Tank system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tank system (100), particularly for vehicles, comprising a tank container extending along a longitudinal axis for receiving gas; and a sensor assembly comprising a sensor device extending along the longitudinal axis or a plurality of sensor devices distributed along the longitudinal axis, wherein each sensor device is configured as a deformation detector and is configured to output or change an electrical signal due to deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tank system, particularly for storing gases such as hydrogen, wherein the tank system, as a mobile tank system, can be used, for example, in vehicles, particularly road vehicles, such as automobiles. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicles, such as passenger cars or commercial vehicles, gaseous fuels like hydrogen can be used efficiently in fuel cells. For this purpose, vehicles carry corresponding tank systems with containers in which fuel is stored or stored. To prevent uncontrolled gas leakage in the event of thermal or mechanical action on the tank container, the container is typically equipped with a safety valve through which gas can escape when the container reaches its limit pressure and / or limit temperature. This safety valve typically has both thermally triggered and pressure-triggered mechanisms and is also known as a TPRD, where "TPRD" is an abbreviation for "Thermal and Pressure Relief Device".

[0003] US 2018 / 0172215 A1 discloses a gas container having a safety valve and a sensor assembly having one or more temperature-sensitive elements distributed along an extended scale of the gas container. These temperature-sensitive elements generate signals to open the safety valve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A tank system is provided according to the present invention.

[0005] The tank system according to the invention can be configured, in particular, for use in vehicles or generally as a mobile tank system and includes a tank container extending along a longitudinal axis for receiving a gas, such as hydrogen; and includes a sensor assembly having sensor devices extending along the longitudinal axis or multiple sensor devices distributed along the longitudinal axis, wherein each sensor device is configured as a deformation detector and is configured to output or change an electrical signal due to deformation.

[0006] The concept upon which this invention is based is to arrange a measuring system along the entire length of the container in order to detect thermal or mechanical effects that may act only locally. Therefore, sensor devices extending along the longitudinal dimension of the container (which may be constructed as a bottle or cylinder) are arranged, these sensor devices having deformable measuring detectors, for example, in the form of electrical conductors. Alternatively, multiple sensor devices, each having one deformable measuring detector in the form of an electrical conductor, can be distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the container. Each sensor device is configured to generate or change an electrical signal in response to deformation of the measuring detector, for example, due to temperature changes or due to forces acting mechanically on the measuring detector. For example, the measuring detector may come into contact with a current-carrying structure due to deformation and thereby output an electrical signal. Furthermore, the measuring detector itself may be through which current flows, wherein the resistance of the measuring detector changes due to deformation, which can be detected as an electrical signal, such as a change in current or voltage.

[0007] The advantage of this invention is that it can also reliably detect thermal or mechanical effects that are localized. Furthermore, it is advantageous that one or more sensor devices are configured as deformation detectors, because these detectors are designed to output or change electrical signals not only due to temperature changes but also due to mechanical deformation, such as pressure changes in a container or due to external influences. Therefore, the overall number of sensors can be advantageously reduced.

[0008] The following are advantageous configurations and extension schemes.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the sensor assembly can be configured with a sensor device extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the sensor device has a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor mechanically connected to the container in a fixed position. The first electrical conductor has a first segment extending in a meandering shape, and the second electrical conductor has a second segment extending in a meandering shape parallel to the first segment of the first electrical conductor. The second segment of the second electrical conductor is movable relative to the first electrical conductor such that an electrical contact can be established between the first and second segments when the second electrical conductor deforms. The first and second electrical conductors thus each have zigzag or serpentine curved segments extending in parallel within these segments. That is, the meandering or serpentine curves of the first and second electrical conductors extend directly side by side with each other. If the freely movable second electrical conductor is deformed, for example because the second electrical conductor expands due to heat, the meandering portion of the second electrical conductor contacts the parallel or adjacent meandering portion of the first electrical conductor. If one of the two electrical conductors is electrically connected to a voltage source, such as a battery, a corresponding electrical signal can be measured on the other electrical conductor in the case of contact.

