Hydrogen storage and supply apparatus and corresponding components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage and supply device comprising: - an internal storage unit (13) defining a storage volume (15) internally; - an external storage unit (17) wherein an intermediate space (19) separates the internal storage unit (13) from the external storage unit (17); - a heat exchanger (27) having a hydrogen circulation side (29) provided with a hydrogen inlet (31); - a conduit (53) for supplying hydrogen to the heat exchanger (27) and having an external conduit (55) received in the intermediate space (19), the external conduit (55) having: * an intermediate body * Upstream section (59) having an upstream upper end (61) that passes through the internal reservoir (13) and is fluidly connected to the storage volume (15), and an upstream lower end (63) that is connected to the intermediate volume (57); * Downstream section (65) having a downstream upper end (83) that is connected to the intermediate volume (57) and is connected to the hydrogen inlet (31), the downstream upper end (83) being located at a first elevation (E1), the upstream upper end (61) being located at a second elevation (E2), and the intermediate volume (57) being located at a third elevation (E3) that is lower than the first and second elevations (E1, E2).

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for storing and supplying hydrogen, particularly for supplying fuel cells.

[0002] In addition to this application, the hydrogen storage and supply device is also protected by the following applications filed by the same applicant on the same day and relating to the following:

[0003] - An application relates to a storage and hydrogen supply device including means for heating a cryogenic fluid leaving an internal storage tank before supplying a heat exchanger, which is an alternative to the device in this application; the internal reference number of this application is FR2114229;

[0004] - An application relates to a storage unit for cryogenic fluids, the storage unit including a replaceable gas absorber or getter; internal reference number of this application is FR2114209;

[0005] - An application relating to a unit for storing a cryogenic fluid containing a metal suspension from an internal reservoir to an external reservoir; internal reference number of this application is FR2114255;

[0006] - An application for an assembly including a cryogenic fluid storage unit and a cryogenic valve; the internal reference number of this application is FR2114242;

[0007] - An application relates to a unit for storing cryogenic fluids, the unit including at least one additional storage device for extending the dormancy period, the internal reference number of the application being FR2114234.

[0008] Internal combustion engines are gradually being replaced by electric motors for propelling vehicles, especially motor vehicles such as cars, multi-purpose vehicles or trucks; or for propelling trains, ships, etc.

[0009] One solution for powering such a motor is to install a fuel cell in the vehicle. The fuel cell is supplied with an anode gas, which is typically dihydrogen, often referred to as hydrogen, and the cathode gas, for example, is oxygen, often referred to as air oxygen or oxygen gas, which is found in the air.

[0010] Hydrogen must be stored in vehicles in the most compact form possible in order to reduce costs and optimize the use of space on vehicles.

[0011] One possibility for reducing the volume occupied by hydrogen storage is to store hydrogen in liquid form at very low temperatures.

[0012] Under ambient pressure, hydrogen is liquid at temperatures close to 20K.

[0013] Any component containing liquid hydrogen must not be in direct contact with ambient air, as this would cause the air to liquefy. In fact, air begins to liquefy at -196°C (approximately 77K). Liquid air can contain up to 50% oxygen by mass under certain conditions, making it a highly oxidizing agent. Therefore, it is imperative that no wall of the system supplying hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell come into contact with air at temperatures below -196°C.

[0014] Fuel cells operate using gaseous hydrogen at temperatures above -40°C.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for a hydrogen storage and supply device for storing hydrogen in liquid form and supplying power generation components (such as fuel cells) from the stored liquid hydrogen, which makes it possible to ensure that ambient air in contact with the hydrogen-containing loop does not liquefy.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention relates to a device for storing and supplying hydrogen, the device comprising:

[0017] - An internal storage unit that internally defines a storage volume for storing liquid hydrogen;

[0018] - An external storage unit, wherein the internal storage unit is arranged inside the external storage unit, wherein an intermediate space separates the internal storage unit from the external storage unit;

[0019] - Thermal insulation system, which is inserted between the internal storage unit and the external storage unit;

[0020] - A heat exchanger comprising a hydrogen circulation side having a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet, and a circulation side for the heat transfer fluid;

[0021] - A conduit for supplying hydrogen to the heat exchanger, the conduit comprising an outer conduit housed within an intermediate space, the outer conduit having:

[0022] *Intermediate volume;

[0023] *Upstream section, which has an upper upstream end that passes through the internal reservoir and is fluidly connected to the storage volume, and an upper downstream end that is connected to the intermediate volume;

[0024] *Downstream section, which connects to the intermediate volume and has a downstream upper end connected to the hydrogen inlet;

[0025] The downstream upper end is located at the first elevation, the upstream upper end is located at the second elevation, and the intermediate volume is located at the third elevation, which is lower than the first and second elevations.

