cryogenic tank

Abstract

A cryogenic tank (100) comprises an inner tank (1) for receiving a cryogenic fuel, an outer tank (2) for defining a thermally insulated space (3) between the inner tank (1) and the outer tank (2) with a thermal insulation material (4) for reducing heat input into the inner tank (1), and a thermally insulated filler neck (5) for accommodating a vehicle-side fuel filler coupling (6), wherein the cryogenic tank (100) comprises at least one cryogenic valve arranged within the filler neck (5) for guiding a fuel flow during a filling operation and / or during a withdrawal, the cryogenic valve being arranged in the thermally insulated space accessible via the filler neck (5) and being detachable after removal of the vehicle-side fuel filler coupling (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cryogenic tank, and more particularly to a cryogenic tank according to the preamble of claim 1 for receiving cryogenic hydrogen and supplying gaseous hydrogen to a user. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel supply system for cryogenic fuels such as LNG (liquefied natural gas) or LH2 (liquefied hydrogen) generally includes: a double-walled container with an inner tank and an outer tank, the inner tank receiving the fuel and an insulating material between the inner and outer tanks to reduce heat input to the inner tank; an inner tank suspension device for positioning the inner tank within the outer tank; an insulated filling neck (Johnson Cox coupler) on the outer tank to house the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler with a valve; a switching assembly for controlling mass flow during refueling; a switching assembly for controlling mass flow during extraction; a switching assembly for limiting the pressure in the inner tank; a heat exchanger and associated switching assembly for maintaining the pressure in the inner tank; a heat exchanger for heating the fuel for the user; piping connecting the various switching assemblies and heat exchangers; and sensors for controlling mass flow and for monitoring and diagnostics.

[0003] Such fuel storage systems for cryogenic fuels are known, for example, from DE 19546618, DE102009012380, DE 19945462, DE 102008063563, DE 4041170, DE 00001981744, DE4320556, WO 2009 / 071208, etc., in which, for example, regarding the fuel filling process, i.e., fuel filling, with or without gas returning from the inner tank to the filling station; regarding the pressure level, i.e., subcritical and / or supercritical fuel filling and storage; regarding the switching system, i.e., the type, number and arrangement of switching components used for fuel filling, for extraction and for releasing pressure, the applications differ from one another. A common feature of all applications is that cryogenic switching components for controlling the refueling and extraction processes are located in an insulated chamber, preferably in the intermediate space between the inner and outer tanks, or in a valve box releasably or securely connected to the outer tank. These cryogenic switching components are connected to the piping system to the inner tank. This structure ensures that no air liquefaction occurs during refueling and extraction.

[0004] For example, the disadvantages of the cryogenic switching valve shown in EP 1801478 are that the valve requires a large space to prevent liquefaction or condensation on the outer surface, the cost of a single cryogenic valve and fuel supply system is high when multiple valves are used, the cost of shrink-packing the valve housing and welding the connecting pipes to the valve and inspecting the welds is high, the insulation effect is compromised and reduced when the cryogenic valve is placed in the insulation chamber between the inner and outer tanks, and the weight. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The problem with this invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, particularly by eliminating components, working steps and inspection processes, thereby reducing the weight, size and cost of cryogenic fuel supply facilities.

[0007] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by providing a cryogenic tank having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] In various embodiments, this problem is addressed by providing cryogenic valves or cryogenic switching assemblies, respectively for controlling fuel flow during refueling and / or for controlling fuel flow during extraction, in chambers directly or indirectly connected to the refueling neck. All cryogenic valves are removable after the vehicle-side refueling coupler is removed; that is, the cryogenic valves are installed in the refueling neck, in a chamber accessible via the refueling neck, upstream or downstream of the refueling neck in the refueling direction, or at or within the vehicle-side refueling coupler. This is further addressed by preferably using cryogenic check valves and optionally using cryogenic inner tank pressure control valves instead of electromechanical, electrodynamic, or electrohydraulic cryogenic shut-off valves.

[0010] The refueling neck of the cryogenic neck is a tubular component, with its outer tank-side end welded to the outer tank, its inner tank-side end welded to the refueling line, and, if present, to the return gas line. A vehicle-side fuel refueling coupler is mounted to the outer tank-side end of the refueling neck and extends through the central tubular portion of the refueling neck to the inner tank-side end, where the corresponding lines are connected. The vehicle-side fuel refueling coupler accommodates the refueling station-side fuel refueling coupler during refueling and includes a valve for refueling. The central tubular portion of the fuel refueling coupler is configured with a low wall width to prevent condensation or liquefaction.

