Shut-off valve and control method for controlling hydrogen flow from a pressure tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a shut-off valve (100) for controlling the flow of pressure gas from a pressure gas container (109) into a system-side space (111), wherein the shut-off valve (100) comprises a main valve (101), a servo valve (103), a coil (105) and a tension spring (107), wherein the coil, when energized, moves the servo valve from a first servo valve position into a second servo valve position, wherein the servo valve in the first servo valve position hermetically closes a control channel (115) in the main valve between a control chamber (117) of the shut-off valve and the system-side space (109) and the servo valve in the second servo valve position releases the control channel, wherein the tension spring mechanically couples the servo valve with the main valve in order to move the main valve from a first main valve position into a second main valve position when the servo valve is moved into the second servo valve position, wherein the main valve in the first main valve position hermetically closes a main channel (123) and in the second main valve position releases the main channel, which connects the pressure gas container with the system-side space.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Hydrogen is commonly used as fuel for fuel cells, but it is also used to power internal combustion engines. Because hydrogen is highly explosive, it must be safely stored in pressure tanks. Shut-off valves are used to control the flow of hydrogen from the pressure tanks. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Within the framework of this invention, shut-off valves, control methods, pressure tanks, and vehicles with various technical features are proposed. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the descriptions and drawings of the dependent technical solutions. Of course, the features and details described in connection with the shut-off valve according to the invention also apply to its connection with the control method according to the invention, or the pressure tank according to the invention, and the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of various aspects of the invention is always mutually referential or mutually referable.

[0003] This invention is particularly useful for achieving robust and reliable control of hydrogen flow from a pressure tank.

[0004] Therefore, a shut-off valve for controlling the flow of hydrogen from a pressurized gas container to a system-side space is provided in a first aspect of the invention. The shut-off valve includes a main valve, such as a nozzle needle, a servo valve, a coil, and a tension spring.

[0005] The coil is configured to move the servo valve from a first servo valve position to a second servo valve position when the coil is energized.

[0006] In the first servo valve position, the servo valve is hermetically sealed in the control channel of the main valve between the control chamber of the shut-off valve and the system-side space.

[0007] In the second servo valve position, the servo valve releases the control channel in the main valve and moves into the control chamber above the servo valve.

[0008] The tension spring mechanically couples the servo valve to the main valve and provides tension on the main valve so that when the servo valve moves to the second servo valve position, the main valve moves from the first main valve position to the second main valve position.

[0009] In the first main valve position, the main valve hermetically seals the main channel connecting the pressurized gas container to the system-side space, and in the second main valve position, it releases the main channel.

[0010] In the context of this invention, a shut-off valve should be understood as a shut-off valve used to shut off and release a fluid guide path.

[0011] In the context of this invention, a tension spring should be understood as a spring element, such as a mechanical spring or elastic element, which provides tension in an biased state in order to move to an unbiased or stationary position.

[0012] In the context of this invention, a pressurized gas container should be understood as a space for storing hydrogen at high pressure, particularly up to 1100 bar.

[0013] In the context of this invention, the system-side space should be understood as the space located on the outflow side of the shut-off valve and which typically presents a pressure between atmospheric pressure and the storage pressure in the pressurized gas container.

[0014] The present invention is based on two movable valves: a servo valve that adjusts the flow of hydrogen gas or gas and thereby adjusts the pressure trend in the shut-off valve, and a main valve that adjusts the flow of hydrogen from or through the shut-off valve.

[0015] According to the invention, the servo valve and the main valve work together to enable the main valve to move robustly and reliably between a first main valve position (e.g., the shut-off position) and a second main valve position (e.g., the release position).

[0016] The proposed shut-off valve connects a pressurized gas container (typically a pressure tank) to a system-side space via a main channel. This system-side space is typically supplied with fuel, particularly hydrogen, via a fluid-guided connection, for example, to a fuel cell system or internal combustion engine. To accommodate the pressure levels in, for example, the fuel cell system or internal combustion engine, it is typically connected indirectly to the system-side space via a pressure reducer. The main valve of the shut-off valve is movably arranged in the main channel such that when the main valve is in a first main valve position and, for example, extends into or hermetically closes the main channel, the main valve prevents or shuts off the flow of hydrogen or gas from the pressurized gas container to the system-side space. In a second main valve position, the main valve releases the flow of hydrogen from the pressurized gas container to the system-side space, for example, through a position spaced apart from the main channel.