[0026] This liquid hydrogen storage device includes an internal storage tank, an external storage tank, and an intermediate insulation system, which allows for good insulation of the liquid hydrogen stored in the internal storage tank. Due to the presence of the external storage tank and the insulation system between the internal and external storage tanks, ambient air never comes into direct contact with the walls of the internal storage tank.

[0027] The heat exchanger makes it possible to heat liquid hydrogen stored in an internal reservoir and bring the hydrogen to a temperature suitable for the operation of power generation components such as fuel cells.

[0028] Hydrogen circulates from the storage volume to the inlet of the heat exchanger in the supply conduit. The portion of this supply conduit located outside the internal storage unit is positioned between the internal and external storage units, without direct contact with the external unit. Therefore, direct contact between ambient air and the external conduit is impossible.

[0029] In addition, the external conduit is heated by radiation from the external storage unit. This helps ensure that droplets of liquid hydrogen evaporate before reaching the inlet of the heat exchanger, and these droplets, along with gaseous hydrogen, are driven to the outside of the storage volume and circulated in the external conduit.

[0030] The external conduit is arranged in a V-shape, with the middle volume forming the low point and the complementary fastening components and the upstream upper end forming the high point. Therefore, the liquid hydrogen driven by gaseous hydrogen does not circulate directly towards the heat exchanger, but tends to accumulate at the low point, where it evaporates due to thermal radiation.

[0031] The device may also have one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0032] - The heat exchanger includes a fastening member surrounding the hydrogen inlet, and the storage and supply equipment includes a complementary fastening member that is integrated with the external storage unit and attached to the fastening member;

[0033] - The complementary fastening component is located near the apex of the external reservoir;

[0034] -The intermediate volume is a liquid-gas separator;

[0035] - The intermediate volume includes a lower part and an upper part, the lower part being used to collect liquid, an upstream section and a downstream section being connected to the upper part, and the lower part preferably having a larger volume than the upper part;

[0036] - The internal reservoir includes a cylindrical shroud having a horizontal axis and two bottoms that close the two axial ends of the cylindrical shroud, with an external conduit arranged opposite one of these bottoms;

[0037] - The supply conduit includes an internal conduit housed in the top space of the storage volume and having an orifice leading into the storage volume, with the upper upstream end of the upstream section fluidly connected to the internal conduit.

[0038] - The difference between the second and third elevations is greater than 150mm;

[0039] The hydrogen circulation side includes multiple hydrogen circulation pipes and hydrogen distribution collectors in these pipes, with hydrogen inlets leading to these pipes. The heat transfer fluid circulation side includes a double jacket that isolates the hydrogen distribution collectors from the external atmosphere.

[0040] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a component:

[0041] - A fuel cell having an anode gas circuit and a battery cooling circuit, the anode gas circuit having an anode gas inlet and the battery cooling circuit having a cooling inlet and a cooling outlet;

[0042] -In the hydrogen storage and supply apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, the hydrogen outlet fluid on the hydrogen circulation side of the heat exchanger is connected to the anode gas inlet;

[0043] - A heat transfer fluid circuit, comprising:

[0044] * An expansion container having a container outlet and a container inlet with fluid connected to a cooling outlet.

[0045] *A heat transfer fluid circulation component having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being fluidly connected to a container outlet, and the outlet being fluidly connected to a heat transfer fluid inlet on the heat transfer fluid circulation side of a heat exchanger.

[0046] *A directional member having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, the inlet being fluidly connected to a heat transfer fluid outlet on the heat transfer fluid circulation side of a heat exchanger, the first outlet being fluidly connected to a container inlet, and the second outlet being fluidly connected to a cooling inlet of a battery cooling circuit, the directional member being configured to selectively fluidly connect the inlet to either the first outlet or the second outlet.

[0047] This component may also have the following characteristics:

[0048] The heat exchanger includes an electric heating element arranged to electrically heat hydrogen, and the assembly includes a controller configured to selectively:

[0049] - Open the electric heating element and connect the inlet fluid of the directional element to the first outlet; or

[0050] - Shut down the electric heating element and connect the inlet fluid of the directional element to the second outlet.

[0051] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a component according to the present invention, which includes a fuel cell supplied with hydrogen by a storage and supply device and a heat transfer fluid loop;

[0053] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of the storage and supply equipment, with the bottom of the external storage unit not shown, so as to show the exterior of the conduit used to supply hydrogen to the heat exchanger;

[0054] - Figure 3 It is a perspective view, which shows Figure 2 The bottom of the internal storage tank and the inside of the conduit used to supply hydrogen to the heat exchanger;

[0055] - Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 A perspective view of the conduit used to supply hydrogen to the heat exchanger;

[0056] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger taken along its central axis; and

[0057] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the tube bundle of a heat exchanger.

[0058] Figure 1 The component 1 shown includes a fuel cell 3, a hydrogen storage and supply device 5, and a heat transfer fluid circuit 7.