[0011] The cryogenic valves are preferably assembled into a compact valve block, wherein the valve block preferably forms the housing of all switching valves, and wherein the holes in the valve block preferably replace the welded piping of the prior art and connect the various switching components. Due to this configuration, piping preferably welded to the valve block and the inner tank connects the valve block to the inner tank, wherein each of the remaining corresponding piping between the valve block and the inner tank is connected via an interlocking system or a screw system and is disposed within the welded piping.

[0012] Optionally, the welded piping may further include piping for a pressure maintenance system for the inner tank and / or piping for a pressure relief system for the inner tank.

[0013] Optionally, the shut-off valve facing the user is located at the valve block or in the filling neck.

[0014] Optionally, a valve for releasing the pressure inside the tank is located at the valve block or in the filling neck.

[0015] Optionally, a valve for maintaining the pressure inside the tank is located at the valve block or in the filling neck.

[0016] Optionally, a heat exchanger for heating fuel for the user is located at the valve block or in the filling neck.

[0017] Optionally, the valve block or filling neck includes all the necessary valves for the cryogenic tank and optionally houses a heat exchanger for heating the fuel and a fuel filling coupler on the vehicle side.

[0018] Cryogenic valves form a user-friendly component due to their compact structure and setup, which simplifies their installation and pre-inspection.

[0019] Because the cryogenic switching assembly is located in a chamber accessible via the filling neck, each valve seat can be exchanged as needed.

[0020] Because the cryogenic switching assembly is located in a chamber accessible via the filling neck, the shrink wrapping and weld inspection of the switching assembly housing in the outer tank are eliminated.

[0021] Because the cryogenic switching unit is located in a chamber accessible via the filling neck, individual connecting pipes between components, as well as welding and weld inspection, are eliminated.

[0022] Because the cryogenic switching unit is located in a chamber accessible via the filling neck, the risk of reduced insulation quality due to leaks at connection points is reduced.

[0023] Because the cryogenic switching unit is located in a chamber accessible via the filling neck, the insulation is not disturbed, and the insulation effect is improved.

[0024] The weight of the cryogenic tank was reduced by eliminating the outer shell of each cryogenic valve.

[0025] Because the cryogenic switching unit is located in a chamber accessible via the filling neck, the risk of icing is reduced.

[0026] Because the cryogenic switching unit is located in a chamber accessible via the filling neck, significant cost reductions are achieved by eliminating components and by eliminating the work and inspection processes.

[0027] By using check valves and pressure switches instead of electromechanical, electro-pneumatic, or electro-hydraulic cryogenic shut-off valves, only one preferred electromechanical shut-off valve is needed downstream of the heat exchanger in the entire cryogenic fuel supply facility. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The cryogenic tank according to the present invention and alternative embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of a cryogenic tank for single-flow fuel filling using a one-way valve according to the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 An alternative embodiment variant of the cryogenic tank according to the invention, using a check valve and an inner tank pressure control valve for single-flow fuel filling, is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 Another alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank for dual-flow fuel filling using a check valve and an unlockable check valve, according to the present invention, is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 Another alternative embodiment of a cryogenic tank for dual-flow fuel filling according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 A cross-section of a cryogenic tank 100 for single-flow fuel filling without gas return to the filling station is shown. The cryogenic tank 100 includes: an inner tank 1 for receiving cryogenic fuel at a defined pressure or a defined temperature; an outer tank 2 for defining an insulated chamber 3 with insulating material 4 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2 to reduce heat input to the inner tank 1; and a Johnson Cox-structured filling neck 5 for accommodating a vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6. A one-way valve 7 is provided in the filling neck 5, which opens due to the fuel filling flow during fuel filling, closes the inner tank 1 during drive operation, and is capable of releasing pressure to the inner tank 1. The inlet of the one-way valve 7 is connected to the filling line 8 of the fuel filling coupler 6 on the vehicle side. The outlet of the one-way valve 7 is connected to the fuel filling and extraction line 9, which terminates in the inner tank 1, and also to the extraction line 10 to the heat exchanger 11, which is used to heat cryogenic fuel and is downstream of the solenoid shut-off valve 12, which is used to close the extraction line in the idle state. The cryogenic valve can preferably be configured as a cryogenic one-way valve 7 or an electromechanical cryogenic shut-off valve. Furthermore, the cryogenic valve can be configured to open due to fuel flow during fuel filling.