[0017] In order to enable the main valve to move from the first main valve position to the second main valve position, the proposed shut-off valve combines the pneumatic pressure generated by the pressure difference within the shut-off valve with the mechanical force provided by the tension spring provided according to the present invention.

[0018] In the proposed shut-off valve, pneumatic pressure is provided via a control chamber principle. This means that the control chamber is used to regulate back pressure, which resists the high pressure acting on the main valve from the pressurized gas container. Accordingly, when the same high pressure exists in the control chamber as that acting on the main valve from the pressurized gas container, no kinetic force acts on the main valve. This means that when a pressure in the control chamber is lower than the high pressure acting on the main valve from the pressurized gas container, kinetic force acts on the main valve, causing the high pressure to move the main valve due to the pressure difference between the pressurized gas container and the control chamber, or in other words, applying pressure to the main valve.

[0019] To control the pressure difference between the pressurized gas container and the control chamber, the proposed shut-off valve includes a servo valve. The servo valve is movable between a first servo valve position and a second servo valve position, in which the servo valve hermetically closes the control channel in the main channel, and in the second servo valve position, the servo valve releases the control channel.

[0020] In the basic positional state of the shut-off valve preventing hydrogen from flowing out of the pressurized gas container, the high pressure present in the pressurized gas container acts on the servo valve and presses the servo valve into the control channel, or in other words, presses it into the control channel, so that the control channel is airtightly sealed.

[0021] To release hydrogen gas from the pressurized gas container, the coil of the shut-off valve is energized, creating a magnetic force that attracts the servo valve to the second servo valve position. Here, due to the high pressure applied, the servo valve initially only slightly increases, or moves, to the servo valve auxiliary position where hydrogen can flow through the control channel, causing hydrogen to flow from the control chamber to the system-side space and reducing the pressure in the control chamber. As the pressure decreases, the magnetic force can then attract the servo valve to the second servo valve position.

[0022] When the servo valve moves to the second servo valve position, the receiving space below the servo valve, or between the servo valve and the main valve, is released. When the pressure in the receiving space is minimized due to the hydrogen flowing out to the system-side space via the control channel, the main valve can move into the receiving space.

[0023] To assist or enable the main valve to move from the first main valve position to the second main valve position, or to the receiving space, even under small pressure differentials and with corresponding speed, a tension spring according to the present invention provides tension on the main valve when the servo valve moves to the second servo valve position. Accordingly, the tension acts together with, or additively with, the pneumatic pressure acting on the main valve through the pressurized gas container.

[0024] In order to close or shut off the shut-off valve, the energization of the coil is interrupted, so that the pressure provided by the pressure spring pushes the servo valve into the first servo valve position. The servo valve hermetically seals the control channel and establishes high pressure in the control chamber. This high pressure pushes the servo valve onto the main valve and pushes the main valve into the main channel, or the first main valve position.

[0025] It can be configured such that the control chamber is located above the servo valve and the servo valve includes an additional control channel that connects the control chamber to the control channel in the main valve, so that the servo valve moves into the control chamber when it moves into the second servo valve position.

[0026] The pressure acting on the servo valve can be adjusted and its movement controlled accordingly using a control chamber located above the servo valve. The control chamber (where the pressure relative to the pressurized gas container can be adjusted) enables reliable and rapid movement of the servo valve through the combined forces of the magnetic force provided by the coil and the pneumatic pressure provided by the pressure difference. For this purpose, an additional control channel allows hydrogen to flow from the control chamber through the servo valve and out through the control channel into the system-side space.

[0027] In addition, the shut-off valve may be configured to include a receiving space for receiving the main valve in the second main valve position, wherein the receiving space is arranged between the servo valve and the main valve and fluidly connects the additional control channel to the control channel.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, a throttling section is provided in the additional control channel, which is configured to dampen or slow down the opening movement of the servo valve and thus prevent bouncing on the travel stop.

