System and method for filling a box

Abstract

A system and method for filling tanks is provided. The tank filling system includes tanks filled with a predetermined fluid and a manifold coupled in communication to each of the plurality of tanks. A first flow passage is connected to a first inlet of the manifold to supply fluid to be filled into the plurality of tanks to the manifold, a second flow passage is connected to a second inlet of the manifold spaced a predetermined distance from the first inlet of the manifold to supply fluid to be filled into the plurality of tanks to the manifold. A controller opens and closes the first flow passage and the second flow passage.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0176780, filed on December 16, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a system and method for filling boxes, and more specifically, to a system and method for filling boxes to balance filling amount deviations between boxes. Background Technology

[0004] Typical fuel cell vehicles generate electricity through reverse electrolysis caused by the reaction between hydrogen and air. In this process, hydrogen flows along the hydrogen filling lines of the hydrogen storage system and is stored in a hydrogen storage tank. Recently, a form has been developed in which multiple small-diameter hydrogen storage tanks, obtained by miniaturizing such tanks, are connected to a manifold.

[0005] In this small-diameter chamber system, hydrogen is injected into an inlet through a single manifold connected to each chamber. Specifically, due to the pressure differential generated in the flow channels within the manifold, the filling volume deviation and temperature deviation between chambers increase in ascending order of distance from the inlet. In this respect, when the pressure of the nearest chamber reaches the target filling pressure, it is impossible to physically supply additional hydrogen, and the filling process terminates. Over time, as the chamber filling volumes reach equilibrium, the overall system pressure falls below the target filling pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a system and method for filling boxes that can balance filling deviations between boxes. The technical problems to be solved by the inventive concept are not limited to those described above, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a system for filling boxes may include: a plurality of boxes filled with a predetermined fluid; a manifold coupled in communication to each of the plurality of boxes; a first flow channel connected to a first inlet of the manifold to supply fluid to be filled into the plurality of boxes to the manifold; a second flow channel connected to a second inlet of the manifold at a predetermined distance from the first inlet of the manifold to supply fluid to be filled into the plurality of boxes to the manifold; and a controller configured to open and close the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to adjust the opening and closing of the first flow channel and the second flow channel based on the fill volume of at least some of the plurality of boxes. The controller may be configured to acquire the fill volume of at least some of the plurality of boxes; and when the box with the largest fill volume among the acquired fill volumes is referred to as the maximum-fill box, close the flow channel connected to the one of the first inlet and the second inlet closest to the maximum-fill box, and open the flow channel connected to the other of the first inlet and the second inlet furthest from the maximum-fill box.

[0009] Furthermore, the controller can be configured to acquire the fill volume of at least some of the multiple chambers; and when the chamber with the smallest fill volume among the chambers for acquiring the fill volume is referred to as the minimum-fill chamber, open a flow channel connected to the one closest to the minimum-fill chamber among the first inlet and the second inlet, and close a flow channel connected to the other of the first inlet and the one furthest from the minimum-fill chamber. The controller can be configured to: open the first flow channel and close the second flow channel to begin fluid supply through the first inlet; acquire the fill volume of the chamber closest to the first inlet among the multiple chambers; and when the fill volume of the chamber closest to the first inlet reaches a reference fill volume, close the first flow channel and open the second flow channel to begin fluid supply through the second inlet.

[0010] Furthermore, the controller can be configured to determine the reference filling amount based on the difference between the filling amount of the nearest chamber to the first inlet when fluid supply through the first inlet begins and the target filling amount of the nearest chamber to the first inlet. The plurality of chambers can be arranged along a predetermined reference direction, with the first inlet positioned near the first chamber arranged first along the reference direction, and the second inlet positioned near the second chamber arranged last along the reference direction.