[0010] According to some implementations, the first and second electrical conductors can be configured to have different coefficients of thermal expansion. For example, the second electrical conductor can have a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the first electrical conductor, causing it to expand more strongly in response to temperature changes. This results in a faster or more reliable response from the sensor device.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the second electrical conductor can be thermally coupled, particularly by means of thermally conductive paste, to the container. It is particularly advantageous that the electrical conductor is mounted on the outer surface of the container, as this achieves improved thermal conductivity between the container and the second electrical conductor.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the first and second electrical conductors can be fixedly fastened to the container at multiple separation points spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, thereby forming sensor segments between the separation points. Specifically, a first curved section of the first electrical conductor and a second curved section of the second electrical conductor are fixed at the separation points. Therefore, the second electrical conductor can expand or deform within one segment independently of the other. The segments in contact can be determined by analyzing the electrical signals output due to the contact between the first and second electrical conductors in one of the segments, for example, based on stress, since the conductor lengths of the first and second electrical conductors up to each segment are different, thus defining different resistances. Alternatively, the electrical conductors not permanently connected to the voltage source can be separated or interrupted at the separation points, such that one conductor segment is provided for each sensor segment. Therefore, each conductor segment can detect its own signal in contact with the second electrical conductor segment. Thus, it is advantageous to achieve locally differentiated monitoring of deformation in a very simple manner. For example, each sensor segment can detect reaching a limit temperature at which the first and second electrical conductors come into contact.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the sensor assembly can be configured to have multiple strain gauge-shaped sensor devices arranged along a longitudinal axis, which are connected to the tank container. The strain gauges thus deform along with the tank, for example, due to temperature changes or mechanical deformation. The arrangement of the strain gauges along the longitudinal axis of the tank container allows for point-resolved detection of deformation in a simple manner.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the sensor assembly can be configured to have sensor devices arranged on the inner and / or outer surfaces of the tank container. For example, the aforementioned electrical conductors and / or strain gauges can be mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the tank container. This simplifies the installation of the sensor assembly. Another advantage of mounting the sensor assembly on the outer surface is that, for example, external thermal effects can be detected very quickly in the event of a fire. Mounting on the inner circumferential surface of the tank container is also conceivable, thereby enabling particularly accurate detection of temperature changes in the gas stored in the tank container with a short time delay.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the tank system may have a safety valve connected to the outlet of the tank container, the safety valve being switchable between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the safety valve fluidly seals the outlet; in the open state, the safety valve allows fluid flow through the outlet. The safety valve is signal-connected to a sensor assembly and is switchable based on an electrical signal output or altered by the sensor assembly. The safety valve may, in particular, be configured as a so-called TPRD (Transient Temperature Ratio Discharge ...

[0016] According to some embodiments, the tank system may have a control device electrically connected to the sensor assembly, which is configured to determine at least one first temperature value based on an electrical signal output or modified by the sensor assembly.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the tank system may have a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the tank container, wherein the pressure sensor is electrically connected to a control device; and wherein the control device is configured to calculate a second temperature value based on the detected pressure, compare the first and second temperature values, and output a deviation signal if the deviation between the first and second temperature values ​​is greater than an extreme value. For example, given the known filling volume of the tank container, the temperature can be approximated by pressure using a general gas formula. If the temperature detected by the sensor assembly deviates significantly from this, this can indicate a sensor malfunction or the presence of a heat source. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a tank system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a tank system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or functionally identical parts, unless otherwise stated otherwise. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 The tank system 100 is shown schematically, and can be used, for example, in vehicles, particularly road vehicles such as passenger cars or commercial vehicles. Figure 1 As illustrated in the example, the tank system 100 has a tank container 1 and a sensor assembly 2. Optionally, a safety valve 3 may also be provided. Also optionally, a voltage source 4 and / or a control device 5 may be part of the tank system 100.

[0023] As in Figure 1 As schematically shown, the container 1 can be substantially constructed in a bottle shape. Generally, the container 1 defines an internal space 10 for receiving a gas, such as hydrogen, and extends along a longitudinal axis L1. The internal space 10 is surrounded by an inner surface 1a of the container 1. The inner surface 1a surrounds the longitudinal axis L1. The outer surface 1b of the container 1 is oriented opposite to the inner surface 1a, as shown in [the diagram]. Figure 1 As schematically shown in the diagram. The container 1 may, for example, have an inner container (not shown) made of a metallic material, forming an inner surface 1a, and an outer container (not shown) surrounding the inner container and forming an outer surface 1b. The outer container may, for example, be made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material. Figure 1 As also schematically shown, the tank container 1 may have an outlet 11, which, relative to the longitudinal axis L1, may be constructed, for example, at the first end of the tank container 1, as in Figure 1 As schematically shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the tank container 1 may have a loading opening 12, which, relative to the longitudinal axis L1, may be constructed, for example, at the second end of the tank container 1, as in... Figure 1 As illustrated in the illustration.