[0034] During refueling, cryogenic fuel flows into inner tank 1 through the open check valve 7 due to the pressure difference between the refueling station and inner tank 1. After refueling, check valve 7 automatically closes. During extraction, cryogenic fuel flows through heat exchanger 11 and the open shut-off valve 12 due to the pressure difference between inner tank 1 and the user, and is heated in heat exchanger 11. Check valve 7 closes during extraction. Shut-off valve 12 only opens when fuel is supplied to the user.

[0035] The fuel filling path between the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 and the inner tank 1 for filling the inner tank 1 includes a cryogenic check valve 7 and a cryogenic switching assembly. The evacuation path between the inner tank 1 and the supply line to the user for emptying the inner tank 1 includes a solenoid shut-off valve 12 and a non-cryogenic switching assembly.

[0036] The cryogenic tank 100 can be filled with supercritical cryogenic fuel (i.e., fuel in a supercritical state) or liquid cryogenic fuel, with no gaseous cryogenic fuel returned to the filling station. If the fuel filling and extraction line 9 terminates at the bottom 13 of the inner tank 1, after supercritical fuel filling, the supercritical cryogenic fuel and / or liquid cryogenic fuel will be extracted according to the heat capacity of the inner tank's heat exchanger. If the fuel filling and extraction line 9 terminates at the bottom 13 of the inner tank 1, after subcritical fuel filling, the liquid cryogenic fuel will be primarily extracted. If the fuel filling and extraction line 9 terminates at the top 14 of the inner tank 1, after supercritical fuel filling, the supercritical cryogenic fuel and / or gaseous cryogenic fuel will be extracted according to the heat capacity of the inner tank's heat exchanger. If the fuel filling and extraction line 9 terminates at the top 14 of the inner tank 1, after subcritical fuel filling, the gaseous cryogenic fuel will be extracted.

[0037] Preferably, the one-way valve 7 is located at the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 and is accessible after the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Optionally, the one-way valve 7 is located in the space downstream of the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 along the fuel filling direction and is connected to the filling neck 5, and is accessible via the filling neck 5 after the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Optionally, the one-way valve 7 is located in the space upstream of the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 along the fuel filling direction, or is located at or within the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler, and is accessible after the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Optionally, the one-way valve 7 is located in a separate, heat-insulated tubular component, connected to the outer tank, and accessible via this tubular component.

[0038] Preferably, extraction is performed via fuel filling and extraction line 9 and extraction line 10. Alternatively, extraction is performed via a separate extraction line between the inner tank 1 and the outlet of the one-way valve 7 or a separate extraction line between the inner tank 1 and the heat exchanger 11.

[0039] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve can be used instead of check valve 7.

[0040] Preferably, the shut-off valve 12 is located downstream of the heat exchanger; alternatively, the shut-off valve 12 is located upstream of the heat exchanger, preferably in the region of the cryogenic valve.

[0041] Preferably, supercritical cryogenic fuel is used for refueling; alternatively, liquid cryogenic fuel is used for refueling.

[0042] Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank 100 according to the invention is shown, wherein a portion of the cryogenic tank 100 is used for single-flow fuel filling without gas return to the filling station. The cryogenic tank 100 includes: an inner tank 1 for receiving cryogenic fuel at a defined pressure or a defined temperature; an outer tank 2 for defining an insulated chamber 3 with insulating material 4 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2 to reduce heat input to the inner tank 1; and a filling neck 5 of Johnson Cox construction for accommodating a vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6. A one-way valve 7 is provided in the filling neck 5, which opens due to the fuel filling flow during fuel filling, closes the inner tank 1 during drive operation, and is capable of releasing pressure to the inner tank 1. The inlet of the one-way valve 7 is connected to the filling line 8 of the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6, and the outlet of the one-way valve 7 is connected to a fuel filling and extraction line 9 terminating in the inner tank 1 for filling and extraction. A pressure control valve 15 for evacuation is also provided in the filling neck 5. Its inlet side is connected to the fuel filling and evacuation lines 9 and 16, which terminate in the inner tank 1, and its outlet side is connected to the evacuation line 10 to the heat exchanger 11. The fuel filling and evacuation line 9, used for evacuating liquid cryogenic fuel, terminates at the bottom 13 of the inner tank 1 and has a suitable orifice. The evacuation line 16 terminates at the top 14 of the inner tank 1. The heat exchanger 11 heats the cryogenic fuel, and a downstream solenoid shut-off valve 12 closes the evacuation line 10 when idle.

[0043] The inner tank pressure control valve 15 is a switching element that is known from the LNG tank to extract gaseous cryogenic fuel or supercritical cryogenic fuel when the inner tank pressure is higher than the determined switching pressure of the inner tank pressure control valve 15, and to extract liquid cryogenic fuel or supercritical cryogenic fuel when the inner tank pressure is lower than the determined switching pressure of the inner tank pressure control valve 15.