[0059] This component 1 is typically provided for installation on vehicles with electric propulsion motors, such as motor vehicles, trains, ships, or any other means of transportation. Motor vehicles include, for example, cars, multi-purpose vehicles, trucks, etc.

[0060] The fuel cell 3 is configured to generate electricity and power the electric propulsion motor.

[0061] The fuel cell 3 includes an anode gas circuit 9 and a battery cooling circuit 11. The fuel cell 3 also includes a cathode gas circuit (not shown).

[0062] Storage and supply equipment 5 supplies hydrogen to the anode gas circuit 9.

[0063] The cathode gas circuit is supplied with an oxidizing gas, which is typically oxygen.

[0064] The fuel cell 3 comprises multiple cells, each equipped with an anode and a cathode. An anode gas circuit 9 supplies hydrogen to the anode, which decomposes into H+ protons at the anode. These H+ protons migrate across a barrier to the cathode and combine with oxygen circulating in the cathode gas circuit to produce water vapor. A cell cooling circuit 11 is arranged to cool the cells of the fuel cell 3.

[0065] Redox chemical reactions occurring at the anode and cathode generate electric current.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen storage and supply device 5 includes an internal storage unit 13 that internally defines a storage volume 15 for storing liquid hydrogen. The storage and supply device 5 also includes an external storage unit 17 and an intermediate space 19, with the internal storage unit 13 disposed inside the external storage unit and the intermediate space separating the internal storage unit 13 from the external storage unit 17.

[0067] Thermal insulation system 21 ( Figure 2 It is inserted between the internal storage 13 and the external storage 17.

[0068] The internal storage unit 13 is typically horizontal.

[0069] It includes a cylindrical shield 23 and two bottoms 25 at both ends of the closed cylindrical shield 23.

[0070] The cylindrical shield 23 has its horizontal central axis Y.

[0071] The external storage unit 17 has a similar shape to the internal storage unit, wherein a cylindrical cover with the axis Y as the central axis is closed at each end by two arc-shaped bottoms.

[0072] The external reservoir 17 is not in direct contact with the internal reservoir 13. This means that the internal reservoir 13 and the external reservoir 17 are in mechanical contact with each other via the suspension 26, and the thermal insulation system 21 is not in direct contact with the external reservoir 17. The suspension 26 is arranged to minimize heat transfer from the external reservoir 17 to the internal reservoir 13.

[0073] The thermal insulation system 21 includes multiple stacked metal sheets with fiber layers interspersed between them. The thermal insulation system 21 is placed on the outer surface of the internal reservoir 13.

[0074] In addition, the intermediate space 19 is kept under a high vacuum in order to greatly limit convective heat transfer from the external reservoir 17 to the internal reservoir 13.

[0075] The storage and supply equipment 5 also includes a heat exchanger 27, which includes a hydrogen circulation side 29 with a hydrogen inlet 31 and a hydrogen outlet 33, and a heat transfer fluid circulation side 35.

[0076] Heat exchanger 27 includes fastening member 37 arranged around hydrogen inlet 31. Figure 2 ).

[0077] The fastening component 37 is typically a flange.

[0078] The storage and supply device 5 includes a complementary fastening member 39 that is fixed to the external storage unit 17 and attached to the fastening member 37.

[0079] The complementary fastening member 39 is typically a flange. The fastening member 37 and the complementary fastening member 39 are attached to each other by any suitable means, such as by welding or by a removable member such as a screw.

[0080] Fastening member 37 and complementary fastening member 39 have corresponding internal orifices aligned with each other.

[0081] In the example shown, the hydrogen inlet 31 is tubular and engages in the internal orifices of the fastening member 37 and the complementary fastening member 39.

[0082] The complementary fastening member 39 is attached to the external surface of the external reservoir 17 by any suitable means.

[0083] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the storage and supply equipment 5 also includes a conduit 53 for supplying hydrogen to the heat exchanger 27.

[0084] The supply conduit 53 includes an external conduit 55 housed in the intermediate space 19.

[0085] The external conduit 55 does not contact the external reservoir 17.

[0086] This means that there is no direct mechanical contact between the external reservoir 17 and the external conduit 55.

[0087] External catheter 55 includes:

[0088] -Intermediate volume 57;

[0089] -Upstream section 59, which has an upstream upper end 61 that passes through the internal reservoir 13 and is fluidly connected to the storage volume 15, and an upstream lower end 63 that is connected to the intermediate volume 57.

[0090] - Downstream section 65, which is connected to intermediate volume 57 and has a downstream upper end 83 connected to hydrogen inlet 31.

[0091] The downstream upper end 83 is located at the first elevation E1 ( Figure 2 The upstream upper end 61 is located at the second elevation E2. The intermediate volume 57 is located at the third elevation E3, which is lower than the first elevation E1 and the second elevation E2.

