Multi-body cryogenic memory system

Abstract

A multiple-body cryogenic storage system comprising at least two cryogenic containers for storing hydrogen, namely a main storage system with an inner tank (1) and an outer container (2) and at least one secondary storage system (30) with a further inner tank and a further outer container, wherein the two cryogenic containers are connected in hydraulic communication by a cryogenic connecting line (27), wherein at least one cryogenic pump (21) is arranged in the inner tank (1) of the cryogenic container of the main storage system, which cryogenic pump delivers liquid and / or gaseous hydrogen pressureless and / or pressurized, single- or multi-stage and cryogenically to a heat exchanger (7), which heats the hydrogen and further delivers the hydrogen to a consumer (5) at a higher pressure than in the inner tank (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-body cryogenic storage system comprising at least two cryogenic containers for storing hydrogen, particularly as a mobile multi-body cryogenic storage system for storing hydrogen for powering vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to use mobile cryogenic storage systems to carry the hydrogen needed for propulsion in vehicles.

[0003] Vehicles with two or more tanks (dual-tank units) also exist, especially when large amounts of fuel are required and / or the geometric installation space necessitates partitioning into multiple storage containers of the same or different sizes. Mobile multi-liquid hydrogen storage systems are typically designed so that the cryogenic containers are technically complete and operate autonomously. Multiple cryogenic containers here collectively supply fuel to the same consumer or to separate individual consumers (e.g., fuel cell modules).

[0004] Multi-tank systems typically have several drawbacks. For example, if a critical component in one cryogenic vessel fails, the remaining hydrogen in that storage tank is often left unused, thus reducing the vehicle's range.

[0005] Within a single cryogenic container, the pressure inside the inner tank must be higher than the supply pressure in the piping leading to the consumer. For example, if cryogenic containers are of different sizes, or if different extractions are performed, different fuel levels, temperatures, and pressures will occur within the containers, leading to negative effects, such as negative impacts on subsequent refueling. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multi-body cryogenic storage system of the type described above, which at least reduces some of the aforementioned problems, and in particular provides a multi-body cryogenic storage system comprising at least two cryogenic containers for storing hydrogen, wherein the multi-body cryogenic storage system achieves cost-effective minimization of operating pressure in two or more inner tanks.

[0007] The solution to the above problem is achieved by a multi-body cryogenic storage system comprising at least two cryogenic containers for storing hydrogen: a main storage system having an inner tank and an outer container, and at least one secondary storage system having an additional inner tank and an additional outer container. The two cryogenic containers are hydraulically connected via cryogenic connecting lines. At least one cryogenic pump is disposed in the inner tank of the cryogenic container of the main storage system. The cryogenic pump delivers liquid and / or gaseous hydrogen unpressurized and / or pressurized, in a single or multi-stage, cryogenic or low-temperature manner to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger heats the hydrogen and continues to deliver the hydrogen to a consumer at a pressure higher than that in the inner tank.

[0008] According to the present invention, a multi-body cryogenic storage system has at least two cryogenic containers, each having an inner container and an outer container, wherein an isolation space, particularly a vacuum space, is typically provided between the inner container and the outer container. The two cryogenic containers, particularly the two inner containers, are hydraulically connected, i.e., fluid-conductingly connected, via cryogenic connecting pipes.

[0009] At least one cryogenic pump is arranged in the inner tank of one of the cryogenic containers, i.e., the inner tank of the main storage system. Liquid and / or gaseous hydrogen can be supplied cryogenically to a heat exchanger via the cryogenic pump, which heats the hydrogen and then further delivers it to a consumer. Here, delivery to the consumer can be carried out at a pressure higher than that in the inner tank of the main storage system.