[0044] During refueling, cryogenic fuel flows into inner tank 1 through the open one-way valve 7 due to the pressure difference between the refueling station and inner tank 1. After refueling, the one-way valve 7 automatically closes. During extraction, cryogenic fuel flows out of inner tank 1 through the refueling and extraction line 9 or extraction line 16, inner tank pressure control valve 15, heat exchanger 11, and the open shut-off valve 12, due to the pressure difference between inner tank 1 and the user, and according to the pressure inside inner tank 1. It is heated in heat exchanger 11. During extraction, the one-way valve 7 is closed. The shut-off valve 12 only opens when fuel is supplied to the user.

[0045] The fuel filling path for refueling the inner tank 1 between the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 and the inner tank 1 includes a cryogenic switching assembly with a cryogenic one-way valve 7. The evacuation path for emptying the inner tank 1 between the inner tank 1 and the supply line to the user includes a cryogenic switching assembly with a cryogenic inner tank pressure control valve 15 and a non-cryogenic switching assembly with a solenoid shut-off valve 12.

[0046] Cryogenic tank 1 can be filled with supercritical cryogenic fuel or liquid supercritical fuel, and no gaseous cryogenic fuel will be returned to the filling station.

[0047] After supercritical fuel refueling, if the inner tank pressure is below the switching point of the inner tank pressure control valve 15, supercritical cryogenic fuel and / or liquid cryogenic fuel will be extracted based on the heat capacity of the inner tank heat exchanger. After supercritical fuel refueling, if the inner tank pressure is above the switching point of the inner tank pressure control valve 15, gaseous cryogenic fuel will be extracted. After subcritical fuel refueling, if the inner tank pressure is below the switching point of the inner tank pressure control valve 15, liquid cryogenic fuel will be extracted. After subcritical fuel refueling, if the inner tank pressure is above the switching point of the inner tank pressure control valve 15, gaseous cryogenic fuel will be extracted.

[0048] Preferably, the one-way valve 9 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are located at the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 and are accessible after the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Alternatively, the one-way valve 7 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are located in a chamber downstream of the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 in the fuel filling direction and are connected to the filling neck 5, and are accessible via the filling neck 5 after the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Alternatively, the one-way valve 7 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are located in a chamber upstream of the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 in the fuel filling direction, or are located at the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 and are accessible after the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Alternatively, the one-way valve 7 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are located in a separate, heat-insulated tubular component, connected to the outer tank, and accessible via this tubular component.

[0049] Preferably, the tank pressure control valve 15 is connected to the fuel filling and extraction line 9. Alternatively, the inner tank pressure control valve 15 is connected to a separate extraction line from the inner tank 1.

[0050] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve can be used instead of the check valve 7, wherein the extraction line 10 is located upstream or downstream of the electromechanical shut-off valve in the fuel filling direction.

[0051] Optionally, the mechanical inner tank pressure control valve 15 can be replaced with an electromechanical 2 / 2-way valve.

[0052] Alternatively, the check valve 7 and the tank pressure control valve 15 can be replaced with an electromechanical 3 / 2-way valve or an electromechanical 3 / 3-way valve, wherein the fuel filling direction extraction line 10 branches from the upstream or downstream of the multi-way valve.

[0053] Preferably, the shut-off valve 12 is located downstream of the heat exchanger; alternatively, the shut-off valve 12 is located upstream of the heat exchanger, preferably in the region of the cryogenic valve.

[0054] Preferably, supercritical cryogenic fuel is used for refueling; alternatively, liquid cryogenic fuel is used for refueling.

[0055] Figure 3An alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank 100 according to the invention is shown, wherein a portion of the cryogenic tank 100 is used for dual-flow fuel filling and has gas return to the filling station. The cryogenic tank 100 includes: an inner tank 1 for receiving cryogenic fuel at a defined pressure or temperature; an outer tank 2 for defining an insulated chamber 3 with insulating material 4 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2 to reduce heat input to the inner tank 1; and a filling neck 5 of Johnson Cox construction for accommodating a vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6. A one-way valve 7 is provided in the filling neck 5, which opens due to the fuel filling flow during fuel filling, closes the inner tank 1 during drive operation, and is capable of releasing pressure to the inner tank 1. The inlet of the one-way valve 7 is connected to the filling line 8 of the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6, and the outlet of the one-way valve 7 is connected to a fuel filling and extraction line 9 terminating in the inner tank 1 for filling and extracting liquid. A releaseable check valve 17 is also provided in the filling neck 5. During fuel filling, this valve opens due to pressure in the fuel filling line or due to the opening and movement of the sealing element in the check valve 7, resulting in mechanical coupling with the check valve 7. This allows gas to return from the inner tank 1 to the filling station. During drive operation, the inner tank 1 is closed, and pressure is released from the filling neck 5 to the inner tank 1. The inlet of the releaseable check valve 17 is connected to the return gas line 18 of the fuel filling coupler 6 on the vehicle side, and the outlet of the releaseable check valve 17 is connected to the extraction line 16, which terminates in the inner tank 1, for extracting gas. Furthermore, an extraction line 10 to the heat exchanger 11 is provided, connecting the outlet of the check valve 7 to the inlet of the heat exchanger 11 for extracting liquid. The heat exchanger 11 heats the cryogenic fuel, and the electromagnetic shut-off valve 12 located downstream closes the extraction line 10 in the idle state.