[0029] In addition, it can be configured such that the servo valve moves to the second servo valve position, causing a release to receive the receiving space of the main valve in the second main valve position.

[0030] By using a receiving space for receiving the main valve in the second main valve position, which is blocked by the servo valve in the first servo valve position, it is ensured that the servo valve first gradually moves from the first servo valve position to the second servo valve position and the main valve subsequently moves from the first main valve position to the second main valve position.

[0031] It can be configured such that the main valve has a stroke limiting device on the housing side, so that the main valve stroke is less than the servo valve stroke and the servo valve seat remains open when the servo valve is fully open and the main valve is fully open, and pressure balance can occur between the control channel, the receiving space, the additional control channel and the control chamber.

[0032] It can be configured that the pneumatic separation between the control chamber and the pressurized gas container is achieved through a guide between the servo valve and the housing or between the main valve and the servo valve.

[0033] In another advantageous embodiment, pneumatic separation can also be achieved alternatively by common sealing elements in or on the guide, such as O-rings, sealing lips, or diaphragms, which enables a strong pressure drop in the control chamber and, in particular, a particularly large opening force on the servo valve and the main valve. To ensure reliable closure during the closing process after the magnetic force is cut off in this case, an alternative pneumatic throttling connection between the control chamber and the pressurized gas container is necessary. However, unlike the guide, this pneumatic throttling connection can be technically made particularly simple, for example, by a radial throttling orifice between the additional control port and the high-pressure area at the height of the tension spring, or, for example, radially within the main valve between the receiving space and the high-pressure area; however, a throttling orifice can also be provided in the housing between the high-pressure area and the control chamber.

[0034] In addition, the shut-off valve may be configured to include a pressure spring, which is configured to press the servo valve into a first servo valve position and the main valve into a first main valve position when the coil is de-energized.

[0035] Even in the event of a power supply failure to the shut-off valve, the pressure spring can ensure the safe and reliable shut-off of the shut-off valve.

[0036] Furthermore, the servo valve can be configured to include a first coupling element for mechanical coupling with a first corresponding coupling element of the tension spring, and the main valve can include a second coupling element for mechanical coupling with a second corresponding coupling element of the tension spring. Reliable connection between the servo valve, the tension spring, and the main valve can be achieved using the coupling elements and corresponding coupling elements, such as hooks and orifices, ensuring force flow from the servo valve to the main valve when the servo valve moves from a first servo valve position to a second servo valve position.

[0037] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a control method for controlling the flow of hydrogen from a pressure tank via a shut-off valve, wherein the shut-off valve includes a main valve, a servo valve, a coil, and a tension spring. The control method includes an opening step for opening the shut-off valve, in which current is applied to the coil to move the servo valve from a first servo valve position to a second servo valve position, such that the servo valve releases a control channel in the main valve between the control chamber of the shut-off valve and the system-side space, and hydrogen in the control chamber flows into the system-side space. The tension spring mechanically couples the servo valve to the main valve and provides tension on the main valve, which moves the main valve from a first main valve position to a second main valve position and releases the main channel connecting the pressurized gas container to the system-side space. Furthermore, the control method includes a shut-off step for shutting off the shut-off valve, in which the coil is de-energized, such that the pressure spring moves the servo valve from a second servo valve position to a first servo valve position, and the servo valve hermetically closes the control channel in the main valve, and the main valve hermetically closes the main channel.

[0038] The proposed control method is particularly useful for operating the proposed shut-off valve.

[0039] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a pressure tank system having a possible configuration of the proposed shut-off valve.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle having a possible configuration of the proposed pressure box system. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the features mentioned in the specification may be important to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0042] The attached diagram shows: Figures la to If The process of the proposed control method based on the possible configurations of the proposed shut-off valve. Figure 2 Possible configurations of the proposed vehicle with the proposed pressure box system. Detailed Implementation

[0043] exist Figure la The diagram shows a shut-off valve 100. The shut-off valve 100 includes a main valve 101, a servo valve 103, a coil 105, and a tension spring 107.

