Tank arrangement for storing gaseous media with valve arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank device (1) for storing gaseous media, in particular hydrogen, having a valve device (100) and a tank container (200), wherein the valve device has a valve housing (102) with a pre-control valve element (24) which is movable therein, which pre-control valve element (24) cooperates with a first sealing seat (18) and thus forms a pre-control valve (240), wherein the pre-control valve element is movable by means of an electromagnetic coil (32). Furthermore, a main valve element (12) is arranged in the valve housing (102), wherein a second sealing seat (6) is configured as a conical shoulder (36) on the valve housing (102). Furthermore, the pre-control valve element has a lateral bore (241) which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (1), the lateral bore (241) of the pre-control valve element (24) opening into a lateral bore (121) of the main valve element (12) which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (1), wherein a carrier element (66) is arranged at least partially in the lateral bore of the pre-control valve element and in the lateral bore of the main valve element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank device with a valve assembly, particularly for storing hydrogen, for example, in vehicles with fuel cell drives or vehicles with hydrogen burners as drives. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2018 201 055 A1 describes a tank device having at least one storage unit, the storage unit having a control valve, and the storage unit being connected to an output line via a piping system. Here, at least one control valve of the at least one storage unit is configured as a main valve, and at least one control valve of the at least one storage unit is configured as an auxiliary valve, wherein the main valve and the auxiliary valve are configured differently.

[0003] The safety devices used for such tank units are standardized. Each tank unit must have such a shut-off valve. Therefore, in the event of damage to the tank unit due to an accident involving, for example, a vehicle with a fuel cell drive, or a rupture in the tank unit's piping, the shut-off valve can seal the tank container, preventing any gas from escaping from the tank unit.

[0004] Due to the high safety requirements of the shut-off valve and the high system pressures, such as 800 bar or greater, the structural design of this valve is very challenging and requires a large structural space. This, in turn, increases the overall weight of the tank assembly, which can lead to large acceleration forces and potential deformation of the valve assembly or tank assembly in the event of an accident, for example, in a vehicle with a fuel cell drive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In contrast, the tank device according to the invention has the advantages of providing a simple and cost-effective tank device with a compact design and a safety valve with low opening force.

[0006] Therefore, a tank device for storing gaseous media, especially hydrogen, includes a valve device and a tank container. The valve device has a valve housing in which a pre-control valve element movable along the longitudinal axis of the tank device is arranged. The pre-control valve element interacts with a first sealing seat to open and close the through-hole, thus forming a pre-control valve. Furthermore, the valve device includes an electromagnetic coil by which the pre-control valve element can move along the longitudinal axis of the tank device. A main valve element is arranged in the valve housing, which interacts with a second sealing seat to open and close the through-hole, thus forming a main valve, wherein the second sealing seat is constructed as a tapered shoulder on the valve housing. Furthermore, the pre-control valve element has a transverse hole perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank device. This transverse hole of the pre-control valve element connects to a transverse hole of the main valve element arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank device. Additionally, a driving element is at least partially arranged in the transverse holes of the pre-control valve element and the main valve element.

[0007] Therefore, the efficiency and operation of the valve device can be optimized in a simple way, while saving costs by minimizing the magnetic force required to open the valve device. Furthermore, by optimizing the magnetic flux design, the magnetic circuit is improved through optimized material selection, cross-sectional dimension design, and the configuration of the valve device's surface structure, thus achieving a compact and cost-effective valve device.

[0008] In the first advantageous extension, the actuating element is constructed in a pin-like shape. The geometry of the actuating element is matched to the required function, thereby achieving optimal operation of the entire valve assembly.

[0009] In a favorable extension, a permanent magnet is arranged at one end of the pre-control valve element, such that the positive pole of the permanent magnet faces the housing cover of the valve device, while the negative pole faces the container. Furthermore, the permanent magnet is positioned in the positive region of the permanent magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil when the electromagnetic coil is energized.

[0010] Therefore, optimized magnetic flux formation can be achieved in a simple manner. Furthermore, the two-stage opening process requires only a small magnetic force to open the valve device. This results in low current and energy demands and thus a positive energy balance.