[0010] By using connecting piping between the two inner tanks, a single cryogenic pump can be used for both cryogenic containers in the main storage system. One cryogenic pump is sufficient to deliver fuel from multiple cryogenic containers to the consumer. Through the combination of the cryogenic pump and connecting piping, the operating pressure in two or more inner tanks can be minimized and can be less than the minimum possible supply pressure relative to the consumer. The device also enables mass transfer during normal operation and compensates for fuel quantity when necessary.

[0011] The term "multi-body cryogenic storage system" in this text includes cryogenic storage systems that comprise at least two cryogenic containers, i.e., dual-tank systems.

[0012] The improved design of the present invention is given in the dependent claims, description and drawings.

[0013] Preferably, the cryogenic pump is completely surrounded by cryogenic fluid during normal operation and / or the pump's drive is configured to operate at cryogenic temperatures. This results in lower electrical power consumption for cold gas compression.

[0014] The connecting pipeline preferably has at least one, preferably two, shut-off valves near the tanks. These shut-off valves are configured to provide hydraulic pressure compensation and, preferably, to also close the connection between the two inner tanks via the connecting pipeline in the event of a leak, thus isolating the two tanks from each other. The shut-off valves near the tanks can be located at the respective tanks, preferably in the isolation space between the inner tank and the outer container. The combination of the connecting pipeline and the shut-off valves on both sides enables controlled release of the compensating flow between the cryogenic containers. This results in pressure compensation between the interconnected inner tanks.

[0015] The connecting pipeline is preferably located after the shut-off valve near the tank, and particularly preferably leads only to the end of the pipeline in the region near the bottom of the corresponding inner tank. The connecting pipeline is preferably a essentially simple pipeline that does not include any other components besides the shut-off valve. The connecting pipeline is preferably a pipeline independent of the extraction device, such as an extraction pipeline, for the two cryogenic containers.

[0016] The preferred main storage system is configured to return a portion of the heated hydrogen stream, i.e., a portion of the hydrogen extracted after the heat exchanger, to the inner tank via a reflux line to increase the inner tank pressure and preferably maintain it at a minimum. A shut-off valve for returning gas to the inner tank is preferably arranged in the reflux line.

[0017] Preferably, a pressure regulator, preferably equipped with a downstream pressure relief valve, is installed in the return line used to guide the gas back to the inner tank. This limits the pressure used to guide the gas back to the inner tank.

[0018] Preferably, a buffer container for warming hydrogen is installed between the cryogenic pump and the consumer. This can compensate for possible fluctuations in the delivery power of the cryogenic pump.

[0019] The primary storage system and the secondary storage system can preferably be filled separately through their respective filling interfaces, that is, each tank can be filled individually.

[0020] It is preferable to place one or more cryogenic pumps only in the primary storage system. It is preferable not to place cryogenic pumps in the secondary storage system.

[0021] In general, except for the absence of a cryogenic pump in the secondary storage system, the secondary storage system preferably comprises essentially the same components as the primary storage system. In another preferred design, at least one or more components used for increasing pressure, extracting, and / or regulating hydrogen in the primary storage system are omitted from the secondary storage system, particularly heat exchangers and / or extraction lines and / or one or more shut-off valves within the extraction lines. This optimizes cost, system weight, and storage capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a multi-body cryogenic memory system according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The figure shows a multi-body cryogenic storage system according to the present invention, which consists of two cryogenic containers, i.e., a dual-container device. The main storage system (shown in the lower half of the figure) includes an inner container 1 and an outer container 2, with an isolation space serving as the space between the inner container 1 and the outer container 2.

[0025] The main storage system can deliver cryogenic gas and / or cryogenic liquid from the inner tank 1 to the consumer 5 via a power-controlled booster cryogenic pump 21, for example, through a pressure line 22 of the cryogenic pump. The pressure line 22 connects to the supply line 4 at the line connection 3. Gas can be extracted from the inner tank 1 via a gas extraction line 24, which serves as an extension of the suction head of the cryogenic pump 21. Liquid can be selectively delivered from the inner tank 1 via the pump 21 through a shut-off valve 23 near the pump for switching from LH2 to GH2.