[0011] The system may also include valves for determining the opening and closing of the first and second flow channels, and a controller may be configured to operate the valves. The second flow channel may be connected to the first flow channel, and the valve may be located at the connection point between the first and second flow channels to transfer fluid supplied to the valve to at least one of the first or second flow channels.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller can be configured to calculate the filling amount of the first inlet nearest chamber based on the pressure within the chamber. The controller can also be configured to determine whether to switch the open / closed state of the first and second flow channels based on a comparison between information about a first filling amount and information about a second filling amount, wherein the first filling amount is the filling amount of the first chamber first positioned along a predetermined reference direction, and the second filling amount is the filling amount of the second chamber last positioned along the reference direction, with the first inlet positioned near the first chamber and the second inlet positioned near the second chamber.

[0013] The controller can be configured to open the first flow channel (in the closed state) and close the second flow channel (in the open state) when the second fill amount becomes greater than or equal to the first fill amount through fluid supply via the second flow channel. The controller can also be configured to calculate the first fill amount based on the temperature of the first housing and to calculate the second fill amount based on the temperature of the second housing.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system for filling a housing may include: a housing formed in a tubular shape to be filled with a predetermined fluid; a first flow channel connected to a first inlet of the housing to supply fluid into the housing; a second flow channel connected to a second inlet of the housing spaced at a predetermined distance from the first inlet of the housing to supply fluid into the housing; and a controller configured to open and close the first and second flow channels based on the filling amount of at least some of the multiple zones when the housing is divided into multiple zones.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for filling a housing may include: injecting hydrogen into the plurality of housings through the first flow channel when a conversion condition is determined based on the filling amount of a first housing first disposed along the reference direction among a plurality of housings coupled to a manifold along the predetermined reference direction; converting a flow channel for supplying hydrogen to the manifold from a first flow channel near the first housing to a second flow channel connected to the manifold and spaced apart from the first housing; in response to determining that the conversion condition has been met, converting the flow channel for supplying hydrogen to the manifold from the first flow channel to the second flow channel; and in response to determining that at least one of the plurality of housings is filled with a target filling amount, closing all flow channels.

[0016] The method may further include: in response to a re-switching condition for switching the flow channel for supplying hydrogen to the manifold from the second flow channel back to the first flow channel, and in response to determining that the re-switching condition has been met before closing all flow channels, switching the flow channel for supplying hydrogen to the manifold from the second flow channel back to the first flow channel. The second flow channel may be a flow channel adjacent to the second housing located last in the plurality of housings along the reference direction. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 It is a graph showing the distribution of fluid filling volume and temperature when fluid is filled into a plurality of chambers through a first flow channel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a graph showing the distribution of fluid filling volume and temperature after the flow channel for filling fluid into multiple chambers is changed from a first flow channel to a second flow channel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A graph combining the fluid filling volume diagrams;

[0022] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the case where the temperature of the chamber away from the first flow channel is higher than the temperature of the chamber near the first flow channel when fluid continues to be introduced through the second flow channel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a box filling method according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] It should be understood that the terms “vehicle” or “on-board” or other similar terms used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, ships including various vessels and boats, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum).

[0029] While exemplary embodiments are described as using multiple units to perform exemplary processes, it should be understood that exemplary processes can also be performed by one or more modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that the term controller / control unit refers to a hardware device including a memory and a processor, specifically programmed to perform the processes described herein. The memory is configured to store modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute said modules to perform one or more processes, as will be further described below.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified or apparent from the context, as used herein, the term “about” is understood to mean within normal tolerances in the art, for example, within 2 standard deviations of the mean. “Approximately” can be understood to mean within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. All numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term “about” unless the context otherwise requires.

[0032] In the following, some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that identical or equivalent components are represented by the same numbers, even if shown in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant known configurations or functions will be omitted when it is determined that such configurations or functions interfere with the understanding of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] First Exemplary Implementation

[0034] The tank filling system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a tank filling system for a fluid storage tank configured to store fluid to be supplied to a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell vehicle. The tank filling system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of tanks 10, a manifold 20, a first flow channel 30, a second flow channel 40, and a controller 50. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a container filling system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, the container 1, regulator 2, and fuel cell 3 are components commonly used in fuel cell vehicles, and therefore their detailed description is omitted.