[0044] exist Figure la The diagram shows a shut-off valve 100 in a shut-off state, in which hydrogen gas is prevented or shut off from the pressurized gas container 109 through the main valve 101 into the system-side space 111.

[0045] In the opening step 201 for opening the shut-off valve 100, the coil 105 is energized, providing a magnetic force that overcomes the spring force of the pressure spring 113, causing the servo valve 103 to move to a biased position, or in other words, a servo valve auxiliary position. For example, in Figure lb As shown, control channel 115 in main valve 101 is released.

[0046] Hydrogen, or gas, flows from control chamber 117 through auxiliary control channel 119 and control channel 115 to system-side space 111, as in... Figure lc As shown in the diagram. Here, control channel 115 and auxiliary control channel 119 each function as throttling sections. The pressure in control chamber 117 decreases accordingly, causing the magnetic force provided by coil 105 to move servo valve 103 to the position shown in the diagram. Figure Id The second servo valve position is shown in the diagram.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be configured such that the main valve 101 can be opened by pure electromagnetic force, for example, when the pressure levels in the high-pressure area and the system-side area 111 are the same or similar, i.e., when there is no or only a small auxiliary pneumatic opening force on the main valve due to the control chamber principle. This electromagnetic force is transmitted from the servo valve to the main valve via a spring.

[0048] Servo valve 103 is mechanically coupled to main valve 101 via tension spring 107, such that when servo valve 103 moves from the first servo valve position to the second servo valve position, tension spring 107 is biased, and the tension provided by tension spring 107 is gradually transmitted to main valve 101, so that main valve 101 moves from... Figure lc The first main valve position shown moves to Figure Id The second main valve position is shown.

[0049] exist Figure Id The diagram shows the servo valve 103 in a second servo valve position, in which the servo valve 103 is fully biased and moved into the control chamber 117. Accordingly, the maximum tension applied to the main valve 101 via the tension spring 107, combined with the pressure acting on the main valve 101 due to the pressure difference between the receiving space 121 and the pressurized gas container 109, works together to move the main valve 101 into the second main valve position, as shown in... Figure le As shown in the diagram.

[0050] Once the main valve 101 is in the second main valve position, the main channel 123 for connecting the pressurized gas container 109 to the system-side space 111 is released, allowing hydrogen or gas to flow from the pressurized gas container 109 into the system-side space 111.

[0051] In order to cut off the main channel 123 in the cutoff step 203, as in Figure If As shown, coil 105 is de-energized, causing pressure spring 113 to perform a closing movement of servo valve 103 from the second servo valve position toward the main valve. Once the servo valve contacts the main valve, control channel 115 is closed, and mechanical force is applied to the main valve via the servo valve seat. Furthermore, the pressure in the control chamber increases due to the filling of the throttling gap. The combination of pressure spring 113 mechanically applying a closing force to the main valve via the servo valve seat and the simultaneous filling of the control chamber results in a combined closing movement of the servo valve and the main valve.

[0052] exist Figure 2 The vehicle 200 is shown in the figure. The vehicle 200 includes a pressure tank system 300 having a shut-off valve 100 according to Figure 1.

Claims

1. A shut-off valve (100) for controlling the flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas container (109) to a system-side space (111), wherein, The shut-off valve (100) includes: - Main valve (101) - Servo valve (103). - Coil (105), - Tension spring (107). The coil (105) is configured such that when current is applied to the coil (105), the servo valve (103) moves from a first servo valve position to a second servo valve position. In the first servo valve position, the servo valve (103) is hermetically sealed in the control channel (115) of the main valve (101) between the control chamber (117) of the shut-off valve (100) and the system-side space (111). In the second servo valve position, the servo valve (103) releases the control channel (115) in the main valve (101) and moves into the control chamber (117) above the servo valve (103). The tension spring (107) mechanically couples the servo valve (103) to the main valve (101) and provides tension on the main valve (101) so that when the servo valve (103) moves to the second servo valve position, the main valve (101) moves from the first main valve position to the second main valve position. In the first main valve position, the main valve (101) hermetically seals the main channel (123), and in the second main valve position, the main valve (101) releases the main channel (123). The main channel connects the pressure gas container (109) to the system-side space (111). The control chamber (117) is arranged above the servo valve (103), and the servo valve (103) includes an additional control channel (119) that connects the control chamber (117) to the control channel (115) in the main valve (101), such that the servo valve (103) moves into the control chamber (117) when it moves to the second servo valve position. The additional control channel (119) is arranged inside the servo valve (103) and has a throttling section in the additional control channel (119).