[0011] In another configuration of the invention, the valve device is advantageously configured to open toward the tank container when the solenoid coil is energized. This results in a tank device with a simple and cost-effective design. This configuration also allows for the removal of the electrically driven guide and magnet from the area eroded by the medium without the need for complex sealing solutions.

[0012] In another configuration of the invention, a throttling channel is advantageously formed between the valve housing and the molded portion of the main valve element. This molded portion works in conjunction with the second sealing seat to open and close the through-hole. The throttling channel has a tapered widening portion in the opposite direction to the second sealing seat, thereby creating a throttling effect.

[0013] In an advantageous extension of the invention, a through-hole is constructed in the valve housing at the height of the throttling channel and leads into the throttling channel. Advantageously, a chamber is formed in the valve housing, which is connected to the throttling channel via the through-hole. Therefore, the opening process of the valve device is facilitated in a structurally simple manner.

[0014] In an advantageous extension of the invention, the valve device is advantageously positioned in the neck region of the tank assembly and presses against the bottom of the tank within that region. Due to the structural design of the valve device in the neck region, a smaller pressure application surface is achieved, resulting in lower axial pressure. Under high pressure, the smaller pressure application surface constitutes a higher unloading effect on the component load, which is reflected in lower deformation, less wear and sealing impact, and an increased service life for the entire tank assembly and valve device.

[0015] In another configuration of the invention, an extraction opening is advantageously formed in the bottom of the can, which fluidly connects the internal space of the can container and the chamber to each other. This allows the interior of the valve device to be connected to the internal space of the can assembly in a structurally simple manner.

[0016] In an advantageous extension of the invention, the pre-control valve element has a shoulder on which a spring is supported, and the spring applies a force to the pre-control valve element toward one end of the pre-control valve element.

[0017] In an advantageous extension of the invention, the main valve element is provided with a force applied by means of a spring in the direction of the internal space of the container, thereby the main valve element is applied with a force in the direction of the first sealing seat and in the opposite direction to the direction of the second sealing seat.

[0018] In another configuration of the invention, it is advantageous to form an internal space in the valve housing, which is divided by the main valve element into a first sub-internal space and a second sub-internal space.

[0019] In an advantageous extension of the invention, the first sub-internal space is connected to an inflow pipe via an overflow channel formed in the valve housing, which can be connected to the inflow area of ​​the consumable device system.

[0020] This facilitates the opening process of the valve device, which requires a small magnetic force because the opening process is supported by pneumatic force due to the structural design of the valve device.

[0021] The described tank device is preferably suitable for use in fuel cell systems for storing hydrogen for operating the fuel cell.

[0022] The described tank device for storing hydrogen for operating fuel cells is also advantageously applicable to vehicles operating fuel cells.

[0023] The described device for storing hydrogen is also advantageously applicable to hydrogen-powered vehicles, i.e., vehicles with hydrogen burners as the drive unit. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of a tank apparatus according to the invention for storing gaseous media, particularly hydrogen. The drawings show:

[0025] Figure 1 An embodiment of a tank device according to the invention, having a valve device, is shown in longitudinal section. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 An embodiment of a can assembly 1 with a longitudinal axis 48 according to the invention is shown in longitudinal section and simplified view, wherein the can assembly 1 is constructed rotationally symmetrically about the longitudinal axis 48.

[0027] The tank device 1 has a tank container 200 and a valve device 100, wherein the valve device 100 is partially received in the tank container 200. The tank container 200 has a tank container shell 202, in which an internal space 201 is formed.

[0028] Furthermore, the can container 200 has a neck region 203 in which the valve device 100 is partially received. Here, the valve device 100 is supported on the bottom 140 of the can, which is arranged between the neck region 203 and the internal space 201 of the can container, and thus the internal space 201 of the can container is separated from the neck region 203.

[0029] The valve device 100 includes a valve housing 102 in which an electromagnetic coil 32 is arranged, and the electromagnetic coil is supplied with current via an electrical connector 30. Here, the through guide portion of the electrical connector 30 is constructed in a magnetizable housing cover 28.