[0035] Each of the plurality of housings 10 may be configured to be filled with a predetermined fluid. The predetermined fluid may be hydrogen, but is not limited to this, and is not limited to any fluid that can be used as fuel. In this respect, the plurality of housings 10 may be arranged in a predetermined reference direction D.

[0036] Manifold 20 can be coupled in a communicating manner to each of the plurality of housings 10. Manifold 20 can be understood as a conduit along which fluid can be introduced. Manifold 20 may include a first inlet 21 and a second inlet 22. For example, the first inlet 21 may be positioned near the first housing 11. The first housing 11 may be the housing first positioned among the plurality of housings 10 along the reference direction D. Furthermore, as an example, the second inlet 22 may be positioned near the second housing 12. The second housing 12 may be the housing last positioned among the plurality of housings 10 along the reference direction D. However, the positions of the first inlet 21 and the second inlet 22 are not limited to the positions described above, and their positions may be adjusted based on the need to address filling volume deviations between housings, which is the purpose of this disclosure.

[0037] A first flow passage 30 may be connected to a first inlet 21 of manifold 20. The first flow passage 30 may be configured to supply fluid to be filled in a plurality of housings 10 to the manifold 20. A second flow passage 40 may be connected to a second inlet 22 of manifold 20. The second inlet 22 may be an inlet spaced a predetermined distance from the first inlet 21 of manifold 20. The second flow passage 40 may be configured to supply fluid to be filled in a plurality of housings 10 to the manifold 20.

[0038] The controller 50 can be configured to regulate the opening and closing of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40. The controller 50 may include a processor and a memory. The processor may include a microprocessor, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU), etc. The memory may be configured to store control instructions, such as commands generated by the processor to determine whether to open or close the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40. The memory may be a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), volatile media, non-volatile media, etc.

[0039] For example, a box filling system that includes only the first flow channel 30 can be considered. Figure 2 This is a graph showing the distribution of the amount of fluid (hereinafter referred to as "fluid filling amount") and temperature in the plurality of chambers 10 as fluid is filled into them through the first flow channel 30. The distribution of fluid filling amount is represented by a dashed line, and the temperature is represented by a bar graph. In this respect, the X-axis represents the chamber number, the left Y-axis represents the fluid filling amount, and the right Y-axis represents the chamber temperature. The chamber number refers to the number assigned to the plurality of chambers 10 in order of proximity to the first flow channel 30. For reference, this content can be applied suffix as described later. Figures 3 to 5 Additionally, in the graph, T1 represents the temperature of the first chamber, and T2 represents the temperature of the second chamber.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 The closer the chamber is to the first flow channel 30, the higher the filling volume and temperature; conversely, the farther the chamber is from the first flow channel 30, the lower the filling volume and temperature. In other words, when fluid fills the chamber only through the first flow channel 30, there may be deviations in the filling volume between chambers. This indicates that some chambers may not be fully filled with fluid.

[0041] According to this disclosure, since the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 are connected to the manifold 20, filling deviations between the plurality of housings 10 can be balanced by switching the flow channels. This will refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Provide a detailed description. Figure 3This is a graph showing the distribution of fluid filling volume and temperature after the flow channel used to fill the multiple chambers 10 is changed from a first flow channel to a second flow channel 40. In other words, Figure 3 A graph can be provided at a point in time after the fluid is introduced into the plurality of chambers 10 through the second flow channel 40, because after the fluid flows into the plurality of chambers 10 through the first flow channel 30 until a predetermined time point, the fluid changes from the first flow channel 30 to the second flow channel 40 along the flow channel into which it was introduced.

[0042] refer to Figure 3 The farther the housing is from the first flow channel 30, the higher the fluid filling volume; conversely, the closer the housing is to the first flow channel 30, the lower the fluid filling volume. In this respect, a housing farther from the first flow channel 30 can be a housing close to or near the second flow channel 40, and a housing close to or near the first flow channel 30 can be a housing farther from the second flow channel 40. Furthermore, Figure 3 It shows the relationship with Figure 2 The temperature gap is reduced compared to the previous method.