[0056] During refueling, liquid cryogenic fuel flows into inner tank 1 through the open check valve 7 due to the pressure difference between the refueling station and inner tank 1, while gaseous cryogenic fuel flows into the refueling station through the unlocked and therefore open unlockable check valve 17 due to the pressure difference between inner tank 1 and refueling station. After refueling is complete, check valve 7 and unlockable check valve 17 automatically close. During extraction, liquid cryogenic fuel flows out of inner tank 1 through heat exchanger 11 and the open shut-off valve 12 due to the pressure difference between inner tank 1 and the user, and is heated in heat exchanger 11. Check valve 7 and unlockable check valve 17 are closed during extraction. Shut-off valve 12 is only opened when fuel is supplied to the user.

[0057] The fuel filling path between the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 and the inner tank 1 for filling the inner tank 1 includes two cryogenic switching components with a cryogenic check valve 7 and an unlockable cryogenic check valve 17. The evacuation path between the inner tank 1 and the supply line to the user for emptying the inner tank 1 includes a non-cryogenic switching component with a solenoid shut-off valve 12.

[0058] The cryogenic tank 1 can be filled with liquid cryogenic fuel, while the gaseous cryogenic fuel will be returned to the filling station.

[0059] After refueling, liquid cryogenic fuel will be extracted based on the heat capacity of the inner tank heat exchanger, followed by gaseous cryogenic fuel.

[0060] Preferably, the one-way valve 7 and the unlockable one-way valve 17 are located at the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 and are accessible after the vehicle side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Optionally, the one-way valve 7 and the unlockable one-way valve 17 are located in a chamber downstream of the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 in the fuel filling direction and are connected to the filling neck 5, and are accessible via the filling neck 5 after the vehicle side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Optionally, the one-way valve 7 and the unlockable one-way valve 17 are located upstream of the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 in the fuel filling direction, or are respectively located at or within the vehicle side fuel filling coupler 6, and are accessible after the vehicle side fuel filling coupler 6 is removed. Optionally, the one-way valve 7 and the unlockable one-way valve 17 are located in a separate insulated tubular component, which is connected to the outer tank and is accessible via the tubular component.

[0061] Preferably, liquid cryogenic fuel is extracted via fuel filling and extraction line 9. Optionally, liquid cryogenic fuel is extracted via a separate extraction line between the inner tank 1 and the outlet of the one-way valve 7, or a separate extraction line between the inner tank 1 and the heat exchanger 11. Optionally, gaseous cryogenic fuel is extracted via extraction lines 16 and 10, for which extraction line 10 connects the inlet of the unlockable one-way valve 17, rather than the outlet of the one-way valve 7, to the inlet of the heat exchanger 11. Optionally, gaseous cryogenic fuel is extracted via a separate extraction line between the inner tank 1 and the inlet of the unlockable one-way valve 17, or a separate extraction line between the inner tank 1 and the heat exchanger 11.

[0062] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve can be used instead of check valve 7.

[0063] Alternatively, the unlockable check valve 17 can be replaced with an electromechanical shut-off valve.

[0064] Optionally, the check valve 7 and the unlockable check valve 17 can be replaced with a 4 / 3-way valve.

[0065] Preferably, the shut-off valve 12 is located downstream of the heat exchanger; alternatively, the shut-off valve 12 is located upstream of the heat exchanger, preferably in the region of the cryogenic valve.

