Tank apparatus for thermal pressure relief of hydrogen tanks

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank device (1) for thermal pressure relief of a hydrogen tank, wherein the tank device (1) comprises at least two tank containers (10) and a supply line (4) connectable to the tank containers (10). Each of the at least two tank containers (10) has at least one shut-off valve (8) on an end portion (26), which is arranged between the corresponding tank container (10) and the supply line (4). Furthermore, the tank containers (10) are completely surrounded and / or encapsulated, in particular pressure-tight, with respect to the surroundings (120) by a housing element (12), wherein at least one sacrificial container (14) is arranged in the tank device (1), which is in fluid communication with the tank containers (10) by means of an overpressure valve (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank device for thermal pressure unloading of a hydrogen tank, for example for use in a vehicle with a fuel cell drive or a vehicle with a hydrogen drive. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2017 212 485 A1 describes an apparatus for storing a compressed fluid used as fuel for a vehicle, wherein the apparatus comprises at least two tubular tank modules and at least one high-pressure fuel supply having at least one integrated regulation and safety technology device. Furthermore, the at least two tubular tank modules are made of metal and are modularly connected to the at least one high-pressure fuel supply having at least one integrated regulation and safety technology device to form a module with a flexible geometry.

[0003] Therefore, in the event of an accident in the device used to store compressed fluids or a rupture in the piping within the device, the overflow valve can be closed to prevent any gas from escaping from the storage unit. Furthermore, safety valves should ensure, for example, that hydrogen can be discharged from the tank module in the event of a fire or a temperature rise exceeding a predetermined threshold, to prevent the tank module or even the entire device used to store compressed fluids from exploding.

[0004] These safety precautions require a large number of valves, which increases the complexity and cost of the entire gas storage system. Furthermore, depending on the location of the safety valve, it must be ensured that the valve is triggered even when the ignition source is not nearby, in order to prevent a potential explosion of the gas storage system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In comparison, the container device according to the present invention has the following advantages: the container device can be emptied simply and quickly when heat is applied to it in a structurally simple manner, wherein the container device is prevented from breaking by selectively discharging gaseous media, such as hydrogen.

[0006] Here, for thermal pressure relief of the hydrogen tank, the tank assembly has at least two tank containers and supply lines capable of connecting to said tank containers. Each of the at least two tank containers has at least one shut-off valve at one end, which is arranged between the corresponding tank container and the supply line. Furthermore, the tank containers are completely enclosed by shell elements and / or pressure-sealed relative to the surrounding environment, wherein at least one sacrificial container is arranged within the tank assembly. The sacrificial container is in fluid communication with the tank containers via an overpressure valve.

[0007] Therefore, this method ensures that in emergency situations, such as a fire, the pressure buildup in the container can be reduced using a sacrificial vessel. Because the pressure in the container increases due to heat input, an overpressure valve on the sacrificial vessel is triggered, allowing hydrogen to be released from the container into the sacrificial vessel. In this way, the pressure buildup in the container is reduced using one or more sacrificial vessels, thus preventing the container from rupturing.

[0008] In the first advantageous extension scheme, the sacrificial container is filled with only 1 bar of nitrogen. Therefore, pressure reduction of the container can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0009] In another configuration of the invention, the sacrificial container is advantageously filled with only 1 bar of hydrogen. Therefore, pressure reduction of the container can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0010] In addition, since a detonating gas reaction occurs when hydrogen and oxygen combine, it should be ensured that the sacrificial container is free of oxygen.

[0011] In a favorable extension configuration, at least one safety valve is arranged at the other end of the container.

[0012] Therefore, a simple approach ensures that in an emergency, such as a fire, there is sufficient time to safely open the safety valve to release the stored hydrogen. The triggering of the safety valve is delayed depending on the heat input to the container, i.e., how far the heat input is from the surrounding environment. However, if the pressure in the container now increases due to the heat input, an overpressure valve on the sacrificial container triggers, allowing hydrogen to be released from the container into the sacrificial container. In this way, the pressure built up in the container is reduced by one or more sacrificial containers. Therefore, even if the triggering of the safety valve is delayed, container rupture can be prevented, or depending on the heat input and pressure buildup, it may no longer be necessary to open the safety valve.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the safety valve is advantageously provided with a liquid-filled glass ampoule, such that the glass ampoule breaks when the ambient temperature rises, and thus the safety valve can be unlocked.

