Device for storing gaseous medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for storing a gaseous medium, such as hydrogen or natural gas, the apparatus comprising a storage line (20) to which at least one tank container (6) is connected. Furthermore, the at least one tank container (6) forms a fluid-sealed connection (90) with the storage line (20) by means of a double-nut threaded connection element (5), wherein the double-nut threaded connection element (5) has a right-hand thread and a left-hand thread.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for storing a gaseous medium, such as hydrogen or natural gas. When used with hydrogen, the device is intended for use in vehicles with fuel cell drives or in vehicles with a hydrogen burner as a drive unit. Background Technology

[0002] In mobile applications, compressed gas is typically stored in a single compressed gas canister or multiple compressed gas canisters or cylinders. For safety reasons, the canisters or cylinders must be kept airtight at all times. Therefore, safety solenoid valves are used to reliably seal compressed gas containers; these valves close when power is off, thus reliably preventing gas leakage even in the event of a malfunction.

[0003] A storage device for compressed gas with multiple compressed gas containers is known from published document DE 10 2017 004 451 A1. These compressed gas containers are connected to a common collection volume via valves and piping elements. The collection volume, also referred to as a "rail," reduces piping overhead.

[0004] For safety reasons, the compressed gas container must be kept airtight relative to the collection volume at all times. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In contrast, the device according to the invention has the advantage of providing a simple and cost-effective device for storing gaseous media, which also meets all safety requirements.

[0006] For this purpose, the equipment for storing gaseous media, such as hydrogen or natural gas, has a storage pipeline to which at least one tank container is connected. Furthermore, at least one tank container forms a fluid-sealed connection with the storage pipeline by means of a double-nut threaded connection element, wherein the double-nut threaded connection element has both right-hand and left-hand threads.

[0007] This allows for the simple realization of a reliable and sealed device for storing gaseous media. Furthermore, the technically simple structure enables optimal and reliable assembly of the device. Additionally, the use of double-nut threaded connections eliminates the need for cumbersome support manufacturing, as the function is handled by the double-nut threaded connections and the tank or storage piping.

[0008] In the first advantageous improvement, the double-nut threaded connection element has two identical thread diameters or two different thread diameters.

[0009] In another configuration of the invention, the storage line has a threaded connector, and the tank container has a threaded connector, thereby enabling the storage line and the tank container to be threadedly connected to each other via a double-nut threaded connection element. Preferably, the pitch of the threaded connector of the storage line is equal to the pitch of the threaded connector of the tank container. This thus achieves purely linear movement of the storage line and the tank container.

[0010] In another configuration of the invention, the tank container and the double-nut threaded connection element are advantageously provided to have a longitudinal axis, wherein the tank container and the storage pipeline are axially threadedly connected relative to the longitudinal axis of the tank container by the rotational movement of the double-nut threaded connection element, wherein the tank container or the storage pipeline is movably supported along the longitudinal axis of the double-nut threaded connection element for threaded connection.

[0011] In another configuration of the invention, the threaded fittings of the storage tubing are advantageously right-handed and the threaded fittings of the can container are left-handed.

[0012] In a favorable improvement, the threaded fittings of the storage piping are left-hand threads, and the threaded fittings of the tank container are right-hand threads.

[0013] This allows the storage piping and tank containers to move towards each other during tensioning until they come into contact and seal. The piping and tank containers do not rotate around their threaded axes, but rather move linearly towards each other along the longitudinal axis of the double-nut threaded connection. This purely longitudinal movement prevents damage to the opposing sealing surfaces caused by the threaded connection process. This significantly protects the sealing areas from damage and thus achieves a higher sealing performance and longer service life for the sealing assembly.

[0014] Depending on the introduced thread pitch and the number of threads (Gangzahl), the required number of turns and tightening force of the double nut threaded connection element can be adjusted.

[0015] In a favorable improvement, the sealing portions of the tank container and storage piping are constructed using flat seats and / or conical seats and / or seams. This ensures the overall sealing of the equipment.

[0016] In another configuration of the invention, it is advantageous to arrange at least one O-ring on the sealing portion in order to improve sealing performance.

[0017] The described device is preferably suitable for storing hydrogen for operating fuel cells in a fuel cell system.

[0018] Furthermore, the described device for storing hydrogen for operating fuel cells is advantageously applicable in vehicles that operate fuel cells.

[0019] The described device for storing hydrogen is also advantageously applicable to hydrogen-powered vehicles, i.e., vehicles with a hydrogen burner as the driving device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of a device according to the invention for storing gaseous media, particularly hydrogen or natural gas. The drawings show:

[0021] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram illustrates one embodiment of the device according to the invention, which has a fluid-sealed connection.

[0022] Figure 2 An embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in longitudinal section, having a fluid-sealed connection.

[0023] Figure 3 Shown in longitudinal section Figure 1 An enlarged portion of the fluid-sealed connection area of ​​the device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram illustrates an embodiment of a device 1 for storing a gaseous medium (e.g., hydrogen or natural gas) according to the present invention.

[0025] The device 1 has a storage pipeline 20 and a plurality of tank containers 6 having a longitudinal axis 30. The storage pipeline 20 has a storage pipeline housing 2, in which other structural components 72, such as valves, can be arranged.

[0026] Storage line 20 is fluidly connected to the anode region of consumption system 70, such as a fuel cell system. Gaseous medium, such as hydrogen, stored in tank container 6, is distributed to and supplied to the corresponding consumption system 70 via storage line 20.

[0027] When the tank container 6 is filled with fuel, the storage pipeline 20 is connected to the external gas station 71 and thus provides the required gaseous medium.