[0024] Optional safety valve 3 can be specifically arranged in outlet 11, as in Figure 1As illustrated and schematically in the diagram. Generally, safety valve 3 is fluidly connected to outlet 11. Safety valve 3 is used to release gas stored in tank container 1 through outlet 11 if the pressure or temperature in the internal space of tank container 1 reaches an extreme value. Generally, the safety valve is thus capable of switching between a closed state and an open state, in which the safety valve fluidly seals and closes outlet 11, and in which the safety valve allows fluid flow through outlet 11 in the open state. To ensure automatic triggering, safety valve 3 itself may have a thermal triggering device, for example in the form of a gas-filled gas piston that ruptures upon reaching a temperature extreme value, and a pressure triggering device, for example in the form of a spring acting on the valve body. If the pressure or temperature in the internal space of tank container 1 reaches an extreme value, the thermal triggering device and the pressure triggering device thus switch the safety valve from the closed state to the open state. Furthermore, the safety valve may have a mechanical actuation mechanism parallel to the switching of the thermal triggering device and the pressure triggering device, for example in the form of an electromagnetic switch (not shown) that closes without current.

[0025] Sensor assembly 2 is configured to detect deformation across the entire longitudinal extension dimension of the tank container 1. Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates sensor assembly 2, which has a sensor device 20 extending along the longitudinal axis L1 of the container 1. (As shown in...) Figure 1 As schematically shown, the sensor device 20 may, for example, have a first electrical conductor 21 extending along the longitudinal axis L1 and a second electrical conductor 22 also extending along the longitudinal axis L1. For example, the first and second electrical conductors 21, 22 may be arranged within the internal space 10 of the container 1, particularly on the inner surface 1a, as is the case here. Figure 1 As schematically shown. Alternatively, the first and second electrical conductors 21, 22 may also be arranged on the outer surface 1b of the container 1.

[0026] As in Figure 1 As schematically shown, the first electrical conductor 21 has a first segment 21A extending in a curved shape. The first electrical conductor 21 can be connected to the container 1 in a particularly fixed position, for example, by bonding. Thus, if the container 1 expands or contracts due to temperature changes, for example, the first electrical conductor 21 deforms in a manner similar to the deformation of the container 1.

[0027] The second conductor 22 also has a curved second segment 22A that extends parallel to the first segment 21A of the first conductor 21, as shown in... Figure 1As schematically shown in the diagram, the first and second sections 21A and 22A are therefore partially interlocked, yet spaced apart and extending parallel to each other. The second conductor 22 can be thermally coupled to the container 1, for example, by applying thermal paste between the second conductor 22 and the inner surface 1a or outer surface 1b of the container 1. Furthermore, the second conductor 22 is free to move, at least in the second section 22A, particularly along the longitudinal axis L1. The second conductor 22 is therefore free to deform, at least in the second section 22A. If the second conductor 22 expands due to heat, the second section 22A of the second conductor 22 becomes electrically contacted with the first section 21A of the first conductor 21, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 The first section 22A of the second conductor 22 is schematically shown by the symbol X. Therefore, the second section 22A of the second conductor 22 can be arranged relative to the first conductor 21 in such a way that electrical contact can be established between the first and second sections 21A and 22A when the second conductor 22 deforms. The first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 can, for example, have different coefficients of thermal expansion than each other; in particular, the second conductor 22 can also have a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of the container 1. Thus, if the second conductor 22 has a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the first conductor 21 and / or the container 1, the second conductor 22 can deform more strongly than the first conductor 21 under temperature changes, thereby enabling rapid detection of temperature changes.