[0066] Preferably, refueling is performed using liquid cryogenic fuel; alternatively, refueling is performed using supercritical cryogenic fuel. Therefore, the cryogenic tank 100 according to a variant of the embodiment includes a cryogenic check valve 7 for guiding the flow of liquid or supercritical aggregated fuel during refueling from the refueling station to the inner tank 1, wherein the check valve 7 is open during refueling and closed during extraction. Furthermore, the cryogenic tank 100 may include an electromechanical cryogenic shut-off valve for guiding the flow of liquid or supercritical aggregated fuel during refueling from the refueling station to the inner tank 1, wherein the electromechanical cryogenic shut-off valve is open during refueling and optionally during extraction.

[0067] Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank 100 according to the invention is shown, wherein a portion of the cryogenic tank 100 is used for dual-flow fuel filling and has gas return to the filling station. The cryogenic tank 100 includes: an inner tank 1 for receiving cryogenic fuel at a defined pressure or a defined temperature; an outer tank 2 for defining an insulated space 3 with insulating material 4 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2 to reduce heat input to the inner tank 1; and a filling neck 5 of Johnson Cox construction for accommodating a vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6. A one-way valve 7 is provided in the filling neck 5, which opens due to the fuel filling flow during fuel filling, closes the inner tank 1 during drive operation, and is capable of releasing pressure to the inner tank 1. The inlet of the one-way valve 7 is connected to the filling line 8 of the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6, and the outlet of the one-way valve 7 is connected to a fuel filling and extraction line 9 terminating in the inner tank 1 for filling and extracting liquid. An unlockable one-way valve 17 is provided in the filling neck 5. During fuel filling, it opens due to pressure in the fuel filling line or due to the opening and movement of the sealing element in the one-way valve 7, thus mechanically coupling with the one-way valve 7. This allows gas to return from the inner tank 1 to the filling station. During drive operation, the inner tank 1 is closed, and pressure is released from the filling neck 5 to the inner tank 1. The inlet of the unlockable one-way valve 17 is connected to the return gas line 18 of the fuel filling coupler 6 on the vehicle side, and the outlet of the unlockable one-way valve 17 is connected to the extraction line 16 terminating in the inner tank 1 for extracting gas. In the filling neck 5, an inner tank pressure control valve 15 for extraction is also provided. This valve is connected at the inlet side to the fuel filling and extraction lines 9 and 18, which terminate in the inner tank 1, and at the outlet side to the extraction line 10, which leads to the heat exchanger 11. The fuel filling and extraction line 9 terminates at the bottom 13 of the inner tank 1 or has a suitable orifice, and the extraction line 18 terminates at the top 14 of the inner tank 1. The heat exchanger 11 heats the cryogenic fuel, and a downstream solenoid shut-off valve 12 closes the extraction line 10 when idle.

[0068] The inner tank pressure control valve 15 is a switching element that is known from the LNG tank and draws gaseous fuel when the inner tank pressure is higher than the determined switching pressure of the inner tank pressure control valve 15, and draws liquid fuel when the inner tank pressure is lower than the determined switching pressure of the inner tank pressure control valve 15.

[0069] During refueling, liquid cryogenic fuel flows into inner tank 1 via the open check valve 7 due to the pressure difference between the refueling station and inner tank 1, while gaseous cryogenic fuel flows to the refueling station via the unlocked and therefore open unlockable check valve 17 due to the pressure difference between inner tank 1 and refueling station. After refueling is complete, check valve 7 and unlockable check valve 17 automatically close. During extraction, liquid or gaseous cryogenic fuel flows out of inner tank 1 via refueling and extraction line 9 or extraction line 16, inner tank pressure control valve 15, heat exchanger 11, and the open shut-off valve 12 due to the pressure difference between inner tank 1 and the user, and according to the pressure within inner tank 1. It is heated in heat exchanger 11. During extraction, check valve 7 and unlockable check valve 17 are therefore closed. Shut-off valve 12 only opens when fuel is supplied to the user.

[0070] The fuel filling path between the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler 6 and the inner tank 1 for filling the inner tank 1 includes two cryogenic switching components with a cryogenic one-way valve 7 and a cryogenic unlockable one-way valve 17. The evacuation path between the inner tank 1 and the supply line to the user for emptying the inner tank 1 includes a cryogenic switching component with a cryogenic inner tank pressure control valve 15 and a non-cryogenic switching component with a solenoid shut-off valve 12.

[0071] Cryogenic tank 1 can be filled with liquid cryogenic fuel, while gaseous cryogenic fuel is returned to the filling station.

[0072] After refueling, liquid fuel is extracted based on the heat capacity of the heat exchanger inside the tank, followed by gaseous fuel.