[0092] Elevations E1, E2, and E3 are obtained relative to the same reference level (e.g., the level of the base plate below the external storage unit 17). They are obtained in a vertical direction, which is generally the direction normal to the base plate below the external storage unit 17.

[0093] To assess elevations E1, E2, and E3, the geometric centers of the downstream upper end 83, the upstream upper end 61, and the intermediate volume 57 are typically considered.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer conduit 55 thus has an approximate V-shape pointing towards the base plate, and the intermediate volume 57 constitutes the low point of the outer conduit 55.

[0095] The gaseous hydrogen in the external conduit 55, entrained by liquid hydrogen and deposited on its inner surface, will thus flow out and accumulate in the intermediate volume 57.

[0096] The difference between the second elevation E2 and the third elevation E3 is preferably greater than 150 mm. In the example shown, the intermediate volume 57 is located below the central axis Y in the vertical direction.

[0097] This helps to ensure that liquid hydrogen droplets entrained in the outer conduit 55 deposit on the inner surface of the outer conduit 55 and are not directly entrained to the inlet of the heat exchanger 27. It also helps to ensure that the path along the inner conduit 55 is long enough to allow for the evaporation of the droplets and the heating of the gaseous hydrogen.

[0098] The intermediate volume 57 is a liquid-gas separator.

[0099] The intermediate volume 57 includes a lower section 67 for collecting liquid and an upper section 69 to which the upstream section 59 and the downstream section 65 are connected.

[0100] The height of the upper part 69 is less than 50% of the total height of the middle volume 57, preferably less than 33% of the total height, and even more preferably less than 25% of the total height.

[0101] Therefore, the lower part 67 preferably has a larger volume than the upper part 69.

[0102] The presence of intermediate volume 57 is particularly advantageous when liquid blockage from storage volume 15 reaches external conduit 55. Intermediate volume 57 makes it possible to separate liquid hydrogen from gaseous hydrogen. Liquid accumulates in the lower part 67 of intermediate volume 57, while gas circulates directly from upstream section 59 to downstream section 65. Liquid remains in intermediate volume 57 until evaporation.

[0103] The supply conduit 53 includes an internal conduit 71, which is housed in the top space 73 of the storage volume 15 and has an opening 75 leading into the storage volume 15.

[0104] The top space 73 of the storage volume 15 corresponds to the upper region of the storage volume 15, which is not occupied by liquid and therefore contains only gaseous hydrogen.

[0105] In other words, the internal conduit 71 is not embedded in the liquid hydrogen, but is located above the free surface of the liquid hydrogen volume.

[0106] The internal conduit 71 is usually straight.

[0107] Advantageously, it is substantially horizontal and extends over most of the length of the internal reservoir 13. Advantageously, the internal conduit 71 extends over the entire length of the internal reservoir 13. Alternatively, it may be shorter.

[0108] The orifices 75 are distributed along the length of the internal conduit 71, and are usually regularly distributed.

[0109] Advantageously, they are rotated upwards, that is, they are positioned on the side opposite to the volume of liquid hydrogen.

[0110] The upstream end 61 of the upstream section 59 is fluidly connected to the internal conduit 71.

[0111] More specifically, the supply conduit 53 includes a curved conduit 77 that connects the internal conduit 71 to the upstream upper end 61.

[0112] The curved conduit 77 is directly connected to one end of the internal conduit 71. The internal conduit 71 is closed at its end 79 opposite to the curved conduit 77.

[0113] End 79 is flat and fishtail shaped.

[0114] The upper end 61 passes through the internal storage 13. The passage through the internal storage 13 is carried out in a sealed manner.

[0115] The curved conduit 77 has a complex shape, determined by the corresponding positions of the upstream upper end 61 and the internal conduit 71. In the example shown, it has a general S-shape.

[0116] The downstream section 65 has a downstream lower end 81 that is directly connected to the intermediate volume 57. Its downstream upper end 83 is directly connected to the hydrogen inlet 31.

[0117] The downstream section 65 passes through the external reservoir 17 without direct contact. The downstream section 65 passes through an opening in the external reservoir 17 that aligns with an internal opening in the complementary fastening member 39.

[0118] The complementary fastening member 39 is located near the apex of the external reservoir 17.

[0119] This means that, as Figure 2 As shown, the elevation E1 is between 80% and 100% of the elevation Emax of the vertex 85 of the external storage 17.

[0120] The complementary fastening member 39 is further positioned at an angle around the central axis Y of the internal reservoir 13 at a point that forms an angle between 0° and 60° with the vertex 85, for example, an angle of about 45°.

[0121] The external conduit 55 is arranged opposite one of the bottoms of the bottom 25 of the internal reservoir 13.