[0043] Figure 4 It shows that Figure 2 and Figure 3 A graph combining the fluid fill volume diagram and the curve. Figure 4 In the diagram, the dashed line at the top represents the total fluid filling volume of each chamber. (Example:) Figure 4 As shown, according to this disclosure, the deviation between the fluid filling amounts of the chambers can be reduced. In other words, according to this disclosure, all chambers can be filled uniformly and sufficiently.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a graph showing that as fluid continues to be introduced through the second flow channel 40, the temperature of the chamber further away from the first flow channel 30 is higher than the temperature of the chamber closer to the first flow channel 30. The temperature of the chamber is directly proportional to the amount of liquid filled. In other words, it can be seen that... Figure 5 The diagram shows the temperature of the chamber away from the first flow channel 30 and the temperature of the chamber near or close to the first flow channel 30 at the point in time when the flow channel needs to be switched back from the second flow channel 40 to the first flow channel 30.

[0045] According to this disclosure, in such Figure 5 At the indicated time points, by changing the flow path from the second flow channel 40 back into the first flow channel 30, the fluid filling volume of the multiple boxes 10 can be balanced.

[0046] The controller 50 can be configured to adjust the opening and closing of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 based on the fill volume of at least some of the plurality of boxes 10. More specifically, the controller 50 can be configured to acquire the fill volume of at least some of the plurality of boxes 10 and close the flow channel connected to the one of the first inlet 21 and the second inlet 22 closest to the maximum fill box, and open the flow channel connected to the other of the first inlet 21 and the second inlet 22 furthest from the maximum fill box. The maximum fill box can refer to the box with the largest fill volume among the boxes whose fill volume is acquired.

[0047] Alternatively, the controller 50 may be configured to acquire the fill level of at least some of the plurality of containers 10 and open a flow channel connected to one of the first inlet 21 and the second inlet 22 that is closest to the minimum-fill container, and close a flow channel connected to the other of the first inlet 21 and the second inlet 22 that is furthest from the minimum-fill container. The minimum-fill container may refer to the container with the smallest fill level among the containers for acquiring the fill level.

[0048] In the following description, the control of the opening and closing of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 by the controller 50 will be described in more detail over time. The controller 50 can be configured to open the first flow channel 30 and close the second flow channel 40 to initiate fluid supply through the first inlet 21. Thereafter, the controller 50 can be configured to acquire the filling volume of the first inlet nearest box 13, which is closest to the first inlet 21 among the plurality of boxes 10. The controller 50 can be configured to calculate the filling volume of the first inlet nearest box 13 based on the pressure within the first inlet nearest box 13. The pressure within the first inlet nearest box 13 can be acquired by a pressure sensor 60, which will be described later. The first inlet nearest box 13 may be the first box 11.

[0049] Subsequently, when the filling level of the first inlet nearest chamber 13 reaches a reference filling level, the controller 50 can be configured to close the first flow channel 30 and open the second flow channel 40 to begin fluid supply through the second inlet 22. In other words, the flow path along which the fluid is supplied can switch from the first flow channel 30 to the second flow channel 40. The controller 50 can be configured to determine the reference filling level based on the difference between the filling level of the first inlet nearest chamber 13 when fluid supply through the first inlet 21 begins and the target filling level of the first inlet nearest chamber 13. For example, the reference filling level could be an intermediate value between the filling level of the first inlet nearest chamber 13 when fluid supply through the first inlet 21 begins and the target filling level.

[0050] The following describes in detail another method by which the controller 50 determines whether to switch the open / closed state of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40. The controller 50 can be configured to determine whether to switch the open / closed state of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 based on a comparison between information about a first fill amount and information about a second fill amount. The first fill amount may be the fill amount of the first housing 11. The second fill amount may be the fill amount of the second housing 12.