[0028] As in Figure 1 As also schematically shown, the second electrical conductor 22 can be electrically connected to a voltage source 4, which can be, for example, a battery. If the second segment 22A of the second electrical conductor 22 makes electrical contact with the first segment 21A of the first electrical conductor 21 by deformation, then, as described above, an electrical signal can be measured on the first electrical conductor 21.

[0029] exist Figure 1 The diagram exemplarily illustrates that the first electrical conductor 21 is connected to the control device 5. The control device 5 may, for example, be configured to measure the voltage acting on the first electrical conductor 21. Optionally, the control device 5 may also be connected to a safety valve 3, as in... Figure 1 As schematically shown, the control device 5 can be configured to generate an actuation signal based on an electrical signal output from the first electrical conductor 21 or generally from the sensor assembly 2, in order to switch the safety valve 3 from a closed state to an open state. However, it is also conceivable that the first electrical conductor 21 is electrically connected to the safety valve 3. If the first and second sections 21A, 22A of the electrical conductors 21, 22 are in contact, the voltage of the voltage source 4 acting on the first electrical conductor 21 actuates the electromagnetic switch of the safety valve 3 to open it.

[0030] Because the first and second electrical conductors 21 and 22 extend along the longitudinal axis L1, deformations occurring only locally, such as those due to localized heat generation, can be reliably detected in a simple manner. Deformation of the sensor device 20 causes the output of an electrical signal, which optionally prompts the safety valve 3 to open. A predetermined temperature can generally be detected by the electrical signal. In particular, the control device 5 can be configured to determine at least one first temperature value based on the electrical signal output by the sensor assembly 2.

[0031] exist Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the second electrical conductor 22 is connected to the voltage source 4. Of course, alternatively, the first electrical conductor 21 can also be connected to the voltage source 4.

[0032] As in Figure 1 As schematically shown, pressure sensor 6 can optionally be connected to the internal space 10 of tank container 1 to detect the pressure present in tank container 1. Pressure sensor 6 can be conductively connected to control device 5. Control device 5 can be configured to calculate a second temperature value based on the detected pressure, compare the first and second temperature values, and output a deviation signal if the deviation between the first and second temperature values ​​is greater than an extreme value. In particular, the measured values ​​obtained by sensor assembly 2 and pressure sensor 6 can thus be easily verified. For example, if the filling volume of tank container 1 is known, the temperature can be calculated from the pressure measured by sensor 6 using a general gas formula.

[0033] exist Figure 2 Another tank system 100 is schematically and exemplaryly shown. Figure 2 The tank system 100 shown in the figure is in Figure 1 The difference in the can system 100 shown is that the first and second electrical conductors 21, 22 are fixedly fastened to the can container 1 at positions of multiple separation portions 23 spaced apart along the longitudinal axis L1, thereby forming sensor sections S20 between the separation portions 23. (As shown in...) Figure 2 As schematically shown, the first and second sections 21A and 22A of conductors 21 and 22 can thus be divided into individual segments S20. At the separation point 23, the first and second electrical conductors 21 and 22 can, for example, be bonded to the container 1 respectively. Alternatively, the first electrical conductor 21 can be electrically interrupted at the separation point 23, thereby providing a separate, curved conductor block 21B in each sensor segment S20. Thus, externally... Figure 2As schematically shown, each of these conductor blocks 21B can be individually connected to the control device 5. If the second conductor 22 expands in one of the sensor sections S20 and makes electrical contact with the corresponding conductor block 21B of the first conductor 21, the resulting electrical signal can be assigned to the corresponding sensor section S20. This allows for the simple, position-resolved detection of temperature and / or mechanical deformation.

[0034] exist Figure 1 and 2 The example shown is a sensor assembly 2 having a sensor device 20 extending along the longitudinal axis L1, the sensor device 20 being configured as a deformation detector and configured to output an electrical signal due to deformation. Alternatively, the sensor device 20 may have only a partially curved electrical conductor extending along the longitudinal axis L1, wherein the conductor is connected to or can be connected to a voltage source 4, and wherein deformation of the conductor is detected based on changes in resistance, for example by means of analysis and processing circuitry included in the control device 5. Thus, the sensor device 20 can be configured as a deformation detector and configured to change the electrical signal due to deformation.