[0122] More specifically, it is arranged between the bottom 25 and the bottom 87 of the external storage 17, which is opposite to the bottom 25 of the internal storage 13.

[0123] The external conduit 55 is therefore heated by thermal radiation from the bottom 87 of the external reservoir 17.

[0124] Except for the downstream upper end 83 of the downstream section 65 connected to the hydrogen inlet 31, the external conduit 55 is arranged entirely opposite the bottom 87. This is arranged between the cylindrical shroud 23 of the internal reservoir 13 and the cylindrical shroud of the external reservoir 17.

[0125] The downstream section 65 has a complex shape, which depends specifically on the location of the intermediate volume 57 and the angular position of the complementary fastening member 39.

[0126] The hydrogen circulation side 29 of the heat exchanger 27 includes a plurality of hydrogen circulation pipes 89 and a hydrogen distribution collector 90 in the pipes 89.

[0127] It also includes an outlet collector 91 for collecting hydrogen exiting tube 89.

[0128] The hydrogen outlet 33 of the heat exchanger 27 leads to the outlet collector 91.

[0129] Each tube 89 has a generally U-shape, wherein a first straight tube section 92 leads to a dispensing collector 90, a second straight tube section 93 leads to an outlet collector 91, and a complex-shaped intermediate section 94 connects tube sections 92 and 93 together.

[0130] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the tube portions 92 and 93 of all tubes 89 are parallel to the same direction X.

[0131] The distribution collector 90 and the outlet collector 91 are located at the first end of the heat exchanger 27 in the X direction. The intermediate portion 94 of each tube 89 forms a coil arranged at the second end of the heat exchanger 27, which is opposite to the distribution collector 90 and the outlet collector 91 in the X direction.

[0132] The heat transfer fluid circulation side 35 includes a tubular body 95 extending in the X direction. It internally defines the circulation volume of the heat transfer fluid.

[0133] The main body 95 has an opening 96 on the side of the dispensing collector 90 and the outlet collector 91. It is closed by a bottom 97 on the coil side formed by the middle portion 94 of the tube 89. The opening 96 is closed by a plate 98 with holes 99 passing through it. Figure 6 The ends of the tube sections 92 and 93 are joined together and each is rigidly fixed in one of the holes in hole 99.

[0134] The ends of the tube section 92 are gathered in a region on one side of the demarcation collector 90 of the plate 98.

[0135] Similarly, the ends of the tube section 93 converge in a region on one side of the defined outlet collector 91 of the plate 98.

[0136] The tube 89 is completely contained within the body 95, and there is no direct contact between the tube 89 and the body 95 or the bottom 97.

[0137] The cooling fluid circulation side 35 includes a double jacket 100 that isolates the hydrogen distribution collector 90 from the outside atmosphere. Figure 5 ).

[0138] In the example shown, the double jacket 100 defines a tubular volume, one end of which forms a hydrogen inlet 31. The other end of the tubular volume is partially closed by a plate 98 and partially closed by a plate 101 that separates the distribution collector 90 and the outlet collector 91 from each other. This tubular volume forms the distribution collector 90. Fastening members 37 are mounted around the double jacket 100.

[0139] The heat transfer fluid circulation side 35 has a heat transfer fluid inlet 102 and a heat transfer fluid outlet 103. The heat transfer fluid inlet 102 leads directly to the double jacket 100.

[0140] The double jacket 100 has a heat transfer fluid outlet 103, which opens at one end to the internal volume of the body 95.

[0141] The heat transfer fluid outlet 103 is located in the X direction at the end of the main body 95 opposite to the heat transfer fluid inlet 102. For example, it is located in the bottom 97.

[0142] The heat exchanger 27 also includes a plurality of baffles 104 arranged inside the body 95 and distributed in the X direction. These baffles 104 are substantially perpendicular to the X direction. They have holes for receiving tube portions 92, 93. Thus, they hold the tube portions 92, 93 in place relative to each other and relative to the body 95.

[0143] Each baffle 104 extends only on a portion of the internal section of the body 95, such that the heat transfer fluid circulates from the double jacket 100 to the heat transfer fluid outlet 103 within the baffles inside the body 95.

[0144] The heat exchanger 27 also includes an electric heating element 105, which is arranged to electrically heat hydrogen.

[0145] The electric heating element 105 can be of any suitable type. Typically, it uses resistance heating.

[0146] The electric heating element 105 is engaged inside the body 95 through an orifice 106 provided in the bottom 97. It includes an active heating portion 107 for releasing heat. The active heating portion 107 extends from the orifice 106 along the central axis X of the heat exchanger 27 for most of the length of the body 95.

[0147] The electric heating component 105 also includes a connection portion 108 located outside the main body 95. The active heating component 107 is electrically connected to a current source, which may be a fuel cell 3, via the connection portion 108.