[0026] The cryogenic pump 21 is preferably completely surrounded by the cryogenic fluid, meaning that the drive unit of the pump 21 also operates at a cryogenic temperature, thereby achieving low power consumption for the compression of cold gas.

[0027] Furthermore, gas can flow from the inner tank 1 into the extraction line by opening the GH2 tank valve 15 and / or liquid can flow from the inner tank 1 into the extraction line by opening the LH2 tank valve 16. Here, gas can be extracted from the inner tank 1 through the combined safety and gas extraction line 18. A check valve 17 for gas extraction can be installed after the GH2 tank valve 15. Gas can also be discharged from the combined safety and gas extraction line 18 through the pressure-reducing safety valve 19.

[0028] After being drawn from inner tank 1, particularly after cryogenic pump 21 and tank valves 15 and 16, the cryogenic fluid is guided through heat exchanger 7, where it is completely transferred to the gas phase via a heat input, preferably through cooling water 11 of consumer 5, while simultaneously fully heating consumer 5. Cryogenic pump 21 delivers hydrogen to consumer 5 at a pressure higher than that in inner tank 1 when needed. By extracting fuel from the main storage system, the pressure and amount of fuel in inner tank 1 are reduced.

[0029] To compensate for potential power fluctuations in the cryogenic pump 21, a buffer container 8 for warming hydrogen can be additionally arranged between the pump 21 and the consumer 5. A shut-off valve 12 for supplying H2 to the consumer 5 can be arranged in the extraction line before the consumer 5.

[0030] The secondary storage system 30 is hydraulically connected to the primary storage system via cryogenic connection lines 27. Each of the two cryogenic containers has a shut-off valve 25 near the container, which serves to control hydraulic compensation and, in the event of a leak, isolates the connection line 27 from the inner container 1. The shut-off valves 25 can be positioned within the respective isolation spaces. The connection line 27 can then be routed downstream of the shut-off valves 25 into the corresponding inner container 1, leading into the area where liquid hydrogen is typically present.

[0031] The primary storage system and secondary storage system can be filled through the corresponding filling interface 14. Filling can be carried out through the reversing valve 26 in the extraction pipeline and the LH2 in the inner tank 1 into the pipeline 20.

[0032] The two supply lines 4 of the primary storage system and the secondary storage system can preferably be merged at the extraction connection 28 after the shut-off valve 12 so as to supply the stored medium to the consumer 5 through a common supply line.

[0033] If the pressure in the main storage system's inner tank is lower than that in the secondary storage system's inner tank, a hydraulic compensation flow can be introduced through connecting pipe 27 by opening shut-off valve 25. This compensation flow transfers fuel from the secondary storage system to the main storage system until the pressure is balanced or shut-off valve 25 interrupts the flow path.

[0034] If the pressure between the primary and secondary storage systems is balanced and it is necessary to increase or maintain the pressure in the inner tank 1 of the primary storage system, gas can be returned to the inner tank 1 through valve 13 in the gas return line 6, which branches off from the extraction line at the line connection 3 after the heat exchanger 7. To limit the pressure used for gas return to the inner tank 1, a pressure reducer 9 with a pressure relief valve 10 connected to it can be installed in the gas return line 6 if necessary.

[0035] The secondary storage system 30 comprises essentially the same components as the primary storage system, but without a cryogenic pump. The identical components are shown in the same locations in the secondary storage system 30 as they are in the primary storage system.

[0036] At least one or more components for pressurizing, extracting, and / or regulating hydrogen in the primary storage system, i.e., the components in the area drawn by the dashed rectangle in the figure, may optionally be omitted in the secondary storage system, i.e., not installed. In particular, the secondary storage system may not include extraction lines and / or heat exchangers and / or pressure regulators and / or pressure relief valves and / or shut-off valves in the extraction lines.