[0051] In the following text, a method using a pressure sensor will be described in detail as a method for the controller 50 to determine the timing of the flow channel switching. The pressure sensor 60 can be configured to measure the pressure within the first inlet nearest chamber 13. In response to determining that the pressure within the first inlet nearest chamber 13, as obtained by the pressure sensor 60, is less than a predetermined reference pressure, the controller 50 can be configured to determine to open the first flow channel 30 and close the second flow channel 40. Furthermore, in response to determining that the pressure within the first inlet nearest chamber 13, as obtained by the pressure sensor 60, is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference pressure, the controller 50 can be configured to determine to close the first flow channel 30 and open the second flow channel 40.

[0052] Since pressure and gas filling volume are proportional, the filling volume can be calculated by measuring the pressure. The reference pressure can be the pressure at which the fluid is filled with a reference filling volume. As an example, the reference pressure could be an intermediate value between the pressure within the first inlet nearest chamber 13 before fluid introduction and the target pressure to be achieved within the first inlet nearest chamber 13.

[0053] In the following text, a method using temperature sensors will be described in detail as a method for the controller 50 to determine the timing of switching flow channels. The controller 50 can be configured to determine whether to switch the open / closed state of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 based on information about a first temperature and information about a second temperature. The first temperature can be the temperature of the first housing 11 obtained by a first temperature sensor 71 connected to the first housing 11. The second temperature can be the temperature of the second housing 12 obtained by a second temperature sensor 72 connected to the second housing 12.

[0054] The controller 50 can be configured to calculate the first fill amount based on a first temperature and the second fill amount based on a second temperature. This transition may involve a re-transition. An example of a re-transition is reopening the first flow channel 30 from an open state to a closed state, and reopening the second flow channel 40 from a closed state to an open state.

[0055] As an example, such as Figure 5As shown, when the second temperature is greater than the first temperature due to the fluid supply through the second flow channel 40, the controller 50 can be configured to determine to reopen the first flow channel 30, which is in the closed state, from the open state, and to reopen the second flow channel 40, which is in the open state, from the closed state. As an example, this document has described determining the re-switching time point by comparing the temperature of the chamber using a temperature sensor. However, the method for determining the re-switching time point is not limited to temperature comparison and can have various examples, such as methods for comparing the pressure of the chamber using a pressure sensor or methods for directly comparing the filling amount of the chamber.

[0056] The box filling system according to a first exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may further include a valve 80. The valve 80 may be configured to determine the opening and closing of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40. As an example, the valve 80 may be a three-way valve. A controller 50 may be configured to operate the valve 80. In other words, the controller 50 may be configured to operate the valve 80 to open the first flow channel 30 and close the second flow channel 40, or close the first flow channel 30 and open the second flow channel 40.

[0057] The second flow channel 40 may be connected to the first flow channel 30. In other words, it can be understood that the second flow channel 40 is formed by branching from the first flow channel 30. A valve 80 may be provided at the junction of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40. The valve 80 may be configured to transfer fluid supplied to the valve 80 to at least one of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40. As another example, each valve 80 may be provided on each of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 to open and close each of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40.

[0058] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 6 Describe in detail the method of filling the box. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a tank filling method according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method for filling a tank according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be a tank filling method for a hydrogen storage tank configured to store hydrogen to be supplied to a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell vehicle.

[0059] The container filling method according to the first exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be performed in the following order. First, the controller 50 can be configured to acquire the initial filling amount of the first container 11 (S100). Second, the controller 50 can be configured to determine, based on the initial filling amount of the first container 11, the conversion conditions for changing the flow path through which hydrogen is introduced from a first flow channel 30 near or close to the first container 11 to a second flow channel 40 (S200). The second flow channel 40 can be near or close to the second container 12. However, this operation can be changed in the order of the third operation (S300) described later.

[0060] Third, the controller 50 can be configured to inject hydrogen into the plurality of chambers 10 through the first flow channel 30 (S300). Fourth, the controller 50 can be configured to determine whether to switch the flow channel by determining whether a switching condition is met (S400). For example, the switching condition may be whether the pressure inside the first chamber 11 is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference pressure. Specifically, when the switching condition is met, the flow channel can be switched from the first flow channel 30 to the second flow channel 40 (S410). When the switching condition is not met, hydrogen can be continuously injected through the first flow channel 30 (S420). In the following detailed description, it will be assumed that the switching condition is met and the flow channel is switched from the first flow channel 30 to the second flow channel 40.

