

[0020] In addition, during the process of manufacturing a pressure vessel (such as a hydrogen tank), the FBG sensor of the monitoring device in the prior art is difficult to attach, and the FBG sensor needs to be customized one by one according to the size and shape of the pressure vessel. Therefore, there is a problem that the manufacturing of the FBG sensor is troublesome and inconvenient, and the manufacturing cost and time are excessively consumed.

[0021] However, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a filament coated with a coating having an electrical physical quantity is provided on the outer surface of the pressure vessel, and the structural health of the pressure vessel is measured based on the electrical physical quantity of the coating according to the deformation of the pressure vessel. As a result, the beneficial effects of accurately monitoring the structural health of the pressure vessel and simplifying the structure and manufacturing process can be obtained.

[0022] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the monitoring sensor is installed on the pressure vessel by winding or patch attachment. Therefore, the monitoring sensor can be flexibly applied according to the structure of the pressure vessel regardless of the shape and size of the pressure vessel, and the monitoring sensor can be installed during the process of manufacturing the pressure vessel.

[0023] The structure and shape of the pressure vessel may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications. As an example, the pressure vessel may include a liner, a carbon fiber layer formed to surround an outer surface of the liner, and a glass fiber layer formed to surround an outer surface of the carbon fiber layer.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the coating layer can be made of various materials having electrical physical quantities. As an example, the coating layer can be made of a metallic material or a conductive material (eg, a conductive material that can be coated on the outer surface of a filament).

[0025] In particular, the filaments comprising the coating may have a constant specific resistance per unit length. Furthermore, the specific resistance per unit length of the filaments comprising the coating may be selectively adjusted.

[0026] In particular, when the specific resistance per unit length of the filament including the coating layer is constant, the resistance of the filament including the coating layer is proportional to the length of the filament and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of ​​the filament.

[0027] The arrangement structure of the filaments can be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the filament may be wound on the outer surface of the glass fiber layer in a circumferential direction of the bushing.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the filaments may be arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a pressure vessel inspection device may include a prepreg patch attached to an outer surface of the pressure vessel, and a filament may be disposed on the prepreg patch.

[0031] The prepreg patch may have various structures capable of being attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel. As an example, the prepreg patch may include: a first prepreg attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel; and a second prepreg stacked on the first prepreg, with the filament interposed between the first prepreg and the second prepreg so that the electrode is exposed to the outside.

[0032] In particular, the prepreg patch may be made of the same material as the glass fiber layer, and may be integrally attached to the outer surface of the glass fiber layer by being heat-cured together with the glass fiber layer when the glass fiber layer is heat-cured.

[0033] As described above, since the prepreg patch is made of the same material as the glass fiber layer, the prepreg patch can perform the function of a monitoring sensor while performing the function of the glass fiber layer maintaining structural stability under high pressure.

[0034] Prepreg patches can be attached in a variety of ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications.

[0035] As an example, the prepreg patch may be formed to partially cover an outer surface of the glass fiber layer corresponding to at least one of outer surfaces constituting the body portion and the side portion of the bushing.

[0036] As another example, the prepreg patch may be formed to cover the entire outer surface of the glass fiber layer corresponding to the outer surface of the body portion. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the filaments may be arranged along a length direction of the body portion or a circumferential direction of the body portion.

[0037] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a monitoring sensor including: a filament disposed on an outer surface of an inspection object; a coating coated on the outer surface of the filament to have an electrical physical quantity; and an electrode connected to an end of the filament and exposed to the outside.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the filament may be wound on the outer surface of the glass fiber layer in a circumferential direction of the inspection object.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the filaments may be arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the monitoring sensor may include a prepreg patch attached to an outer surface of an inspection object, and the filament may be disposed on the prepreg patch.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the prepreg patch may include: a first prepreg attached to the outer surface of the inspection object; and a second prepreg stacked on the first prepreg, and a filament may be interposed between the first prepreg and the second prepreg so that the electrode is exposed to the outside. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 It is a view for explaining the pressure vessel inspection device according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a view for explaining a pressure vessel related to the pressure vessel inspection device according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 3 It is a view for explaining the structure of a monitoring sensor of the pressure vessel inspection device according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 4 1 is a view for explaining an example in which a monitoring sensor of the pressure vessel inspection device according to the present disclosure is installed.