[0073] Preferably, the one-way valve 7, the unlockable one-way valve 17, and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are located at the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 and are accessible after removing the vehicle side fuel filling coupler 6. Optionally, the one-way valve 7, the unlockable one-way valve 17, and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are located in the space downstream of the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 in the fuel filling direction, connected to the filling neck 5, and accessible via the filling neck 5 after removing the vehicle side fuel filling coupler 6. Optionally, the one-way valve 7, the unlockable one-way valve 17, and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are located in the chamber upstream of the inner tank side end of the filling neck 5 in the fuel filling direction, or are respectively located at or within the vehicle side fuel filling coupler 6 and are accessible after removing the vehicle side fuel filling coupler 6. Optionally, the check valve 7, the unlockable check valve 17, and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are housed in a separate, insulated tubular assembly that is connected to the outer tank and accessible via the tubular assembly.

[0074] Preferably, the liquid cryogenic fuel is extracted via the fuel filling and extraction line 9. Alternatively, the liquid cryogenic fuel is extracted via a separate extraction line between the inner tank 1 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15.

[0075] Preferably, the gaseous cryogenic fuel is extracted via extraction line 19. Alternatively, the gaseous cryogenic fuel is extracted via a separate extraction line between the inner tank 1 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15.

[0076] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve can be used instead of check valve 7.

[0077] Alternatively, the unlockable check valve 17 can be replaced with an electromechanical shut-off valve.

[0078] Optionally, the mechanical inner tank pressure control valve 15 can be replaced with an electromechanical 2 / 2-way valve.

[0079] Preferably, the shut-off valve 12 is located downstream of the heat exchanger; alternatively, the shut-off valve 12 is located upstream of the heat exchanger; preferably, it is located within the area of ​​the cryogenic valve.

[0080] Optionally, the check valve 7, the unlockable check valve 17, and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 can be replaced with an electromechanical 5 / 3-way valve or a 4 / 3-way valve, wherein the extraction line 10 branches downstream or upstream of the multi-way valve in the fuel filling direction.

[0081] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve for liquid cryogenic fuel replaces check valve 7, and another electromechanical shut-off valve for gaseous cryogenic fuel replaces unlockable check valve 17. A cryogenic check valve with a flow direction from the gas valve to the liquid valve between the two electromechanical shut-off valves replaces inner tank pressure control valve 15 to prevent liquid cryogenic fuel from returning to the filling station during refueling. Liquid cryogenic fuel can be extracted when the liquid valve is open and the gas valve is closed, and gaseous cryogenic fuel can be extracted when the gas valve is open and the liquid valve is closed, wherein the extraction line 10 branches upstream of the liquid valve in the refueling direction.

[0082] Preferably, liquid cryogenic fuel is used for refueling; alternatively, supercritical cryogenic fuel is used for refueling.

[0083] According to a variant of the embodiment, the cryogenic tank includes: a cryogenic check valve 7 for guiding a fuel flow when fuel is added from the refueling station to the inner tank 1; and a cryogenic unlockable check valve 17 for guiding a gaseous fuel flow when fuel is added from the inner tank 1 to the refueling station, wherein the cryogenic unlockable check valve 17 is opened due to pressure upstream of the cryogenic check valve 7 or due to mechanical coupling between the cryogenic check valve 7 and the unlockable cryogenic check valve 17 caused by opening a sealing element in the cryogenic check valve 7; wherein the cryogenic check valve 7 and the unlockable cryogenic check valve 17 are open during fuel addition, and wherein the check valve 7 and the unlockable check valve 17 are closed during extraction. In addition, the cryogenic tank 100 may include: a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for guiding a liquid or supercritical aggregated fuel flow when fuel is added from the refueling station to the inner tank 1; and a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for guiding a gaseous aggregated fuel flow when fuel is added from the inner tank 1 to the refueling station, wherein the cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve is closed during fuel addition, and optionally, the cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve is opened during extraction.

[0084] According to the present invention, at least one cryogenic valve is provided within the refueling neck for guiding the fuel flow during refueling and / or extraction. Preferably, it is located in a chamber connected to the refueling neck 5 or in a chamber within the refueling neck 5, and is accessible after the fuel refueling coupler 6 on the vehicle side is removed. Preferably, the cryogenic valve may be configured as a cryogenic check valve 7 or a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve to guide the flow of liquid or supercritical aggregated fuel when refueling from the refueling station to the inner tank 1.

[0085] Therefore, the cryogenic tank 100 according to a preferred embodiment variant includes a cryogenic check valve 7 for guiding the flow of liquid or supercritical aggregated fuel during refueling from the refueling station to the inner tank 1, wherein the cryogenic check valve opens due to the fuel flow during refueling and is closed during evacuation. Furthermore, the cryogenic tank 100 may include a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for guiding the flow of liquid or supercritical aggregated fuel during refueling from the refueling station to the inner tank 1, wherein the cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve is opened during refueling and optionally during evacuation.