[0030] A permanent magnet 17, having a positive pole element 170 and a negative pole element 171, is arranged on one end 42 of the pre-control valve element 24. Here, the positive pole element 170 of the permanent magnet 17 is arranged in the direction of the housing cover 28 of the valve device 100, while the negative pole element 171 of the permanent magnet 17 is arranged in the direction of the tank container 200. Furthermore, the permanent magnet 17 is arranged in the valve device 100 such that when the electromagnetic coil 32 is energized, the permanent magnet is positioned in the positive pole region 51 of the permanent magnetic field 52 generated by the electromagnetic coil 32.

[0031] Furthermore, the housing cover 28 is made of a non-magnetic material to guide the magnetic field and thus pre-control the direction of movement of the valve element 24 toward the internal space 201 of the tank container when the electromagnetic coil 32 is energized.

[0032] Furthermore, an internal space 45 is formed in the valve housing 102, in which the pre-control valve element 24 and the main valve element 12 are arranged.

[0033] The pre-control valve element 24 is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis 48 and has a stepped slot and a rounded shoulder 43, which is constructed as a step 430 at opposite ends. A spring 16 is supported on this step 430, which is also supported on the tank bottom 140 and directs the pre-control valve element 24 toward the solenoid coil 32. Figure 1 Upward loading force.

[0034] A main valve element 12 is arranged parallel to the pre-control valve element 24. This main valve element is substantially L-shaped and has a formed portion 37. Furthermore, the main valve element 12 has a through-hole 20 through which the first sub-internal space 450 and the second sub-internal space 451 can be fluidly connected. The internal space 45 is divided into the first sub-internal space 450 and the second sub-internal space 451 by the main valve element 12.

[0035] The main valve element 12 is preloaded by a spring 22 and pressed against a rounded shoulder 43, wherein the spring 22 is supported on the valve housing 102. Therefore, a first sealing seat 18 is formed on the main valve element 12, which works in conjunction with the main valve element 12 to open and close the connection between the first sub-internal space 450 and the second sub-internal space 451, and thus to open and close the through-hole 20, thereby forming a pre-control valve 240.

[0036] Through the pre-controlled valve element 24, the main valve element 12 is loaded against the force of the spring 22 and thus presses its shaped portion 37 against the second sealing seat 6, which is taperedly constructed on the valve housing 102. Here, the closing force is supported by the pressure in the internal space 201 of the container and the force of the spring 16. The closing force is responsible for the safe closure of the main valve element 12 when closed and not energized. Thus, the main valve element 12 works in conjunction with the second sealing seat 18 to open and close the through hole 8 formed in the valve housing 102 and thus forms the main valve 120.

[0037] A throttling channel 38 is formed between the valve housing 102 and the molded portion 37 of the main valve element 12. This throttling channel has a tapered widening portion in the opposite direction to the second sealing seat 6, thereby creating a throttling effect.

[0038] The through-hole 8 is constructed at the height of the throttling channel 38 and leads into the throttling channel 38. In addition, the through-hole 8 leads into a chamber 35 formed in the valve housing 102, which is connected to the internal space 201 of the tank container through an extraction opening 14 formed at the bottom of the tank 140.

[0039] The first internal space 450 is connected to the inflow pipe 40 via an overflow channel 2 constructed in the valve housing 102, which can connect to the inflow area of ​​the consumption device system. A system pressure p1 is formed in the overflow channel 2.

[0040] Furthermore, the pre-control valve element 24 has a transverse bore 241 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 241 of the tank assembly 1. Similarly, the main valve element 12 has a transverse bore 121 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48, which leads to the transverse bore 241 of the pre-control valve element 24. A pin-shaped actuating element 66 is arranged in the transverse bore 241 of the pre-control valve element 24 and in the transverse bore 121 of the main valve element 120. In addition, the actuating element 66 extends into the first sub-internal space 450.

[0041] In addition to the pin-shaped structure, other geometrical implementations of the drive element 66 are also possible, such as elliptical, cylindrical, or polygonal cross-sections.