[0061] Fifth, the controller 50 can be configured to determine whether to re-switch the flow channel (S500) by determining whether a re-switching condition for re-switching the flow channel by closing the flow channel for introducing hydrogen between the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 and opening the closed flow channel between the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel has been met. For example, the re-switching condition could be whether the second temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature. Specifically, when the re-switching condition is met, the flow channel can be switched back from the second flow channel 40 to the first flow channel 30 (S510). When the re-switching condition is not met, hydrogen can be continuously injected through the second flow channel 40 (S520).

[0062] Sixth, the controller 50 may determine whether the multiple chambers 10 are filled with the target fill amount (S600). For example, the controller 50 may be configured to determine whether the pressure within the manifold 20 has reached the target pressure. In response to determining that the multiple chambers 10 are filled with the target fill amount, the controller 50 may be configured to close all flow channels and stop injecting hydrogen. In response to determining that the multiple chambers 10 are not filled with the target fill amount, the process may return to the operation S500 of determining whether to switch the flow channels again. At this time, the switching conditions may be reset.

[0063] According to the box filling method of the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the filling amount of the plurality of boxes 10 can be balanced by switching and re-switching the flow channels, the deviation between the filling amounts of the plurality of boxes 10 can be balanced.

[0064] Second Exemplary Implementation

[0065] In the following text, see references Figure 7 The following will describe in detail a box filling system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The box filling system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the box filling system of the first exemplary embodiment described above in the shape of the box 10'. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first exemplary embodiment are given the same or equivalent reference numerals or are omitted, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, the housing 10' of the housing filling system according to the second exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be formed as a tube to fill a predetermined fluid. More specifically, as Figure 7 As shown, the box 10' of the box filling system according to the second exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be in the form of U-shaped tubes and N-shaped tubes connected to each other in a repeating manner.

[0067] The first flow channel 30 can be connected to the first inlet 10a' of the housing 10' to supply fluid into the housing 10'. The second flow channel 40 can be connected to the second inlet 10b' of the housing 10' to supply fluid into the housing 10'. The second inlet 10b' can be an inlet spaced a predetermined distance from the first inlet 10a'. As an example, the first inlet 10a' can be the first end of the housing 10', and the second inlet 10b' can be the second end of the housing 10'.

[0068] When the housing 10' is divided into multiple zones, the controller 50 can be configured to adjust the opening and closing of the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 based on the filling amount of at least some of the zones. For example, when the filling amount of the zone near the first flow channel 30 is greater than or equal to a reference filling amount, the controller 50 can be configured to close the first flow channel 30 and open the second flow channel 40.

[0069] Third Exemplary Implementation

[0070] In the following text, see references Figure 8 The following will describe in detail a box filling system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the presence of a third flow channel, the box filling system according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the box filling system of the first exemplary embodiment described above. Components that are identical or equivalent to those in the first exemplary embodiment are given the same or equivalent reference numerals or omitted, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown, the box filling system according to a third exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may further include a third flow channel 90. The third flow channel 90 may be connected to a third inlet 23 formed between the first inlet 21 and the second inlet 22 of the manifold 20 to supply fluid into the manifold 20. The controller 50 may be configured to determine the opening and closing of the first flow channel 30, the second flow channel 40, and the third flow channel 90. For example, the controller 50 may be configured to open the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 and close the third flow channel 90 before a reference time point, and to close the first flow channel 30 and the second flow channel 40 and open the third flow channel 90 after the reference time point. In this regard, a valve 80' may be provided at the branch point of the first and third flow channels.