2. The shut-off valve (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The shut-off valve (100) includes a receiving space (121) for receiving the main valve (101) in the second main valve position, wherein the receiving space (121) is arranged between the servo valve (103) and the main valve (101) and fluidly connects the additional control channel (119) to the control channel (115).

3. The shut-off valve (100) according to claim 2. Its features are, The movement of the servo valve (103) to the second servo valve position causes the release of the receiving space (121), which is used to receive the main valve (101) in the second main valve position.

4. The shut-off valve (100) according to claim 2 or 3. Its features are, The main valve (101) has a travel limiting device on the housing side, which causes the main valve travel to be less than the servo valve travel, and when the servo valve (103) is fully open and the main valve (101) is fully open, the servo valve seat of the servo valve remains open and pressure balance can occur between the control channel (115), the receiving space (121), the additional control channel (119) and the control chamber (117).

5. The shut-off valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The pneumatic separation of the control chamber from the pressurized gas container is achieved via a guide on a servo valve or main valve.

6. The shut-off valve (100) according to claim 5. Its features are, The pneumatic separation of the control chamber from the pressurized gas container is achieved through a sealing element in the guide area of ​​the servo valve or main valve.

7. The shut-off valve (100) according to claim 6. Its features are, There is a pneumatic throttling connection between the control room and the pressurized gas container.

8. The shut-off valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The shut-off valve (100) includes a pressure spring (113) configured to press the servo valve (103) into the first servo valve position and the main valve (101) into the first main valve position when the coil (105) is de-energized.

9. The shut-off valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The servo valve (103) includes a first coupling element for mechanical coupling with a first corresponding coupling element of the tension spring (107), and The main valve (101) includes a second coupling element for mechanical coupling with a second corresponding coupling element of the tension spring (107).

10. The shut-off valve (100) according to claim 6. Its features are, The sealing element includes an O-ring, a sealing lip, or a diaphragm.

11. A control method for controlling the flow of pressurized gas from a pressure tank by means of a shut-off valve (100), in, The shut-off valve (100) includes: - Main valve (101) - Servo valve (103). - Coil (105), - Tension spring (107). The control method includes: - An opening step (201) for opening the shut-off valve (100) involves energizing the coil (105) to move the servo valve (103) from a first servo valve position to a second servo valve position, causing the servo valve (103) to release control passage (115) in the main valve (101) between the control chamber (117) of the shut-off valve (100) and the system-side space (111), and allowing pressurized gas in the control chamber (117) to flow into the system-side space (111). The tension spring (107) mechanically couples the servo valve (103) to the main valve (101) and provides tension on the main valve (101), which moves the main valve (101) from a first main valve position to a second main valve position and releases the main channel (123) connecting the pressurized gas container (109) to the system side space (111). - A shut-off step (203) for shutting off the shut-off valve (100), wherein the coil (105) is de-energized, causing the pressure spring (113) to move the servo valve (103) from the second servo valve position to the first servo valve position, and the servo valve (103) hermetically closes the control channel (115) in the main valve (101), and the main valve (101) hermetically closes the main channel (123). The control chamber (117) is arranged above the servo valve (103), and the servo valve (103) includes an additional control channel (119) that connects the control chamber (117) to the control channel (115) in the main valve (101), such that the servo valve (103) moves into the control chamber (117) when it moves to the second servo valve position. The additional control channel (119) is arranged inside the servo valve (103) and has a throttling section in the additional control channel (119).

12. A pressure tank system (300) having a shut-off valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A vehicle (200) having a pressure tank system (300) according to claim 12.

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