[0046] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is a view for explaining a state in which a monitoring sensor of the pressure vessel inspection device according to the present disclosure is deformed according to deformation of the pressure vessel.

[0047] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a view for explaining another exemplary embodiment of a monitoring sensor of the pressure vessel inspection device according to the present disclosure.

[0048] Figures 9 to 11 1 is a view for explaining another example of a monitoring sensor installed with the pressure vessel inspection device according to the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.12 and Fig.13 It is a view for explaining a state in which a monitoring sensor of the pressure vessel inspection device according to the present disclosure is deformed according to deformation of the pressure vessel.

[0050] Fig.14 2 is a view for explaining an operation mechanism of the pressure vessel inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.151 is a view for explaining an example of measurement performed by a monitoring sensor of the pressure vessel inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms as used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger automobiles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various ships and boats, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum) vehicles. As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0053] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing a specific embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "include" and / or "contain" when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Throughout the specification, unless there is a clear description to the contrary, the word "include" and variations such as "include" or "contain" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements, but do not exclude any other elements. In addition, the terms "unit", "-piece", "-device" and "module" described in the specification refer to units for processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0054] In addition, the control logic of the present disclosure may be implemented as non-transitory computer-readable media on a computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller, etc. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disk (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer-readable medium may also be distributed in a networked computer system so that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, by a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0055] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] However, the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to some exemplary embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, one or more constituent elements in the exemplary embodiments can be selectively combined and replaced.

[0057] In addition, unless otherwise specifically and clearly defined and stated, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be interpreted as the meanings commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The meanings of common terms such as terms defined in dictionaries may be interpreted according to the contextual meanings of the relevant technology.

[0058] In addition, terms used in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are for explaining the exemplary embodiments rather than limiting the present disclosure.

[0059] Unless otherwise specifically indicated in the context of this specification, the singular form may also include the plural form. The interpretation of "at least one (or one or more) of A, B and C" described herein may include one or more of all combinations formed by combining A, B and C.

[0060] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe constituent elements of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, order or sequence of the constituent elements is not limited by these terms.

[0062] In addition, when a component element is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “attached” to another component element, the one component element may be directly connected, coupled or attached to the other component element, or may be connected, coupled or attached to the other component element with another component element interposed between the one component element and the other component element.

[0063] In addition, the interpretation of "one component is formed or arranged above (upper) or below (lower) another component" includes not only the case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more additional components are formed or arranged between the two components. In addition, the expression "above (upper) or below (lower)" may include the meaning of the downward direction as well as the upward direction based on one component.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 15According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a pressure vessel inspection device includes: a monitoring sensor 100, including a filament 110 arranged on the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10, a coating 120 coated on the outer surface of the filament 110 to have an electrical physical quantity, and an electrode 130 connected to the end of the filament 110 and exposed to the outside; and a control unit 500, which is configured to measure the structural health of the pressure vessel 10 based on the electrical physical quantity of the coating 120 according to the deformation of the pressure vessel 10.

[0065] The pressure vessel inspection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be used to monitor the structural health or structural safety of an inspection object (e.g., a pressure vessel) made of a fiber-reinforced composite material, and the present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the type and structure of the inspection object.

[0066] As an example, the pressure vessel inspection apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be used to inspect the structural health of a hydrogen tank of a hydrogen storage system applied to a hydrogen vehicle.

[0067] The pressure vessel 10 may be variously changed in structure and shape according to required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the pressure vessel 10 .

[0068] As an example, see Figure 2 The pressure vessel 10 includes a liner 12 , a carbon fiber layer 14 formed to surround an outer surface of the liner 12 , and a glass fiber layer 16 formed to surround an outer surface of the carbon fiber layer 14 .

[0069] The liner 12 has a hollow structure having a storage space therein, and high-pressure (eg, 350 bar or 700 bar) hydrogen gas may be stored in the storage space.

[0070] An inlet (not shown) for introducing hydrogen may be formed at one end of the liner 12 , and an outlet (not shown) for discharging hydrogen may be formed at the other end of the liner 12 .

[0071] The material of the bushing 12 can be variously changed according to the required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the material of the bushing 12. In particular, the bushing 12 can be made of non-metallic materials, such as high-density plastics with excellent restoring force and excellent fatigue resistance.

[0072] The bushing 12 may have various structures according to required conditions and design specifications. As an example, the bushing 12 includes a container-shaped body portion 12a and dome-shaped side portions 12b formed at both ends of the body portion 12a.