[0148] Tube sections 92 and 93 are arranged in a circular pattern around the active heating section 107. The coil formed by the intermediate component 94 is arranged in a ring pattern around the active heating section 107.

[0149] The heat transfer fluid is typically water, and preferably includes an antifreeze agent.

[0150] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat transfer fluid circuit 7 includes an expansion container 109 having a container outlet 111 and a container inlet 113.

[0151] The battery cooling circuit 11 has a cooling inlet 115 and a cooling outlet 117. The container inlet 113 is fluidly connected to the cooling outlet 117.

[0152] The heat transfer fluid circuit 7 also includes a heat transfer fluid circulation component 119 having an inlet 121 and an outlet 123. The inlet is fluidly connected to a container outlet 111, and the outlet is fluidly connected to a heat transfer fluid inlet 102 on the heat transfer fluid circulation side 35 of the heat exchanger 27.

[0153] The heat transfer fluid circulation component 119 is typically any suitable type of pump.

[0154] The heat transfer fluid circuit 7 also includes a directional member 125 having an inlet 127 that is fluidly connected to a heat transfer fluid outlet 103 on the heat transfer fluid circulation side 35 of the heat exchanger 27. The directional member 125 also includes a first outlet 129 and a second outlet 131, the first outlet being fluidly connected to a container inlet 113 and the second outlet being fluidly connected to a cooling inlet 115 of the battery cooling circuit 11.

[0155] The directional member 125 is configured to selectively connect the fluid inlet 127 to either the first outlet 129 or the second outlet 131.

[0156] Directional component 125 is typically a three-way valve.

[0157] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen outlet 33 on the hydrogen circulation side 29 of the heat exchanger 27 is fluidly connected to the anode gas inlet 133 of the anode gas circuit 9 of the fuel cell 3. The anode gas circuit 9 has an anode gas outlet (not shown). Component 1 also includes a controller 135. Based on information received from the vehicle's onboard computer, the controller 135 drives at least the electric heating element 105 and the directional element 125.

[0158] Controller 135 is specifically configured to selectively:

[0159] - Open the electric heating element 105 and fluidly connect the inlet 127 of the directional element to the first outlet 129; or

[0160] - Shut down the electric heating element 105 and connect the inlet 127 of the directional element 125 to the second outlet 131.

[0161] Valve 137 is inserted between hydrogen outlet 33 and anode gas inlet 133.

[0162] The operation of component 1 will now be described.

[0163] When the fuel cell 3 is operating normally, the hydrogen filling the top space 73 of the internal storage 13 permeates into the internal conduit 71 through the orifice 75.

[0164] The hydrogen pressure in the internal storage 13 is regulated by a heating element (not shown) configured to heat the liquid hydrogen stored in the internal storage 13.

[0165] Gaseous hydrogen flows from the inner conduit 71 to the curved conduit 77, and then through the outer conduit 55. It is heated by thermal radiation from the bottom 87 of the external reservoir 17 as it passes through the outer conduit 55. Optionally, liquid hydrogen droplets carrying gaseous hydrogen evaporate during their passage through the outer conduit 55.

[0166] If a large amount of liquid is driven in the internal conduit 71 and forms a blockage moving along the external conduit 55, the movement of the blockage stops when it reaches the intermediate volume 57. The liquid is collected in the lower part 67 of the intermediate volume 57, and gas propels the liquid blockage directly through the intermediate volume, advancing it from the upstream section 59 to the downstream section 65. The liquid collected in the lower part 67 of the intermediate volume 57 is heated by thermal radiation and evaporates.

[0167] Hydrogen gas leaves the supply conduit 53 and permeates into the heat exchanger 27 through the hydrogen inlet port 31.

[0168] It permeates directly into the hydrogen distribution collector 90. From there it is distributed into the hydrogen circulation pipe 89. It passes through pipe 89 to reach the outlet collector 91. At the outlet of pipe 89, the temperature of the hydrogen is close to 0°C (to avoid the formation of ice), and this temperature can momentarily drop to a minimum of about -40°C.

[0169] Hydrogen never comes into contact with surfaces exposed to ambient air during its path from storage volume 15 to hydrogen outlet 33. In fact, external storage unit 17 isolates external conduit 55 from ambient air. Double jacket 100 isolates hydrogen distribution collector 90 from ambient air. Pipe 89 is isolated from ambient air due to the cooling liquid contained in body 95.

[0170] Therefore, any risk of liquefaction of air in contact with hydrogen is eliminated.

[0171] The heat transfer fluid is discharged from the circulation member 119 to the heat transfer fluid inlet 102. It flows into the double jacket 100, then into the body 95, and reaches the heat transfer fluid outlet 103. It transfers its heat to the gaseous hydrogen circulating in the tube 89.

