Tank device for storing gaseous media

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tank device (1) for storing gaseous media, particularly hydrogen, the tank device having a valve device (2), a tank (10), and a longitudinal axis (11). The valve device (2) has a valve housing (20) in which a pre-control valve element (18) movable along the longitudinal axis (11) is arranged, the pre-control valve element (18) interacting with a first valve seat (27) to open and close a first outlet (56), and thus forming a pre-control valve (44). The valve device (2) is operable by means of an electromagnetic coil (14), wherein a main valve element (19) is arranged coaxially with the pre-control valve element (18) in the valve housing (20), the main valve element (19) interacting with a second valve seat (40) to open and close a second outlet (31), and thus forming a main valve (191). The can assembly (1) includes a screw-in housing element (24), wherein the valve assembly (2) is fixedly integrated into the neck region (6) of the can (10) by means of the screw-in housing element (24). The valve assembly (2) is arranged in the closed position by means of the can pressure in the can (10) and by means of a spring (26) when the electromagnetic coil (14) is turned off.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] DE 10 2018 201 055 A1 describes a tank apparatus having at least one storage unit, the storage unit having a control valve and being connected to an output line via a piping system. Here, at least one control valve of at least one storage unit is configured as a main valve, and at least one control valve of 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 in 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 a vehicle with a fuel cell drive, or in the event of a rupture in the tank unit's piping, the shut-off valve can close the tank unit, preventing any gas from escaping.

[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 such a valve is very challenging and requires a large amount of structural space. This, in turn, increases the overall weight of the tank assembly, which could lead to large acceleration forces in the event of an accident involving a vehicle with a fuel cell drive, and potentially cause deformation of the valve assembly or the tank assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Advantages of this invention:

[0006] In contrast, the tank device according to the invention having the features of claim 1 has the following advantages: it provides a compactly designed tank device with a safety valve in a simple manner of structural design, which has a positive energy balance and complies with all safety-related standards.

[0007] For this purpose, a tank device for storing gaseous media, particularly hydrogen, includes a valve device, a tank, and a longitudinal axis. The valve device also includes a valve housing in which a pre-control valve element movable along the longitudinal axis is arranged. The pre-control valve element interacts with a first valve seat to open and close a first outlet, thus forming a pre-control valve. Furthermore, the valve device can be operated by means of a solenoid coil. A main valve element is arranged in the valve housing, which interacts with a second valve seat to open and close a second outlet, thus forming a main valve. The tank device also includes a screw-in housing element, in which the valve device is fixedly integrated into the neck region of the tank. Furthermore, when the solenoid coil is turned off, the valve device is positioned in the closed position by means of the tank pressure and a spring.

[0008] This approach enables the creation of a compact, dual-switch shut-off valve that meets safety requirements and achieves cost savings due to its integrated design. Furthermore, it ensures that no gaseous media, particularly hydrogen, can escape from the tank through the valve assembly, especially when the solenoid coil is off, because the pre-controlled valve element is pressed against the valve seat due to the pressure difference between the tank and the through-channel and the force of the spring.

[0009] Furthermore, the structural design of arranging the valve assembly outside the tank, resulting in a reduced pressure surface area, generates significantly lower axial pressure. This smaller pressure surface area significantly reduces component load under high pressure, which is reflected in less deformation, wear, and sealing effects, thus enabling a longer service life for the tank assembly.

[0010] In the first advantageous extension, the screw-in housing element includes a shaped portion having a first thread and a can-shaped end having a second thread.

[0011] In another configuration of the invention, a through-passage is advantageously provided in the screw-in housing element, through which the tank is connected to the valve device. This results in higher robustness of the entire tank, especially in the event of an accident.

[0012] In an advantageous extension, a second valve seat is configured downstream of the valve body and the outlet, and the cylindrical outlet leads into a cylindrical through-channel, wherein the diameter D of the through-channel is larger than the diameter d of the outlet. In this way, force is applied to the valve device in the direction of its closed position by appropriate pressure conditions.

[0013] In another configuration of the invention, the through channel is advantageously provided to transition into the outlet via a tapered transition region.

[0014] In an advantageous extension, the tank assembly has a fixing element by which the valve assembly is fixedly connected to the screw-in housing element, and the valve assembly is thus fixed to the screw-in housing element.