[0014] In a favorable extension, the safety valve includes a fusible medium, such as wax, which melts when the ambient temperature rises, thus enabling the safety valve to unlock.

[0015] This ensures that the safety valve can reliably open in one go in an emergency and drain hydrogen from the container to prevent the equipment from rupturing.

[0016] In another configuration of the invention, the container is advantageously connected to a discharge line via a safety valve. This allows for the simple removal of gaseous media, such as hydrogen, from the container and, for example, release into the surrounding environment in emergency situations.

[0017] In a favorable expansion configuration, at least two containers are made of steel. Therefore, cost savings are achieved through material selection.

[0018] In a favorable extension configuration, at least two containers are configured to be connected to the inflow area of ​​the consumption device system, preferably the anode area of ​​the fuel cell system, via shut-off valves.

[0019] The described container equipment is preferably suitable for use in fuel cell systems for storing hydrogen used to operate the fuel cell.

[0020] In advantageous applications, the box device can be used in vehicles with fuel cell drives.

[0021] In advantageous applications, the box equipment can be used in vehicles powered by hydrogen. Attached Figure Description

[0022] An embodiment of a tank device for thermal pressure unloading of a hydrogen tank according to the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the box device according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the box device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the container device 1 according to the present invention is shown. The container device 1 has a plurality of container units 10, which are substantially cylindrical in construction and made of steel. Each end 26, 27 of each container unit 10 has a tapered portion and thus has a typical bottleneck structure. Furthermore, in the container device 1, a sacrificial container 14 is arranged beside the container units, which is in fluid communication with the container units 10 by means of an overpressure valve 13. The sacrificial container 14 is filled with only 1 bar of nitrogen. In addition, since a detonating gas reaction occurs when hydrogen combines with oxygen, it should be ensured that the sacrificial container is free of oxygen. Therefore, the sacrificial container 14 is at atmospheric pressure. In an alternative embodiment, the sacrificial container 14 may also be filled with only 1 bar of hydrogen.

[0026] In another embodiment, any number of sacrificial containers 14 can be arranged in the box device 1.

[0027] Furthermore, the container 10 and the sacrificial container 14 are completely surrounded by the housing element 12 and are pressure-sealed relative to the surrounding environment 120.

[0028] Each container 10 is connected to a supply line 4 at one end 26 via a shut-off valve 8. This supply line 4 is connected, for example, to the inflow area of ​​a consumption device system, such as the anode area of ​​a fuel cell system, via another valve 2. Thus, the container unit 1 can, for example, supply hydrogen to a fuel cell arranged in a fuel cell system.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the box device 1 according to the present invention is shown. The second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment to the greatest extent possible in function and structure.

[0030] Additionally, each container 10 is connected here at its other end 27 to a discharge line 70 via a container discharge line 71. A safety valve 7 is provided in the container discharge line 71 for each container 10.

[0031] Safety valve 7 has a liquid-filled glass ampoule that breaks when the ambient temperature rises to 120°C, thereby unlocking and opening safety valve 7.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the safety valve 7 has a fusible medium, such as wax, which melts when the ambient temperature 120 rises, and thus unlocks the safety valve 7.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the sacrificial container 14 may be in fluid communication with each of the individual tank containers 10 via an overpressure valve 13.

[0034] The operation of the container 1 is as follows: During normal operation of the fuel cell system, hydrogen is supplied from the container 10 to the fuel cell. Here, the shut-off valve 8 is designed to ensure a safe supply to the fuel cell.

[0035] If, for example, heat is input to the container 1 or container 10 due to a fire, in the first embodiment, the pressure built up in the container 10 is reduced as quickly as possible in order to, for example, prevent the container 10 from exploding. Here, the current supply to the shut-off valve 8 is also normally interrupted, so that hydrogen can no longer escape from the container 10.

[0036] The pressure in each container 10 has increased due to the heat input to the container 1. Therefore, to prevent the container 10 from rupturing, the sacrificial container 14 is fluidly connected to the container equipment 10 via an overpressure valve 13. When the pre-set pressure in the container equipment 10 becomes too high, the overpressure valve opens, and hydrogen can now flow from the container equipment 10 to the sacrificial container 14 to reduce the pressure. The sacrificial container 14 is at atmospheric pressure and contains only nitrogen or hydrogen, allowing excess pressure in the container 10 due to the heat input to be released into the sacrificial container 14.