[0035] Alternatively, instead of one or more electrical conductors 21, 22 extending along the longitudinal axis L1, it is also possible to provide multiple sensor devices 20 distributed along the longitudinal axis L1. For example, in this case, each sensor device can be arranged as follows: Figure 1 The structure is as shown. Alternatively, a plurality of strain gauges arranged along the longitudinal axis L1 can be configured as a sensor device 20, these strain gauges being connected to the tank container 1. The strain gauges either deform together with the tank container 1 or remain solely on the tank container and thus deform based on their own temperature changes. The resistance of the strain gauge changes through its deformation. Therefore, the strain gauges are configured to change the electrical signal due to deformation. The distribution of the strain gauges along the longitudinal axis L1 thus enables position-resolved temperature determination.

[0036] Regardless of the configuration of the corresponding sensor device 20, the sensor assembly 2 may have a sensor device 20 arranged on the inner surface 1a and / or the outer surface 1b of the container 1.

[0037] The advantage of the described sensor assembly 2 is that it can also detect temperature changes that occur only locally. This allows, for example, the triggering or opening of the safety valve 3 to be initiated earlier or more reliably. If the sensor assembly 2 is configured to detect temperature in a position-dependent manner, for example, as in... Figure 2As shown in sensor assembly 2, or if multiple sensor devices 20 are arranged distributed along the longitudinal axis L1, the temperature distribution on or within the tank container 1 can be determined. This can, for example, be used to avoid or at least identify localized temperature peaks during filling or emptying of the tank container 1.

[0038] While the invention has been exemplarily described above with reference to various embodiments, it is not limited thereto and can be modified in many ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to applications in road vehicles, but can also be used in other mobile applications, such as rail vehicles, ships, or aircraft. Furthermore, stationary applications of the tank system are also conceivable.

Claims

1. A tank system (100) comprising: A tank container (1) extending along the longitudinal axis (L1) for receiving gas; and Sensor assembly (2), which has a sensor device (20) extending along the longitudinal axis (L1), wherein, The sensor device (20) is configured as a deformation detector and is set to output or change an electrical signal due to deformation. The sensor device (20) has a first electrical conductor (21) that is mechanically connected to the container (1) in a fixed position and a second electrical conductor (22). The first electrical conductor has a first segment (21A) that extends in a curved shape, and the second electrical conductor has a second segment (22A) that extends in a curved shape parallel to the first segment (21A) of the first electrical conductor (21). The second segment (22A) of the second electrical conductor (22) is movable relative to the first electrical conductor (21) such that an electrical contact can be established between the first segment (21A) and the second segment (22A) when the second electrical conductor (22) deforms. The first electrical conductor (21) and the second electrical conductor (22) have different coefficients of thermal expansion from each other.

2. The tank system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second electrical conductor (22) is thermally coupled to the tank container (1).

3. The tank system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first electrical conductor (21) and the second electrical conductor (22) are fixedly fastened to the container (1) at multiple separation portions (23) arranged at intervals along the longitudinal axis (L1), thereby forming sensor sections (S20) between the separation portions (23).

4. The tank system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor assembly (2) has a sensor device (20) arranged on the inner surface (1a) and / or the outer surface (1b) of the container (1).

5. The tank system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A safety valve (3) is connected to the outlet (11) of the tank container (1), which is capable of switching between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the safety valve fluid-tightly closes the outlet (11), while in the open state, the safety valve allows fluid to flow through the outlet (11). in, The safety valve (3) is signal-connected to the sensor assembly (2) and is switchable based on the electrical signal output or changed by the sensor assembly (2).

6. The tank system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A control device (5) electrically connected to the sensor assembly (2) is configured to determine at least one first temperature value based on an electrical signal output or changed by the sensor assembly (2).

7. The tank system (100) according to claim 6, further comprising: A pressure sensor (6) is used to detect the pressure in the tank container (1), wherein, The pressure sensor (6) is electrically connected to the control device; and The control device (5) is configured to obtain a second temperature value based on the detected pressure, compare the first temperature value with the second temperature value, and output a deviation signal if the deviation between the first temperature value and the second temperature value is greater than the extreme value.

8. The tank system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The tank system (100) is configured for use in vehicles.

9. The tank system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The second electrical conductor (22) is coupled to the container (1) by means of thermal grease.

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