[0028] The storage pipe 20 and the tank container 6 form a fluid-sealed connection 90 of the device 1, because this connection is connected and thus secured to each other by means of a double-nut threaded connecting element 5, as in Figure 2 As shown magnified in region I surrounding the fluid seal connection 90.

[0029] The double-nut threaded connection element 5 has the same longitudinal axis 30 as the tank container 6. In addition, the double-nut threaded connection element 5 has both right-hand and left-hand threads.

[0030] The storage line 20 has a threaded connector 40, which can be configured as a right-hand thread or a left-hand thread.

[0031] The container 6 has a threaded joint 60, which can be configured as a right-hand thread or a left-hand thread.

[0032] Here, the pitch of the threaded connector 40 of the storage pipeline 20 is the same as the pitch of the threaded connector 60 of the tank container 6. In addition, the threaded connector 40 of the storage pipeline is constructed as a left-hand thread, while the threaded connector 60 of the tank container 6 is constructed as a right-hand thread.

[0033] In other embodiments, the threaded fitting 40 of the storage pipeline is constructed with a right-hand thread, while the threaded fitting 60 of the tank container 6 is constructed with a left-hand thread.

[0034] In the assembly of device 1, the tank container 6 and the storage pipeline 20 are axially threaded together relative to the longitudinal axis 30 by applying torque to the double-nut threaded connection element 5. Through the thread pitch and the implementation of right-hand and left-hand threads, the tank container 6 and the storage pipeline 20 approach each other until they contact at the sealing portion 8 and reach the face pressure required for the necessary sealing action. Here, the threaded sides of the storage pipeline 20 and the tank container 6 act as supports for each other with the corresponding threads of the double-nut threaded connection element 5. A preload is introduced and maintained by the housing 50 of the double-nut threaded connection element 5. Here, the elastic transition area of ​​the two threads provides support. Here, the preload prevents the storage pipeline housing 2 and the tank container 6 from rotating and loosening due to temperature changes on the storage pipeline housing 2 and the tank container 6, as well as shaking during operation.

[0035] For the threaded connection process, the tank container 6 or storage pipeline 20 must be axially supported.

[0036] Due to the opposing threads, namely right-hand and left-hand threads, the tank container 6 and the storage pipe 20 approach each other approximately twice the distance in one revolution. This enables time savings during assembly.

[0037] The preload and thread connection stroke can be determined based on the thread pitch. For larger dimensions, multi-start threads (…) Gewinde is also possible.

[0038] During disassembly, torque is applied in opposite directions to the double-nut threaded connection element 5, thereby moving the tank container 6 and the storage pipeline 20 away from each other.

[0039] Figure 3 Shown in longitudinal section Figure 2The enlarged partial II of the device 1 according to the invention in the region of the fluid-sealed connection 90 shows a tapered sealing surface as a design variation, and a possible variation of the double-nut threaded connection element 5 with different thread diameters. In the assembled state, the tank container 6 and the storage pipeline 20 have sealing portions 8, which are formed by a flat seat and / or a tapered seat and / or a bite edge.

[0040] Alternatively or supplementarily, for optimized sealing, an O-ring may be installed on the sealing portion 8, the O-ring being configured to provide a radial or axial seal.

[0041] In addition to vehicles operating fuel cells, the device 1 for storing gaseous media can also be used, for example, in vehicles having a hydrogen burner as a driving device for storing hydrogen.

[0042] Similarly, the device 1 for storing gaseous media can be applied in natural gas-based vehicles for storing natural gas.

Claims

1. A device (1) for storing gaseous medium, comprising a storage line (20) to which at least one tank container (6) is connected, characterised in that, The at least one tank container (6) forms a fluid-tight connection (90) with the storage line (20) by means of a double nut threaded connection element (5), wherein the double nut threaded connection element (5) has a right-hand thread and a left-hand thread, wherein the thread flanks on the storage line (20) and the tank container (6) are paired with the corresponding threads of the double nut threaded connection element (5) as supports for one another and the pretension is introduced and maintained by the housing (50) of the double nut threaded connection element (5), wherein the elastic transition regions of the two threads are supported.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The double nut threaded connection element (5) has two identical thread diameters or two different thread diameters.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage line (20) has a threaded connection (40) and the tank container (6) has a threaded connection (60), whereby the storage line (20) and the tank container (6) can be screwed to one another by means of the double nut threaded connection element (5).

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The pitch of the threaded connection (40) of the storage line (20) is equal to the pitch of the threaded connection (60) of the tank container (6).

5. The device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The threaded connection (40) of the storage line (20) is a right-hand thread and the threaded connection (60) of the tank container (6) is a left-hand thread.

6. The device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The threaded connection (40) of the storage line (20) is a left-hand thread and the threaded connection (60) of the tank container (6) is a right-hand thread.

7. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The tank container (6) and the double nut threaded connection element (5) have a longitudinal axis (30), wherein the tank container (6) and the storage line (20) can be screwed axially relative to the longitudinal axis (30) of the tank container (6) by means of a rotational movement of the double nut threaded connection element (5), wherein the tank container (6) or the storage line (20) is movably supported along the longitudinal axis (30) of the double nut threaded connection element (5) for the screwing.

8. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sealing point (8) of the tank container (6) and the storage line (20) is formed by a flat seat and / or a conical seat and / or an undercut.

9. The device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one O-ring is arranged on the sealing point (8) in order to improve the sealing.

10. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gaseous medium is hydrogen or natural gas.

11. A fuel cell system having the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for storing hydrogen for operating a fuel cell.

12. A vehicle operated by a fuel cell having the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for storing hydrogen for operating a fuel cell.

13. A hydrogen-operated vehicle having the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for storing hydrogen.

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