[0037] If, for example, heat is input to the container 1 or container 10 due to a fire, then in the second embodiment, the safety valve 7 should be triggered as quickly as possible after the heat input occurs, so that hydrogen can be guided from the container 10 through the container discharge line 71 to the discharge line 70, in order to, for example, prevent the container 10 from exploding. Here, the current supply to the shut-off valve 8 is also typically interrupted, so that hydrogen can no longer escape from the container 10.

[0038] Depending on the area where heat input occurs in the container, there may be a certain delay until the safety valve 7 opens due to the heat input and corresponding heat conduction. However, the pressure in the corresponding container 10 has already increased due to the effect of heat input to the container 10. Therefore, to prevent the container 10 from rupturing, the sacrificial container 14 is fluidly connected to the container 10 via an overpressure valve 13 or via an overpressure valve 13 for each container 10. The sacrificial container 14 is under vacuum, allowing excess pressure in the container 10 due to heat input to be released into the sacrificial container 14.

[0039] Therefore, the pressure acting on the container 10 under overheating conditions can be at least partially released by sacrificing the container 14, and the pressure in the container 10 can be reduced. This allows more time for heat transfer to the safety valve 7 and safe activation of the safety valve 7. Here, the pressure used to open the overpressure valve 13 is slightly greater than the maximum permissible pressure in the container 10, but less than the rupture pressure of the container 10, meaning the container 10 will not rupture due to heat input. Therefore, this is within the safe range of the container 10. Thus, just enough pressure is released so that the corresponding container 10 is not damaged.

[0040] If the heat input to container 10 ends, or if the heat input to container 10 is not strong enough to cause such a high overpressure that safety valve 7 opens, it is sufficient for hydrogen to be released from container 10 into sacrificial container 14, and safety valve 7 remains closed. Therefore, no hydrogen is released into the surrounding environment 120. This is particularly advantageous when hydrogen-powered vehicles are parked in enclosed spaces, such as garages. This prevents potential hazardous situations in enclosed spaces due to escaping hydrogen.

[0041] However, if the heat input to the container 10 is too high, the safety valve 7 is triggered and the gaseous medium, namely hydrogen, flows out of the container 10 toward the discharge line 12 and is safely vented into the surrounding environment 120.

[0042] The opening of safety valve 7 is irreversible because in the event of a fire, container 10 is emptied quickly and effectively, and safety valve 7 should remain open to ensure complete evacuation.

[0043] However, in addition to vehicles operating fuel cells, the container device 1 for storing gaseous media can also be used, for example, to store hydrogen in vehicles driven by hydrogen burners.

Claims

1. A tank apparatus (1) for thermal pressure relief of a hydrogen tank, wherein The tank device (1) comprises at least two tank containers (10) and a supply line (4) which can be connected to the tank containers (10), wherein each of the at least two tank containers (10) has at least one shut-off valve (8) on one end (26), which is arranged between the corresponding tank container (10) and the supply line (4), characterized in that the tank containers (10) are completely surrounded and / or pressure-tight encapsulated with respect to the surroundings (120) by a housing element (12), wherein one sacrificial container (14) is arranged in the tank device (1), which is in fluid communication with the tank containers (10) by means of an overpressure valve (13), wherein the sacrificial container (14) is arranged next to the tank containers (10) and is in fluid communication with each tank container (10) by means of an overpressure valve (13) for each tank container (10), respectively.

2. The box device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sacrificial container (14) is only filled with 1 bar of nitrogen.

3. The box device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sacrificial container (14) is only filled with 1 bar of hydrogen.

4. The bin arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that On the other end (27) of the tank containers (10) at least one safety valve (7) is arranged.

5. A box apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The safety valve (7) has a glass ampoule filled with a liquid, such that upon a temperature increase of the surroundings (120) the glass ampoule breaks and thus the safety valve (7) can be unlocked.

6. A box apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The safety valve (7) comprises a meltable medium, wherein the meltable medium melts upon a temperature increase of the surroundings (120) and thus the safety valve (7) can be unlocked.

7. A box apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The tank containers (10) can be connected to a discharge line (70) by means of the safety valve (7).

8. The box apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least two tank containers (10) are made of steel.

9. The box apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least two tank containers (10) can be connected to an inflow region of a consumer system by means of the shut-off valve (8) and the supply line (4).

10. A box apparatus (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inflow region is an anode region of a fuel cell system.

11. A box apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The meltable medium is a wax.

12. A fuel cell system having a tank device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A fuel cell operated vehicle having a tank device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A hydrogen operated vehicle having a tank device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images