[0086] Therefore, the cryogenic tank 100 according to the embodiment variant includes: a cryogenic check valve 7 for guiding a flow of liquid or supercritical aggregated fuel when fuel is added from the refueling station to the inner tank 1; and a cryogenic unlockable check valve 17 for guiding a flow of gaseous aggregated fuel when fuel is added from the inner tank 1 to the refueling station, wherein the cryogenic unlockable check valve 17 is opened due to the pressure 7 upstream of the cryogenic check valve or due to the sealing element of the cryogenic check valve 7 or another component of the cryogenic check valve 7 suitable for component coupling, and wherein the cryogenic check valve 7 and the unlockable cryogenic check valve 17 are open during fuel addition, and wherein the cryogenic check valve 7 and the unlockable cryogenic check valve 17 are closed during extraction. In addition, the cryogenic tank 100 may include: a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for guiding the flow of liquid or supercritical aggregated fuel oil when refueling from the refueling station to the inner tank 1; and a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for guiding the flow of gaseous aggregated fuel oil when refueling from the inner tank 1 to the refueling station, wherein both cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valves will be opened during refueling, and optionally, the cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valves will be opened during extraction. Reference List:

[0087] 1 Inner tank

[0088] 2. Outer tank

[0089] 3 Insulated Room

[0090] 4. Thermal insulation materials

[0091] 5. Refueling neck; 6. Vehicle-side fuel refueling coupler; 7. One-way valve; 8. Fuel refueling coupler refueling line; 9. Fuel refueling and extraction lines.

[0092] 10. Extraction of pipeline

[0093] 11 Heat Exchanger

[0094] 12. Stop valve

[0095] 13 Bottom side

[0096] 14 Top side

[0097] 15. Inner tank pressure control valve

[0098] 16. Extract the pipeline

[0099] 17 Unlockable one-way valve 18 Return gas line

Claims

1. A cryogenic tank (100), comprising: The inner tank (1) is used to receive cryogenic fuel; the outer tank (2) is used to define an insulated chamber (3) with heat-insulating material (4) between the inner tank (1) and the outer tank (2) to reduce the heat input to the inner tank (1); and the insulated filling neck (5) is used to accommodate the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler (6), characterized in that the cryogenic tank (100) includes at least one cryogenic valve disposed within the insulated filling neck (5) for guiding the fuel flow during fuel filling and / or extraction, the cryogenic valve being disposed in a space accessible via the insulated filling neck (5) and being detachable after the vehicle-side fuel filling coupler (6) is removed.

2. The cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic tank (100) includes an electromechanical check valve for guiding a flow of liquid or supercritical fuel when fuel is added from a refueling station to the inner tank (1), wherein the electromechanical check valve opens when fuel is added.

3. The cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic tank (100) includes an electromechanical cryogenic shut-off valve for guiding a flow of liquid or supercritical fuel when fuel is added from a refueling station to the inner tank (1), wherein the electromechanical cryogenic shut-off valve is opened when fuel is added.

4. The cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic tank (100) includes a cryogenic check valve (7) for guiding the fuel flow when fuel is added from the refueling station to the inner tank (1) and an unlockable cryogenic check valve (17) for guiding the gaseous fuel flow when fuel is added from the inner tank (1) to the refueling station, wherein the unlockable cryogenic check valve (17) is opened due to pressure upstream of the cryogenic check valve (7) or due to the opening of the sealing element in the cryogenic check valve (7) by mechanical coupling between the cryogenic check valve (7) and the unlockable cryogenic check valve (17), and wherein the cryogenic check valve (7) and the unlockable cryogenic check valve (17) are open when fuel is added.

5. The cryogenic tank (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The cryogenic tank (100) includes an inner tank pressure control valve (15) for directing fuel flow from the inner tank (1) to the user, wherein the inner tank pressure control valve (15) is capable of extracting gaseous or supercritical fuel when the inner tank pressure is higher than a determined switching pressure of the inner tank pressure control valve (15), and wherein the inner tank pressure control valve (15) is capable of extracting liquid or supercritical fuel when the inner tank pressure is lower than a determined switching pressure of the inner tank pressure control valve (15).

6. The cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cryogenic one-way valve (7) is configured to be pushed into the open position during fuel filling of the cryogenic tank (100) due to the pressure difference between the filling station and the inner tank (1).

7. The cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electromechanical cryogenic shut-off valve opens during extraction.

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