[0172] When the fuel cell 3 is operating normally, the controller 135 keeps the electric heating element 105 off and controls the directional element 125 to connect the fluid inlet 127 to the second outlet 131. The heat transfer fluid leaving the heat exchanger 27 then circulates to the cooling inlet 115 of the battery cooling circuit 11.

[0173] The heat transfer fluid then circulates within the fuel cell 3 to the cooling outlet 117. It is heated by the heat generated by the fuel cell 3.

[0174] It circulates from the cooling outlet 117 to the inlet 113 of the expansion container 109, and then from the outlet 111 of the expansion container 109 to the suction port 121 of the heat transfer fluid circulation component 119.

[0175] When the vehicle starts, more specifically when the fuel cell 3 starts, the fuel cell 3 is unable to supply enough heat to the heat transfer fluid circuit 7 to heat the hydrogen.

[0176] In this configuration, controller 135 activates the electric heating element 105 and controls the directional element 125 to connect the fluid at inlet 127 to the first outlet 129. The heat transfer fluid exiting the heat exchanger 27 via the heat transfer fluid outlet 103 is directed directly to the container inlet 113 by the directional element 125, without passing through the fuel cell 3.

[0177] Then, it circulates directly from the container outlet 111 to the suction port of the circulation member 119, and then circulates to the heat transfer fluid inlet 102.

[0178] The hydrogen circulating inside the heat exchanger 27 is heated by the heat distributed by the electric heating element 105.

[0179] The controller 135 may, for example, control the return to the aforementioned normal operation after the fuel cell 3 has operated for a certain period of time, or when the fuel cell 3 has reached a sufficient temperature, or based on any other suitable criterion.

[0180] The aforementioned hydrogen storage and supply equipment 5 and component 1 have several advantages.

[0181] As indicated above, the very cold hydrogen from the storage volume never comes into contact with the walls that are immersed in ambient air, thus eliminating the risk of liquefaction of ambient air.

[0182] The presence of an intermediate volume within the external conduit, acting as a gas-liquid separator, helps prevent priming, i.e., helps prevent liquid hydrogen from reaching the exchanger inlet. The exchanger operates only in the gas phase, which greatly simplifies its design and operation. Small hydrogen droplets can be introduced into it, but the exchanger is not an evaporator; that is, its size is insufficient to completely evaporate the stream composed of liquid hydrogen.

[0183] The intermediate volume makes it possible to avoid operation as a heat pipe. More specifically, all upstream and downstream sections, as well as the intermediate volume, prohibit the typical operation of a heat pipe. A conventional heat pipe contains a fluid in a vacuum, existing in both vapor and liquid forms. For a tube to be used as a heat pipe, the fluid must be in contact with a cold source that is cold enough to keep the fluid liquid at the current pressure, and the other side must be cold enough to keep the fluid liquid at that pressure. Between the two sides, a very strong exchange occurs, depending primarily on the depth of these sources. Vapor flows from the cold side through the center of the tube and condenses upon contact with the cold side. This is equivalent to supplying the heat portion by flowing along the tube wall. The vertical tube and the volume with varying cross-sections make it possible to avoid this phenomenon of pumping the cold energy into the reservoir.

[0184] Furthermore, the conduits used to supply hydrogen to the heat exchanger and the heat exchanger itself contain a known volume of gaseous hydrogen, which can be considered a buffer volume. When the fuel cell is shut down, there is no longer any hydrogen consumption. It is then necessary to ensure that no exchange occurs between gaseous and liquid hydrogen as long as it is shut down (this could freeze the exchanger and liquefy ambient air). The presence of the buffer volume makes it possible to avoid this effect. Therefore, it is possible to avoid installing a cryogenic valve, which is extremely expensive to manufacture, upstream of the heat exchanger. The valve 137, which isolates the hydrogen outlet from the anode gas inlet of the heat exchanger, is placed in the ambient temperature zone downstream of the heat exchanger. Therefore, it is much cheaper than a cryogenic valve.

[0185] In reality, when closed and without the heat pipe effect, hydrogen exists within the heat exchanger and in a portion of the downstream section preceding it. Therefore, there is no gas movement. The hot gas is at its highest point and is separated from the cold gas by gravity. The gas's low inherent electrical conductivity also contributes to this result. In other words, there is no reason for the gases occupying the two zones to mix, and the thermal path along the pipe is long enough to prevent thermal contact from causing the reheated water to dissipate.

[0186] The fact that the external conduit is V-shaped with a low point helps to limit the flow of liquid hydrogen to the inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0187] The fact that the internal conduits are housed in the top space of the storage volume helps limit the risk of liquid being carried to the heat exchanger.

[0188] The fact that the internal conduit is substantially horizontal and extends over most of the length of the internal reservoir also makes it possible to avoid the formation of liquid blockages inside the supply conduit, especially during the movement of liquid within the storage volume due to braking or acceleration.