[0073] Specifically, the bushing 12 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and the side portion 12 b may be formed in a dome shape and integrally connected to both ends of the body portion 12 a.

[0074] The carbon fiber layer 14 is provided so that the pressure vessel 10 can well withstand high pressure, and is formed to surround the entire outer surface of the liner 12 .

[0075] As an example, the carbon fiber layer 14 may be formed by winding a carbon fiber composite material on the outer surface of the bushing 12 , wherein the carbon fiber composite material may be formed by impregnating carbon fiber filaments with an epoxy resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like.

[0076] The winding structure and winding method of the carbon fiber composite material can be changed differently according to the required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the winding method of the fiber composite material. As an example, the carbon fiber layer 14 can be formed by winding multiple layers of carbon fiber composite material on the outer surface of the bushing 12 in various patterns (e.g., clockwise winding, counterclockwise winding, oblique winding, etc.).

[0077] The carbon fiber composite material wound on the outer surface of the bushing 12 is cured by a subsequent heat treatment process to form the carbon fiber layer 14. As an example, the carbon fiber composite material wound on the outer surface of the bushing 12 may be cured by heat treatment at a temperature above 150°C for a predetermined time.

[0078] The glass fiber layer 16 is provided to form a protective layer to prevent damage to the pressure vessel 10 caused by external impact (eg, scratches), corrosion, etc., and is formed to surround the entire outer surface of the carbon fiber layer 14 .

[0079] As an example, the glass fiber layer 16 may be formed by winding a glass fiber composite material on the outer surface of the carbon fiber layer 14 , wherein the glass fiber composite material may be formed by impregnating glass fiber filaments with epoxy resin, thermosetting resin, or the like.

[0080] The winding structure and winding method of the glass fiber composite material can be changed differently according to the required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the winding method of the glass fiber composite material. As an example, the glass fiber layer 16 can be formed by winding multiple layers of glass fiber composite material on the outer surface of the carbon fiber layer 14 in various patterns (e.g., clockwise winding, counterclockwise winding, oblique winding, etc.).

[0081] The glass fiber composite material wound on the outer surface of the carbon fiber layer 14 is cured by a subsequent heat treatment process to form the glass fiber layer 16. As an example, the glass fiber composite material wound on the outer surface of the carbon fiber layer 14 can be cured by heat treatment at a temperature above 150°C for a predetermined time.

[0082] The monitoring sensor 100 is disposed on an outer surface of the pressure vessel 10 to monitor the structural health of the pressure vessel 10 .

[0083] Reference Figure 3 The monitoring sensor 100 includes a filament 110 disposed on the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10, a coating 120 coated on the outer surface of the filament 110 to have an electrical physical quantity, and an electrode 130 connected to an end of the filament 110 and exposed to the outside.

[0084] The filaments 110 are provided in the form of wires that can be wound around the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 .

[0085] The material of the filament 110 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications. As an example, the filament 110 made of the same or similar glass fiber material as the glass fiber filament constituting the glass fiber layer 16 may be used as the filament 110 of the monitoring sensor 100 .

[0086] The coating layer 120 is made of a material having an electrical physical quantity and is formed to surround the entire outer surface of the filament 110 .

[0087] In this case, the coating layer 120 having the configuration of the electrical physical quantity may mean that the coating layer 120 has a resistance or a voltage within a predetermined range.

[0088] The coating layer 120 may be made of various materials having electrical physical quantities, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the material of the coating layer 120. In particular, the coating layer 120 may be made of a metal material.

[0089] As examples, Constantan, Nichrome, Manganin, Karma (Ni+Cr+Al+Fe), Lsaclastic (Ni+Cr+Fe+Mo), pure nickel, platinum, soft iron, copper, etc. can be used as materials for the coating 120, or the coating 120 can be made of other metal materials according to the required conditions and design specifications.

[0090] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the coating layer may be made of a conductive material that can be coated (coated on the outer surface of the filament).

[0091] In particular, the filament 110 including the coating 120 has a constant specific resistance p per unit length.

[0092] The specific resistance p per unit length of the filament 110 including the coating layer 120 may be selectively adjusted by changing the type of metal forming the coating layer 120 or adjusting the amount of the metal.