[0015] In another configuration of the invention, the through passage is advantageously connected to the internal space of the tank via an inlet constructed in the valve housing and a through passage screwed into the housing element. Therefore, the flow cross-section of the gaseous medium from the tank can be controlled in this manner.

[0016] In a favorable extension, a spring is arranged in a recess within the pre-control valve element, forming a spring chamber. This spring applies a force towards the valve seat to both the pre-control valve element and the main valve element. In this way, the pre-control valve element is pressed against the valve seat by the force of the spring and the pressure difference between the reservoir and the through passage. Therefore, the valve assembly's sealing is ensured when the solenoid coil is not energized.

[0017] In another configuration of the invention, the pre-control valve element is advantageously provided with a longitudinal opening and a transverse orifice, the longitudinal opening and the transverse orifice being in fluid communication with the spring chamber. Therefore, the gaseous medium can be guided through the valve device in an optimized manner.

[0018] In a favorable extension, a control chamber is formed between the valve housing and the main valve element, in which a spring is arranged to apply a force to the main valve element in the opposite direction to that of the second valve seat.

[0019] In another configuration of the invention, the main valve element is advantageously provided to have a discharge passage that leads to a through opening, wherein the through opening leads to the outlet.

[0020] In an advantageous extension configuration, the first valve seat is constructed on the main valve element, and the second valve seat is constructed on the valve body.

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

[0022] The described tank device is also suitable for storing hydrogen in fuel cell-powered vehicles.

[0023] Furthermore, the described tank device is suitable for storing hydrogen in hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as vehicles with a hydrogen burner as the drive. Attached Figure Description

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

[0025] Figure 1A longitudinal section of an embodiment of a tank device with a valve device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] exist Figure 1 The image shows an embodiment of a canister device 1 for a gaseous medium according to the present invention, the canister device having a longitudinal axis 11. The canister device 1 has a canister 10 and a valve device 2. The canister 10 has a canister housing 47, in which an internal canister space 100 is formed. The canister housing 47 also includes a neck region 6, into which the valve device 2 is integrated by means of a screw-in housing element 24.

[0027] Here, a threaded connection is provided in the neck region 6, allowing the valve device 2 to be screwed into the tank 10 via the screw-in housing element 24. Furthermore, a fixing element 12 is provided, which securely connects the valve device 2 and the screw-in housing element 24 to each other, for example, via a threaded connection.

[0028] The screw-in housing element 24 has a shaped portion 240 on which a first thread 241 is formed, allowing it to be easily inserted into the neck region 6 of the can 10. Furthermore, the screw-in housing element 24 has a can-shaped end 242 in which a valve device 2 is received. The can-shaped end 242 also has a second thread 243, on which the retaining element 12 can be screwed when the valve device 2 is secured to the screw-in housing element 24.

[0029] A through passage 244 is constructed in the screw-in housing element 24, so that a gaseous medium, especially hydrogen, can be supplied from the tank interior space 100 to the anode region of the fuel cell in the fuel cell assembly, for example, through the valve device 2 via the cylindrical through passage 80.

[0030] The valve device 2 has a valve housing 20 in which a cylindrical inlet 28 is constructed, wherein the inlet 28 leads to a through passage 244 of the screw-in housing element 24. Both the inflow and outflow from the valve device 2 are axially directed relative to the longitudinal axis 11 of the tank device 1.

[0031] Furthermore, the electromagnetic coil 14 is received and integrated in the valve housing 20, wherein the electromagnetic coil 14 is fixed in the valve housing 20 by means of a support element 22, and is sealed relative to the internal region of the valve device 2 by means of a sealing element on the support element 22. Here, the electromagnetic coil 14 can be operated via the electrical connector 30.

[0032] A pre-control valve element 18 movable along the longitudinal axis 11 is arranged in the valve housing 20. The pre-control valve element 18 has a recess 45 in which a spring chamber 25 is formed. A spring 26 is arranged in the spring chamber 25. Furthermore, the pre-control valve element 18 has a longitudinal opening 33 and a transverse orifice 180 in fluid communication with the spring chamber 25. The spring chamber 25 further opens into an inlet 28.

[0033] In valve assembly 2, main valve element 19 is also arranged coaxially with pre-control valve element 18, wherein main valve element 19 partially surrounds pre-control valve element 18. A transverse orifice 190 is formed in main valve element 19, which opens into transverse orifice 180 of pre-control valve element 18. Furthermore, main valve element 19 has a first outlet 56, which opens into a through opening 57. This through opening in turn opens into a second outlet 31.