[0042] The tank device 1 operates as follows: When the electromagnetic coil 32 is not energized, the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 are closed, so that no gaseous medium, in this case hydrogen, can flow from the internal space 202 of the tank container through the valve device 100 into the inflow pipe 40, for example, in the direction of the inflow area of ​​the consumption device system.

[0043] When the electromagnetic coil 32 is energized via the electrical connector 30, a permanent magnetic field 52 is formed, which has a positive pole region 51 and a negative pole region 50. Here, the permanent magnet 17 is located in the positive pole region 51 of the permanent magnetic field 52 generated by the electromagnetic coil 32. Due to the magnetic repulsion between the permanent magnets 17 in the permanent magnetic field 52, the pre-control valve element 24 moves away from the housing cover 28 and thus compresses the spring 16. By the longitudinal movement of the pre-control valve element 24, the pre-control valve element is lifted from the first sealing seat 18 and thus releases the opening cross-section from the second sub-internal space 451 to the first sub-internal space 450 and the through hole 20.

[0044] By removing the opening 14, chamber 35, through-hole 8, and throttling channel 38, the second sub-internal space 451 is fluidly connected to the internal space 201 of the tank container, allowing the internal space of the tank container to be filled with hydrogen. Depending on the medium being removed, hydrogen flows out towards the overflow channel 2 and into the inflow line 40, creating a balanced pressure level around the main valve element 12 via the pressure system.

[0045] By using the throttling channel 38 as a throttling element, during the opening process, more medium than that supplied via the throttling channel 38, in this case hydrogen, can flow out through the through-hole 20. In this way, an additional opening force is applied to the main valve element 12. Furthermore, the pressure in the second sub-internal space 451 decreases.

[0046] After a brief opening time of the first sealing seat 18, the pre-control valve element 24 performs pressure equalization, which results in pressure equalization of the main valve element 12.

[0047] The force of spring 22 assists in the release of the second sealing seat 6 because the spring presses the main valve element 12 with an opening force, causing the main valve element 12 to lift from the second sealing seat 6 and release the opening cross-section between the through hole 8 and the first sub-internal space 450. Therefore, hydrogen gas now flows directly from the tank container interior space 201 through the through hole 8 towards the overflow channel 2 into the first sub-internal space 450 and thus into the inflow line 40.

[0048] In addition to the pneumatic pressure relationship, the main valve element 12 is pulled up from the second sealing seat 6 by the pre-controlled valve element 24 with a time delay by means of the mechanical driving element 66.

[0049] Therefore, the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 are now released and hydrogen flows from the internal space 201 of the tank container through the valve device 1 into the inflow line 40, for example, in the direction of the inflow area of ​​the consumption device system.

[0050] If the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening at the first sealing seat 18 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening at the second sealing seat 6, then only a small magnetic force is needed on the first sealing seat 18 to pre-control the opening process of the valve element 24.

[0051] If the energization of the electromagnetic coil 32 is interrupted, the permanent magnetic field 52 collapses, and the magnetic repulsion between the permanent magnet 17 and the permanent magnetic field 52 of the electromagnetic coil 32 collapses. A closing force acting on the pre-control valve element 24 and the main valve element 12 is introduced via the spring 16. Depending on the pressure p2 present in the internal space 201 of the tank container, for example from 15 to 1000 bar, the closing force, together with the pressure in the neck region 203 of the tank assembly 1, is introduced to the main valve element 12 and the second sealing seat 6 via the pre-control valve element 24 and the first sealing seat 18.

[0052] Not only the first sealing seat 18 but also the second sealing seat 6 is now shut off, preventing hydrogen from flowing from the internal space 201 of the tank container through the valve device 100, for example, towards the inflow area of ​​the consumption device system. This self-closing principle functions in emergency situations where the current supply is interrupted. However, it should be noted that the force of the spring 22 resisting the desired flow cannot be chosen too high and must be appropriately coordinated. Therefore, in emergency situations, it is ensured that no hydrogen can escape from the tank device 1.