[0093] More specifically, when the specific resistance ρ per unit length of the filament 110 including the coating layer 120 is constant, the resistance R of the filament 110 including the coating layer 120 is proportional to the length of the filament 110 and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of ​​the filament 110 .

[0094] That is, when the specific resistance of the filament 110 including the coating layer 120 is constant at ρ, the resistance R of the filament 110 including the coating layer 120 may be defined as R=ρL / A, where A is the cross-sectional area and L is the length.

[0095] The electrodes 130 are respectively connected to both ends of the filament 110 , thereby being electrically connected to the coating layer 120 .

[0096] The electrode 130 may be formed in the form of a pad or a terminal made of conductive paste, metal, or conductive plastic, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the material and shape of the electrode 130 .

[0097] The electrode 130 is exposed to the outside of the filament 110 in a state where the electrode 130 is connected to both ends of the filament 110. The exposed portion of the electrode 130 may be connected to a wire (not shown).

[0098] In particular, except for the exposed portion of the electrode 130 connected to the wire, the rest of the electrode 130 is covered by the glass fiber layer 16 or the filament 110. As described above, since a portion of the electrode 130 is covered by the glass fiber layer 16 or the filament 110, the beneficial effect of stably maintaining the arrangement state of the electrode 130 and preventing the electrode 130 from being separated can be obtained.

[0099] The filament 110 of the monitoring sensor 100 is configured to be stretchable or contractible (changeable in length) according to the deformation of the pressure vessel 10, and the arrangement structure of the filament 110 can be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

[0100] As an example, see Figure 4 The filament 110 of the monitoring sensor 100 may be wound around the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 along the circumferential direction of the bushing 12 .

[0101] The number of filaments 110 wound on the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 and the intervals between the filaments 110 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the number of filaments 110 and the intervals between the filaments 110 .

[0102] In particular, the filament 110 including the coating 120 may be wound at a location on the pressure vessel 10 where maximum stress, such as hoop stress (eg, circumferential stress), occurs.

[0103] As an example, three filaments 110 including coating 120 may be wound on the outer surface of glass fiber layer 16 in a spaced manner to form independent monitoring sensors 100. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, less than two or more than four filaments may be wound on the outer surface of glass fiber layer.

[0104] In addition, the sensing sensitivity of the monitoring sensor 100 may be controlled by adjusting the number of windings of the filament 110 of the monitoring sensor 100 (the number of times the filament 110 is wound around the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 ).

[0105] For example, when the deformation of the pressure vessel 10 caused by the internal pressure is small, the sensing sensitivity of the monitoring sensor 100 can be improved by increasing the number of windings of the filament 110 wound around the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 (for example, increasing the number of windings from three to five).

[0106] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the monitoring sensor 100 can be implemented by winding a filament 110 including a coating 120 on the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10, the monitoring sensor 100 can be flexibly applied according to the structure of the pressure vessel 10 regardless of the shape and size of the pressure vessel 10, thereby creating an optimal monitoring environment.

[0107] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the pressure vessel 10 is deformed (eg, expanded) due to the internal pressure P after the monitoring sensor 100 is attached to the surface of the pressure vessel 10, the length of the monitoring sensor 100 may increase (L 0 →L 1 ), and the resistance R signal according to the length change ΔL of the monitoring sensor 100 can be converted into a voltage signal by a conventional conversion unit (not shown).

[0108] As an example, a Wheatstone bridge circuit may be used as the conversion unit. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a circuit such as a quarter bridge circuit or a full bridge circuit may be used as the conversion unit.

[0109] In addition, because the output voltage from the Wheatstone bridge circuit is very low, it can be used with a conventional amplifier (see Figure 1 310 in the figure) amplifies the output voltage by about 1000 to 10000 times and can be passed through a filter (see Figure 1 320 in the figure) to filter out the noise contained in the voltage signal. Then, the voltage signal is measured by the voltage measuring module (or resistance measuring module) 400 (see Figure 1 ) is measured and then transmitted to the control unit 500.

[0110] The control unit 500 measures the structural health of the pressure vessel 10 based on an electrical physical quantity (eg, resistance or voltage) of the coating 120 according to the deformation of the pressure vessel 10 .