[0072] The controller 50 can be configured to determine whether to switch the open / closed states of the first flow channel 30, the second flow channel 40, and the third flow channel 90 based on information about the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature. The third temperature can be the temperature inside the third housing 14, obtained by the third temperature sensor 73 connected to the third housing 14. The third housing 14 can be a housing located near the third inlet 23.

[0073] In the case of the box filling system according to the third exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, since there is also a third flow channel 90, more proactive filling balance can be performed. In this regard, the number of flow channels that can be added is not limited to one, and additional flow channels can be extended to a fourth flow channel, a fifth flow channel, etc., as needed.

[0074] Fourth Exemplary Implementation

[0075] In the following text, see references Figure 9 The following will describe in detail a box filling system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The box filling system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the box filling system of the first exemplary embodiment described above in that it has a plurality of box valves 100. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first exemplary embodiment are given the same or equivalent reference numerals or are omitted, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0076] like Figure 9 As shown, the housing filling system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may also include a plurality of housing valves 100. Each of the plurality of housing valves 100 may be disposed at each connection point between each of the plurality of housings 10 and the manifold 20 to determine whether to connect each of the plurality of housings 10 to the manifold 20.

[0077] The controller 50 can be configured to operate each of a plurality of housing valves 100 to eliminate possible deviations in the filling amount within the housing. For example, when the filling amount of the first housing 11 is greater than a reference value or larger than the filling amount of the second housing 12, the controller 50 can be configured to lock the housing valve connected to the first housing 11 and open the housing valve connected to the second housing 12.

[0078] Fifth Exemplary Implementation

[0079] In the following text, see references Figure 10 The box filling system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a box filling system according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The box filling system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the box filling system of the first exemplary embodiment described above in that the target filling amount is received from an external filling nozzle 4. Components that are identical or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are given the same or equivalent reference numerals or omitted, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0080] The controller 50 of the box filling system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be configured to receive a target filling amount from the container 1. In this regard, the container 1 can be configured to receive the target filling amount from the external filling nozzle 4. The container 1 may include an infrared emitter capable of both transmitting and receiving. Since the box filling system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can receive the target filling amount from the external filling nozzle 4, multiple boxes 10 can be filled with the desired filling amount rather than the maximum filling amount of the box.

[0081] The above description is merely an illustration of the technical concept of this disclosure. Various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical concept of this disclosure, but rather to illustrate it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​this disclosure is not limited by the embodiments. The scope of this disclosure should be interpreted as being covered by the scope of the appended claims, and all technical ideas falling within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0082] According to this disclosure, because the flow channels used to inject fluid into the manifold can be switched, deviations in the filling amounts of multiple housings can be balanced.

[0083] While this disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto and various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for filling a housing of a fluid storage tank configured to store fluid to be supplied to a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell vehicle, the system comprising: Multiple chambers, filled with a predetermined fluid; A manifold is coupled to each of multiple enclosures in a connected manner; A first flow channel is connected to a first inlet of the manifold to supply fluid to be filled into the plurality of tanks to the manifold; A second flow channel is connected to a second inlet of the manifold at a predetermined distance from the first inlet of the manifold, so as to supply fluid to be filled into the plurality of boxes to the manifold; as well as The controller is configured to regulate the opening and closing of the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The controller is configured as follows: Obtain the filling amount of at least some of the plurality of boxes; and When the container with the largest filling volume among the containers whose filling volume is being measured is referred to as the maximum filling container, the flow channel connected to the one of the first inlet and the second inlet that is closer to the maximum filling container is closed, and the flow channel connected to the other of the first inlet and the second inlet that is farther away from the maximum filling container is opened.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to adjust the opening and closing of the first flow channel and the second flow channel based on the filling amount of at least some of the plurality of boxes.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: Obtain the filling amount of at least some of the plurality of boxes; and When the box with the minimum filling volume among the boxes whose filling volume is being measured is called the minimum filling box, the flow channel connected to the one of the first inlet and the second inlet that is closer to the minimum filling box is opened, and the flow channel connected to the one of the first inlet and the second inlet that is farther away from the minimum filling box is closed.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: Open the first flow channel and close the second flow channel to begin fluid supply through the first inlet; Obtain the filling amount of the box closest to the first inlet among the plurality of boxes; and In response to determining that the filling level of the nearest chamber to the first inlet has reached a reference filling level, the first flow channel is closed and the second flow channel is opened to begin fluid supply through the second inlet.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the reference filling amount based on the difference between the filling amount of the nearest chamber to the first inlet when fluid supply through the first inlet begins and the target filling amount of the nearest chamber to the first inlet.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of boxes are arranged along a predetermined reference direction, wherein the first inlet is set close to the first box that is first arranged along the reference direction among the plurality of boxes, and the second inlet is set close to the second box that is last arranged along the reference direction among the plurality of boxes.