[0053] During filling, overflow channel 2 is supplied with pressure through a connected filling unit, such as a filling station. Here, the pressure present in overflow channel 2 is greater than the pressure in the rest of valve assembly 100. Due to the different pressure levels, the pressure relationship on the second sealing seat 6 is greater than the pressure relationship in the rest of valve assembly 100, causing the main valve element 12 to resist the force of spring 16 and press the pre-control valve element 24 towards the internal space 201 of the tank container. The tank assembly 1 can now be filled through the released second sealing seat 6 and via through-hole 8 until the filling process is complete. If the filling process is complete, no further filling occurs, resulting in pressure equilibrium around the main valve element 12. The force of spring 16, together with the pressure difference generated by p2>p1, is responsible for closing the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6.

[0054] In addition to vehicles operating fuel cells, the tank device 1 for storing gaseous media can also be used, for example, in vehicles driven by hydrogen burners to store hydrogen.

Claims

1. A tank arrangement (1) for storing a gaseous medium, having a valve arrangement (100) and a tank container (200), wherein The valve device (100) comprises a valve housing (102) in which a pre-control valve element (24) is arranged which is movable along a longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (1) and which cooperates with a first sealing seat (18) for opening and closing a first through-hole (20) and thus forms a pre-control valve (240), wherein the valve device (100) comprises an electromagnetic coil (32) by means of which the pre-control valve element (24) can be moved along the longitudinal axis (48), wherein a main valve element (12) is arranged in the valve housing (102), which cooperates with a second sealing seat (6) for opening and closing a second through-hole (8) and thus forms a main valve (120), wherein the second sealing seat (6) is configured as a conical shoulder on the valve housing (102), wherein the pre-control valve element (24) has a first lateral bore (241) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (1) and which opens into a second lateral bore (121) of the main valve element (12) which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (1), wherein a carrier element (66) is arranged at least partially in the first lateral bore (241) of the pre-control valve element (24) and in the second lateral bore (121) of the main valve element (12), wherein a throttling channel (38) is formed between the valve housing (102) and a shaped portion (37) of the main valve element (12) which cooperates with the second sealing seat (6) for opening and closing the second through-hole (8), the throttling channel (38) having a conical widening opposite the direction of the second sealing seat (6), whereby a throttling action is formed.

2. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The carrier element (66) is configured in the shape of a pin.

3. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that On an end portion (42) of the pre-control valve element (24) a permanent magnet (17) is arranged which is arranged in the valve device (100) such that a positive pole element (170) of the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in the direction of a housing cover (28) of the valve device (100) and a negative pole element (171) of the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in the direction of the tank container (200), wherein the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in a positive pole region (51) of a permanent magnetic field (52) generated by the electromagnetic coil (32) when the electromagnetic coil (32) is energized.

4. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The valve device (100) can be opened in the direction of the tank container (200) when the electromagnetic coil (32) is energized.

5. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second through-hole (8) is configured in the valve housing (102) at the height of the throttling channel (38) and opens into the throttling channel (38).

6. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In the valve housing (102) a chamber (35) is formed which is connected to the throttling channel (38) by means of the second through-hole (8).

7. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The valve device (100) is arranged in a neck region (203) of the tank device (1) and is pressed against a tank bottom (140) within the neck region (203).

8. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that A tapping opening (14) is formed in the tank bottom (140), which fluidically connects a tank interior (201) and the chamber (35) with one another.

9. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The pre-control valve element (24) has a shoulder (43) on which a first spring (16) is supported and which loads the pre-control valve element (24) in the direction of an end portion (42) of the pre-control valve element (24).

10. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The main valve element (12) is loaded in the direction of the tank interior (201) by means of a second spring (22), whereby the main valve element (12) is loaded in the direction of the first sealing seat (18) and in the opposite direction of the second sealing seat (6).

11. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that An interior space (45) is formed in the valve housing (102), which is divided into a first sub-interior space (450) and a second sub-interior space (451) by the main valve element (12).

12. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The first sub-interior space (450) is connected to an inflow line (40) by means of an overflow channel (2) formed in the valve housing (102), which inflow line (40) can be connected to an inflow region of a consumer system.

13. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The gaseous medium is hydrogen.

14. A fuel cell system having a tank device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for storing hydrogen for operating a fuel cell.

15. A vehicle operated by a fuel cell having a tank device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for storing hydrogen for operating a fuel cell.

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