[0111] For example, Fig.15 As shown, when the resistance (or voltage) of the coating 120 according to the deformation of the pressure vessel 10 is within the normal measurement range, the control unit 500 can judge that the structural health of the pressure vessel 10 is in a normal state. On the contrary, when the resistance (or voltage) of the coating 120 according to the deformation of the pressure vessel 10 deviates from the normal measurement range and is within the abnormal measurement range, the control unit 500 can judge that the structural health of the pressure sensor 10 is in an abnormal state. The control unit 500 of the device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be a processor (e.g., a computer, a microprocessor, a CPU, an ASIC, a circuit, a logic circuit, etc.).

[0112] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure vessel inspection device may include an internal sensor 200 configured to sense an internal state (e.g., pressure or temperature) of the pressure vessel 10. As an example, the internal sensor 200 may include a pressure sensor 210 configured to sense the internal pressure of the pressure vessel 10 and a temperature sensor 220 configured to sense the internal temperature of the pressure vessel 10.

[0113] A conventional pressure measurement sensor capable of sensing the internal pressure of the pressure vessel 10 may be used as the pressure sensor 210, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and characteristics of the pressure sensor 210. In addition, a conventional temperature measurement sensor capable of sensing the internal temperature of the pressure vessel 10 may be used as the temperature sensor 220, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and characteristics of the temperature sensor 220.

[0114] The signal measured by the internal sensor 200 may be transmitted to the control unit 500. The control unit 500 may measure the structural health of the pressure vessel 10 based on both the signal sensed by the monitoring sensor 100 and the signal sensed by the internal sensor.

[0115] In addition, the signal sensed by the monitoring sensor 100 may be stored in the monitoring history storage unit 600. The monitoring history storage unit 600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the monitoring history storage unit 600 may include a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0116] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure vessel inspection device may include a notification module 700, which is configured to notify a driver or a manufacturer of a measurement result (e.g., a result of measuring the structural health of the pressure vessel) of the control unit 500. As an example, the notification module 700 may include a driver notification module 710, a network module 720, and a manufacturer notification module 730.

[0117] For example, the notification module 700 is a hardware device implemented as an electronic circuit so as to transmit and receive a signal through a wireless or wired connection. In the present disclosure, communication may be performed in a vehicle through CAN communication, LIN communication, and the like.

[0118] Meanwhile, in the above-described and illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the construction of the filament 110 of the monitoring sensor 100 wound on the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 is described as an example, but according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the filament may be attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel in the form of a patch.

[0119] As an example, see Figure 7 , the filaments 110 including the coating layer 120 are formed in a zigzag pattern and may be attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10 .

[0120] In particular, the filaments 110 are formed into a zigzag pattern having uniform straight lengths (see Fig.12 L 0 ).

[0121] In this case, the straight length of the filament 110 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the straight length of the filament 110 .

[0122] In addition, the sensing sensitivity of the monitoring sensor 100 may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of straight segments of the filament 110 having the zigzag pattern.

[0123] The filaments 110 having a zigzag pattern may be attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10 in various ways according to required conditions and design specifications.

[0124] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure vessel inspection device may include a prepreg patch 150 configured to be attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10. The filament 110 may be disposed on the prepreg patch 150 and attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10 through the prepreg patch 150.

[0125] For reference, in the present disclosure, the prepreg patch 150 is defined as a composite intermediate step material formed by infiltrating a liquid synthetic resin such as epoxy resin into a fiber reinforcement material such as carbon fiber and glass fiber. The prepreg patch 150 can be cured by heating and pressurizing, thus becoming a composite part excellent in mechanical and thermal properties.

[0126] The prepreg patch 150 may have various structures that can be attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10. As an example, refer to Figure 8 The prepreg patch 150 includes a first prepreg 152 attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10 and a second prepreg 154 stacked on the first prepreg 152, and the filament 110 is interposed between the first prepreg 152 and the second prepreg 154 so that the electrode 130 is exposed to the outside.

[0127] For example, each of the first prepreg 152 and the second prepreg 154 may be formed in the form of a quadrilateral sheet. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first prepreg and the second prepreg may be formed in a circular, oval or other shape, and the present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the shapes of the first prepreg and the second prepreg.

[0128] The first prepreg 152 is attached to the outer surface of the pressure vessel 10 , the filaments 110 having a zigzag pattern are disposed on the outer surface of the first prepreg 152 , and in this state, the second prepreg 154 is stacked on the outer surface of the first prepreg 152 to cover the filaments 110 .

[0129] A portion of the electrode 130 connected to the end of the filament 110 may be partially exposed to the outside of the second prepreg 154 , and a wire is connected to the exposed portion of the electrode 130 .