[0034] A first valve seat 27 is constructed on the main valve element 19, which works together with the pre-control valve element 18 to open and close the first outlet 56, thus forming a pre-control valve 44.

[0035] A second valve seat 40 is constructed on the valve housing 20. This second valve seat works in conjunction with the main valve element 19 to open and close the second outlet 31, thus forming the main valve 191. Furthermore, the second valve seat 40 is constructed downstream of the valve housing 20 and the second outlet 31.

[0036] A control chamber 32 is formed between the valve housing 20 and the main valve element 19, in which a spring 7 is arranged to apply a force to the main valve element 19 in the opposite direction to that of the second valve seat 40.

[0037] Spring 26 in spring chamber 25 applies a force to pre-control valve element 18 and main valve element 16 in the direction of second valve seat 40. Furthermore, spring 26 is supported on screw-in housing element 24 on one side and on pre-control valve element 18 on the other side.

[0038] The through channel 80 extends into the second outlet 31 via a tapered transition region 36. The through channel 80 has a diameter D, and the second outlet 31 has a diameter d. The diameter D of the through channel 80 is larger than the diameter d of the second outlet 31.

[0039] The valve housing 20 is constructed in multiple parts, allowing the solenoid coil 14 to be received and integrated among the multiple valve housing parts 20. Furthermore, the valve device 2 can be operated by means of the solenoid coil 14.

[0040] Furthermore, the pressure p2 in the tank 10 is greater than the pressure p1 in the through channel 80, so that in addition to the force of the spring 26, another closing force acts on the pre-control valve element 18 and the main valve element 19, and the valve device 1 is arranged in the closed position when the solenoid coil 14 is not energized.

[0041] The valve device 2 operates as follows: When the electromagnetic coil 14 is energized, a magnetic field is generated, which causes a force to act between the housing element 24 and the pre-control valve element 18. This generates a magnetic force acting on the pre-control valve element 18, which is opposite to the force of the spring 26 and the pressure generated by the gaseous medium. When the electromagnetic force is sufficiently large, the pre-control valve element 18 is lifted from the first valve seat 27 and the opening cross-section between the inlet 28 and the through passage 80 is released. The gaseous medium now flows from the tank interior space 100 through the inlet 28, the spring chamber 25, the longitudinal opening 33, the discharge passage 56, and the through opening 57 into the through passage 80, and flows via the inlet conduit 50 toward the inlet area 55 of the consumption device system, for example, toward the anode area of ​​the fuel cell assembly.

[0042] This results in the passageway 80 being filled with a gaseous medium, thus establishing a balancing pressure level around the main valve element 19 via the pressure system. Here, over time, a pressure level comparable to that on the pre-control valve element 18 is formed. Due to the pressure balance of the main valve element 19, it is lifted from the second valve seat 40 by the force of the spring 7, thus opening a large opening cross-section and establishing a connection between the main opening 28 and the control chamber 32. Therefore, the gaseous medium now also flows from the tank interior space 100 through the second valve seat 40 via the inlet 28, the spring chamber 25, the longitudinal opening 33, the transverse orifice 180 of the pre-control valve element 18, and the transverse orifice 190 of the main valve element 19, through the control chamber 32 into the passageway 80, and flows via the inflow pipe 50 towards the inflow area 53 of the consumption device system, for example, towards the anode region of the fuel cell assembly.

[0043] If the energization of the electromagnetic coil 14 is interrupted, the magnetic field collapses and a closing force is applied to the pre-control valve element 18 and the main valve element 19 by means of the spring 26 and the pneumatic pressure condition in the valve device 2. Consequently, the pre-control valve element 18 and the main valve element 19 move again toward the first valve seat 27 and the second valve seat 40, thus sealing the opening cross-sections on the first valve seat 27 and the second valve seat 40. The gaseous medium no longer flows from the tank device 1 toward the inflow region 53 via the valve device 2.

[0044] The self-closing principle of valve device 2 also functions in emergency situations, such as when the power supply is interrupted. Therefore, it can be ensured that hydrogen is contained within tank device 1 and that the hydrogen is not released uncontrollably into the surrounding environment.