[0037] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0038] 1. Main storage system inner tank

[0039] 2 outer containers

[0040] 3 Pipe connection parts

[0041] 4. Supply pipeline

[0042] 5 Consumables

[0043] 6. Gas reflux pipeline

[0044] 7 heat exchangers

[0045] 8 Buffer Containers

[0046] 9 pressure reducers

[0047] 10 Pressure Safety Valve

[0048] 11 Cooling water circuit

[0049] 12. Shut-off valve for supplying H2 to the consumer.

[0050] 13. Shut-off valve for gas recirculation back to the inner tank

[0051] 14 Filling Interface

[0052] 15GH2 tank valve

[0053] 16LH2 tank valve

[0054] 17 Check valve for gas extraction

[0055] 18-piece safety and gas extraction piping system

[0056] 19 Pressure Reducing Safety Valve

[0057] LH2 from tank 20 into inner tank 1 enters the pipeline

[0058] 21 Cryogenic Pump

[0059] 22 Cryogenic pump pressure line

[0060] 23. Shut-off valve near the pump for switching from LH2 to GH2.

[0061] 24 Gas extraction line as an extension of the suction head of the cryogenic pump

[0062] 25. Connect the pipeline to the shut-off valve near the tank.

[0063] 26 Reversing valve

[0064] 27. Connection pipelines between primary and secondary storage systems

[0065] 28. Retrieval connection between primary and secondary storage systems

[0066] 30-times storage system

Claims

1. A multi-body cryogenic storage system comprising at least two cryogenic containers for storing hydrogen, namely a main storage system having an inner container (1) and an outer container (2) and at least one secondary storage system (30) having an additional inner container and an additional outer container, wherein, Two cryogenic containers are hydraulically connected via a cryogenic connection line (27), wherein at least one cryogenic pump (21) is arranged in the inner tank (1) of the cryogenic container of the main storage system, the cryogenic pump delivering liquid and / or gaseous hydrogen in a single or multi-stage and cryogenic manner to a heat exchanger (7), the heat exchanger heating the hydrogen and delivering it to a consumer (5) at a pressure higher than that in the inner tank (1), the connection line (27) having at least one shut-off valve (25) near the tank for hydraulic pressure compensation, wherein no cryogenic pump is arranged in the secondary storage system (30).

2. The multi-body cryogenic storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, The cryogenic pump (21) is completely surrounded by cryogenic fluid during normal operation and / or the drive unit of the cryogenic pump (21) is set to operate at cryogenic temperatures.

3. The multi-body cryogenic storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, The connecting pipe (27) has two shut-off valves (25) near the tank, which are used to close the connection between the two inner tanks via the connecting pipe (27) in the event of a leak.

4. The multi-body cryogenic storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, The connecting pipe (27) has a pipe end only after the shut-off valve (25) near the tank, which leads to the area near the bottom of the corresponding inner tank (1) and / or the connecting pipe (27) is a pipe of the extraction device independent of the two cryogenic containers.

5. The multi-body cryogenic storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, The main storage system is configured to return a portion of the heated hydrogen flow, i.e. a portion of the hydrogen extracted after the heat exchanger (7), to the inner tank (1) via a return line to increase the pressure in the inner tank, which is achieved by a shut-off valve (13) for returning the gas to the inner tank (1).

6. The multi-body cryogenic storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, A pressure reducer (9) with a downstream pressure relief valve (10) is installed in the return line used to guide the gas back to the inner tank (1).

7. The multi-body cryogenic storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, A buffer container (8) for warming hydrogen is provided between the cryogenic pump (21) and the consumer (5).

8. The multi-body cryogenic storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, The primary storage system and the secondary storage system (30) can be filled in through the corresponding filling interface (14) respectively.

9. The multi-body cryogenic storage system according to claim 1, Its features are, Except that the secondary storage system (30) does not have a cryogenic pump, the secondary storage system (30) includes the same components as the primary storage system.

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