[0130] In particular, the first prepreg 152 and the second prepreg 154 of the prepreg patch 150 are made of the same material as the glass fiber layer 16 and are heat-cured together with the glass fiber layer 16 when the glass fiber layer 16 is heat-cured, so that the first prepreg 152 and the second prepreg 154 can be integrally attached to the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16.

[0131] As described above, since the prepreg patch 150 is made of the same material as the glass fiber layer 16, the prepreg patch 150 can perform the function of the monitoring sensor 100 while performing the function of the glass fiber layer 16 of maintaining structural stability under high pressure. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the prepreg patch and the glass fiber layer may be made of different materials.

[0132] The prepreg patch 150 including the filaments 110 may be attached in various ways depending on the desired conditions and design specifications.

[0133] As an example, the prepreg patch 150 may be formed to partially cover an outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 corresponding to at least one of an outer surface of a body portion and an outer surface of a side portion constituting the bushing 12 .

[0134] For example, refer to Fig. 9 , the first prepreg patch 150' and the second prepreg patch 150" can be attached to the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 corresponding to the outer surface of the main body, the first prepreg patch 150' is arranged along the length direction of the main body, and the second prepreg patch 150" is arranged along the circumferential direction of the main body. The third prepreg patch 150'" can be attached to the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 corresponding to the outer surface of the side. The third prepreg patch 150'" can be arranged along the curved surface of the side.

[0135] The monitoring sensor 100 included in the first prepreg patch 150' can sense the deformation (length expansion) of the pressure vessel 10 in the length direction, the monitoring sensor 100 included in the second prepreg patch 150" can sense the deformation (diameter expansion) of the pressure vessel 10 in the diameter direction, and the monitoring sensor 100 included in the third prepreg patch 150'" can sense the expansion of the pressure vessel 10 in the length direction and diameter direction.

[0136] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the prepreg patch 150 including the filaments 110 may be formed to cover the entire outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 corresponding to the outer surface of the body portion.

[0137] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 The prepreg patch 150 may be formed to have a length and a circumference corresponding to the outer surface of the body portion, and the prepreg patch 150 may be disposed to cover the entire outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 corresponding to the outer surface of the body portion.

[0138] In addition, a plurality of filaments 110 including the coating layer 120 (the filaments having a zigzag pattern) may be disposed on the prepreg patch 150 in a manner of being spaced apart from each other, thereby constituting monitoring sensors 100 that are independent of each other.

[0139] As an example, Fig.10 As shown, the filaments 110 disposed on the prepreg patch 150 may be disposed to be wound around the outer surface of the glass fiber layer 16 along the circumferential direction of the liner 12 , and the deformation of the pressure vessel 10 in the circumferential direction (diameter direction) of the pressure vessel 10 may be monitored.

[0140] As another example, Fig.11 As shown, the filaments 110 disposed on the prepreg patch 150 may be disposed along the length direction of the liner 12 , and the deformation of the pressure vessel 10 in the length direction of the pressure vessel 10 may be monitored.

[0141] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 When the pressure vessel 10 is deformed (e.g., expanded) due to the internal pressure P, the length of the monitoring sensor 100 may increase in response to the expansion of the pressure vessel 10 (L0×4→L1×4). As a result, the structural health of the pressure vessel 10 may be monitored based on a resistance R signal (or voltage signal) according to the length change (ΔL×4) of the monitoring sensor 100.

[0142] At the same time, refer to Fig.14 The monitoring sensor 100 optimized by analysis and experiment can be wound in a winding manner (see Figure 4 ) is installed on the pressure vessel 10 (see Figure 4 ), or by using the attachment method of the prepreg patch 150 (see Figures 9 to 11 ) is installed on the pressure vessel 10. During the internal pressure test performed in the process of manufacturing the pressure vessel 10, it can be checked whether the pressure vessel 10 (or the monitoring sensor) is defective by mainly checking the measured value (checking whether the resistance of the coating 120 is within the normal measurement range).

[0143] The pressure vessel 10 judged to be defective may be discarded or calibrated, and the pressure vessel 10 judged to be normal may be installed in the vehicle.

[0144] Additionally, during vehicle operation, when an abnormal value is detected by monitoring the structural health of the pressure vessel 10 (eg, when the resistance of the coating 120 deviates from a normal measurement range and is within an abnormal measurement range), the pressure vessel 10 may be inspected or replaced.