[0045] In the case of a gaseous medium, specifically hydrogen refueling tank 10, the flow direction extends from the external refueling station 54 via the inlet pipe 50 and valve device 2 towards the tank's internal space 100. Because power is not permitted during refueling, valve device 2 must be designed such that it can be opened by pressure conditions present on it. Since the pressure in the through passage 80 is greater than the pressure in the area of ​​the main valve element 19 during refueling, the pressure conditions must be designed such that the main valve element 19 can be squeezed and opened against the force of spring 26 and the pressure acting within tank 10, allowing tank 10 to be filled with a gaseous medium, such as hydrogen. Once the refueling process is complete, the same pressure conditions are established before and after the second valve seat 40, causing valve device 2 to close again by the force of spring 26. Therefore, the tank's internal space 100 can be filled with hydrogen via the inlet pipe 50 (which is then connected to the external refueling station 54) through the same valve device 2, as if hydrogen were supplied to the supply system.

[0046] In addition to fuel cell-driven vehicles, the tank device 1 for storing gaseous media can also be used, for example, in vehicles with a hydrogen burner as the drive, for storing hydrogen.

Claims

1. A tank device (1) for storing a gaseous medium, the tank device having a valve device (2), a tank (10) and a longitudinal axis (11), wherein, The valve device (2) has a valve housing (20) in which a pre-control valve element (18) movable along the longitudinal axis (11) is arranged. The pre-control valve element (18) interacts with a first valve seat (27) to open and close a first outlet (56), thus forming a pre-control valve (44). The valve device (2) is operable by means of an electromagnetic coil (14). A main valve element (19) is coaxially arranged with the pre-control valve element (18) in the valve housing (20). The main valve element (19) interacts with a second valve seat (40) to open and close a second outlet (31), thus forming a main valve (191). The can assembly (1) includes a screw-in housing element (24). The valve device (2) is fixedly integrated into the neck region (6) of the can (10) by means of the screw-in housing element (24). When the electromagnetic coil (14) is turned off, the valve device (2) is operated by means of the... The pressure in the tank (10) and the arrangement of a spring (26) in the closed position, the spring (26) being arranged in a groove (45) of the pre-control valve element (18) and forming a spring chamber (25), wherein a control chamber (32) is formed between the valve housing (20) and the main valve element (19), and another spring (7) is arranged in the control chamber (32), the other spring (7) loading the main valve element (19) with a force opposite to that of the second valve seat (40). Furthermore, the pre-control valve element (18) has a longitudinal opening (33) and a transverse orifice (180) in fluid communication with the spring chamber (25), wherein a transverse orifice (190) is constructed in the main valve element (19) and the transverse orifice opens into the transverse orifice (180) of the pre-control valve element (18), so that the gaseous medium flows into the control chamber (32) through the transverse orifice (190) of the main valve element (19).

2. The tank device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screw-in housing element (24) includes a shaped portion (240) having a first thread (241) and a can-shaped end (242) having a second thread (243).

3. The tank device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A through-channel (244) is constructed in the screw-in housing element (24) through which the tank (10) is connected to the valve device (2).

4. The tank device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second valve seat (40) is constructed downstream of the valve housing (20) and the second outlet (31), and the cylindrical second outlet (31) leads into a cylindrical through channel (80), wherein the diameter D of the through channel (80) is greater than the diameter d of the second outlet (31).

5. The tank device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The through passage (80) transitions into the second outlet (31) via a conical transition area (36).

6. The tank device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The canister device (1) has a fixing element (12) by which the valve device (2) is fixedly connected to the screw-in housing element (24), and the valve device (2) is thus fixed to the screw-in housing element (24).

7. The tank device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The through passage (80) can be connected to the internal space (100) of the tank via an inlet (28) constructed in the valve housing (20) and a through passage (244) via the screw-in housing element (24).

8. The tank device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The spring (26) applies a force to the pre-control valve element (18) and the main valve element (16) in the direction toward the second valve seat (40).

9. The tank device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The main valve element (19) has a discharge passage for forming the first outlet (56), the discharge passage leading to a through opening (57) of the main valve element (19), wherein the through opening (57) leads to the second outlet (31).

10. The tank device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first valve seat (27) is constructed on the main valve element (19), and the second valve seat (40) is constructed on the valve housing (20).

11. The tank device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank device (1) is configured for storing hydrogen.

12. A fuel cell assembly having a tank device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the tank device being used to store hydrogen for operating the fuel cell.

13. A fuel cell-driven vehicle having a tank device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the tank device being used to store compressed fluid.

14. A hydrogen-powered vehicle having a tank device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the tank device being used to store hydrogen.

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