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A valve is used to determine the opening and closing of the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The controller is configured to operate the valve.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The second flow channel is connected to the first flow channel, wherein the valve is disposed at the connection point between the first flow channel and the second flow channel to transfer fluid supplied to the valve to at least one of the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

9. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to calculate the filling amount of the first inlet nearest box based on the pressure inside the first inlet nearest box.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: The decision to switch the open / closed state of the first and second flow channels is determined based on a comparison between information about a first fill amount and information about a second fill amount. The first fill amount is the fill amount of the first box among the plurality of boxes, set first along a predetermined reference direction, and the second fill amount is the fill amount of the second box among the plurality of boxes, set last along the reference direction. The first entrance is positioned close to the first housing. The second inlet is positioned close to the second housing.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is configured to: in response to determining that the second filling amount becomes greater than or equal to the first filling amount through fluid supply via the second flow channel, open the first flow channel in the closed state and close the second flow channel in the open state.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is configured to: The first filling amount is calculated based on the temperature of the first chamber; and The second filling amount is calculated based on the temperature of the second chamber.

13. A system for filling a box, comprising: A box formed in the shape of a tube, filled with a predetermined fluid; A first flow channel is connected to a first inlet of the housing to supply fluid to the housing; A second flow channel is connected to a second inlet of the housing at a predetermined distance from the first inlet of the housing, so as to supply fluid to the housing; as well as The controller is configured to adjust the opening and closing of the first flow channel and the second flow channel based on the filling amount of at least some of the multiple zones when the housing is divided into multiple zones. The controller is configured as follows: Obtain the filling amount of at least some of the multiple boxes; and When the container with the largest filling volume among the containers whose filling volume is being measured is referred to as the maximum filling container, the flow channel connected to the one of the first inlet and the second inlet that is closer to the maximum filling container is closed, and the flow channel connected to the other of the first inlet and the second inlet that is farther away from the maximum filling container is opened.

14. A method for filling a tank for a hydrogen storage container, the tank being configured to store hydrogen to be supplied to a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: The condition for switching the flow channel for supplying hydrogen to the manifold from a first flow channel near the first container to a second flow channel spaced apart from the first container is defined in response to determining the filling amount of a first container first arranged along a predetermined reference direction coupled to the manifold in a plurality of containers arranged along the reference direction. Hydrogen gas is injected into the plurality of boxes by the controller through the first flow channel; The controller switches the flow channel for supplying hydrogen to the manifold from the first flow channel to the second flow channel; In response to determining that at least one of the plurality of boxes has been filled to the target fill level, the controller closes all flow channels. Obtain the filling amount of at least some of the plurality of boxes; and When the container with the largest filling volume among the containers whose filling volume is being measured is called the maximum filling container, the flow channels in the first and second flow channels connected to the inlets near the maximum filling container are closed, and the flow channels in the first and second flow channels connected to the inlets away from the maximum filling container are opened.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: In response to determining that the condition for switching the flow channel for supplying hydrogen to the manifold back from the second flow channel to the first flow channel is a re-switching condition, the controller, in response to determining that the re-switching condition has been met before closing all flow channels, switches the flow channel for supplying hydrogen to the manifold back from the second flow channel to the first flow channel.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The second flow channel is the flow channel located near the second housing that is last positioned in the plurality of housings along the reference direction.

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