[0145] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as described above, during the process of manufacturing the pressure vessel 10 in the production line of the pressure vessel 10, the pressure vessel inspection device can be used for quality management to determine whether the pressure vessel 10 is defective based on the resistance value (or voltage value) established within the normal operating pressure range.

[0146] Although the exemplary embodiments have been described above, the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes not described above may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the essential features of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the various constituent elements specifically described in the exemplary embodiments may be modified and implemented. In addition, it should be explained that the differences associated with modifications and changes are included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0147] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the beneficial effect of accurately monitoring the structural health of a pressure vessel may be obtained.

[0148] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a beneficial effect of monitoring the structural health of a pressure vessel in real time during a process of manufacturing the pressure vessel or during operation of a vehicle may be obtained.

[0149] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, advantageous effects of simplifying the structure and manufacturing process and reducing the cost can be obtained.

[0150] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a beneficial effect of achieving flexible application according to the structure of the pressure vessel regardless of the shape and size of the pressure vessel, thereby creating an optimal monitoring environment, can be obtained.

[0151] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain beneficial effects of improving safety and reliability and reducing the risk of safety accidents.

[0152] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the beneficial effects of accurately predicting the service life of a pressure vessel and replacing the pressure vessel in time may be obtained.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel inspection device, comprising: A monitoring sensor including a filament disposed on an outer surface of a pressure vessel, a coating coated on the outer surface of the filament to have an electrical physical quantity, and an electrode connected to an end of the filament and exposed to the outside; a control unit that measures a structural health of the pressure vessel based on the electrical physical quantity of the coating according to deformation of the pressure vessel, and a prepreg patch attached to an outer surface of the pressure vessel, the filaments being disposed on the prepreg patch, Wherein, the prepreg patch comprises: a first prepreg attached to an outer surface of the pressure vessel; and a second prepreg, stacked on the first prepreg, and The filament is interposed between the first prepreg and the second prepreg such that the electrode is exposed to the outside.

2. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: The coating layer is made of a metallic material or a conductive material.

3. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 2, wherein: The filament including the coating has a constant specific resistance per unit length.

4. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 3, wherein: The electrical resistance of the filament including the coating is proportional to the length of the filament and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of ​​the filament.

5. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 3, wherein: The specific resistance per unit length of the filament including the coating is selectively adjustable.

6. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure vessel includes a liner, a carbon fiber layer formed to surround an outer surface of the liner, and a glass fiber layer formed to surround an outer surface of the carbon fiber layer, and The filaments are wound around the outer surface of the glass fiber layer along the circumferential direction of the bushing.

7. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure vessel includes a liner, a carbon fiber layer formed to surround an outer surface of the liner, and a glass fiber layer formed to surround an outer surface of the carbon fiber layer, and The filaments are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

8. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 6, wherein: The prepreg patch is made of the same material as the glass fiber layer and is heat cured together with the glass fiber layer.

9. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 6, wherein: The bushing comprises: a container-shaped main body; and Dome-shaped side portions are formed at both ends of the main body portion.

10. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 9, wherein: The prepreg sheet is formed to partially cover the outer surface of the glass fiber layer corresponding to at least one of the outer surfaces of the body portion and the side portion.

11. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 9, wherein: The prepreg sheet is formed to cover the entire outer surface of the glass fiber layer corresponding to the outer surface of the body portion.

12. The pressure vessel inspection device according to claim 9, wherein: The filaments are arranged along the length direction of the main body or the circumferential direction of the main body.

13. A monitoring sensor, comprising: a filament disposed on an outer surface of the inspection object; a coating layer, coated on the outer surface of the filament to have an electrical physical quantity; an electrode connected to an end of the filament and exposed to the outside, and a prepreg patch attached to the outer surface of the inspection object, the filaments being arranged on the prepreg patch, Wherein, the prepreg patch comprises: a first prepreg attached to an outer surface of the inspection object; and a second prepreg, stacked on the first prepreg, and The filament is interposed between the first prepreg and the second prepreg such that the electrode is exposed to the outside.

14. The monitoring sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The filament is wound around the outer surface of the inspection object along a circumferential direction of the inspection object.

15. The monitoring sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The filaments are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

16. The monitoring sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The prepreg patch is configured to partially or completely cover the outer surface of the inspection object.

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