Claims

1. A hydrogen storage and supply device, said hydrogen storage and supply device (5) comprising: - Internal storage unit (13), which internally defines a storage volume (15) for storing liquid hydrogen; - External storage unit (17), the internal storage unit (13) is arranged inside the external storage unit, wherein an intermediate space (19) separates the internal storage unit (13) from the external storage unit (17); - Thermal insulation system (21), which is inserted between the internal reservoir (13) and the external reservoir (17); - Heat exchanger (27), the heat exchanger includes a hydrogen circulation side (29) provided with a hydrogen inlet (31) and a hydrogen outlet (33), and a heat transfer fluid circulation side (35); - A supply conduit (53) for supplying hydrogen to the heat exchanger (27) and having an external conduit (55) received in the intermediate space (19), the external conduit (55) having: *Intermediate volume (57); *Upstream section (59), the upstream section having an upstream upper end (61) that passes through the internal reservoir (13) and is fluidly connected to the storage volume (15), and an upstream lower end (63) that is connected to the intermediate volume (57); *Downstream section (65), which is connected to the intermediate volume (57) and has a downstream upper end (83) connected to the hydrogen inlet (31), The downstream upper end (83) is located at the first elevation (E1), the upstream upper end (61) is located at the second elevation (E2), and the intermediate volume (57) is located at the third elevation (E3), which is lower than the first elevation (E1) and the second elevation (E2).

2. The hydrogen storage and supply device according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger (27) includes a fastening member (37) surrounding the hydrogen inlet (31), and the hydrogen storage and supply device (5) includes a complementary fastening member (39) integral with and attached to the external reservoir (17).

3. The hydrogen storage and supply device according to claim 2, wherein the complementary fastening member (39) is located near the apex of the external reservoir (17).

4. The hydrogen storage and supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate volume (57) is a liquid-gas separator.

5. The hydrogen storage and supply device according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate volume (57) comprises a lower portion (67) and an upper portion (69), the lower portion being for collecting liquid, and the upstream section (59) and the downstream section (65) being connected to the upper portion.

6. The hydrogen storage and supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal reservoir (13) comprises a cylindrical shroud having a horizontal axis and two bottoms (25) closing two axial ends of the cylindrical shroud (23), and the external conduit (55) is arranged opposite one of the bottoms (25).

7. The hydrogen storage and supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supply conduit (53) comprises an internal conduit (71) housed in the top space (73) of the storage volume (15) and having an orifice (75) leading to the storage volume (15), wherein the upper upstream end (61) of the upstream section (59) is fluidly connected to the internal conduit (71).

8. The hydrogen storage and supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the difference between the second elevation (E2) and the third elevation (E3) is greater than 150 mm.

9. The hydrogen storage and supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hydrogen circulation side (29) comprises a plurality of hydrogen circulation pipes (89) and a collector (90) for distributing the hydrogen in the pipes (89) to which the hydrogen inlet (31) leads, and the heat transfer fluid circulation side (35) comprises a double jacket (100) that isolates the hydrogen distribution collector (90) from the outside atmosphere.

10. The hydrogen storage and supply apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The lower part (67) has a larger volume than the upper part (69).

11. A component, the component comprising: - Fuel cell (3), the fuel cell having an anode gas circuit (9) and a battery cooling circuit (11), the anode gas circuit having an anode gas inlet (133), and the battery cooling circuit having a cooling inlet (115) and a cooling outlet (117); - In the hydrogen storage and supply apparatus (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the hydrogen outlet (33) on the hydrogen circulation side (29) of the heat exchanger (27) is fluidly connected to the anode gas inlet (133); - Heat transfer fluid circuit (7), the heat transfer fluid circuit comprising: * An expansion container (109) having a container outlet (111) and a container inlet (113) fluidly connected to the cooling outlet (117). * A heat transfer fluid circulation component (119) having an inlet (121) and an outlet (123), the inlet being fluidly connected to the container outlet (111), and the outlet being fluidly connected to the heat transfer fluid inlet (102) on the heat transfer fluid circulation side (35) of the heat exchanger (27). * Orientation member (125) having an inlet (127), a first outlet (129) and a second outlet (131), the inlet being fluidly connected to a heat transfer fluid outlet (103) on the heat transfer fluid circulation side (35) of the heat exchanger (27), the first outlet being fluidly connected to the container inlet (113), and the second outlet being fluidly connected to the cooling inlet (115) of the battery cooling circuit (11), the orientation member (125) being configured to selectively fluidly connect the inlet (127) to the first outlet (129) or the second outlet (131).

12. The component of claim 11, wherein the heat exchanger (27) includes an electrically heated element (105) arranged to electrically heat the hydrogen, and the component (1) includes a controller (135) configured to selectively: - Open the electric heating component (105) and fluidly connect the inlet (127) of the directional component (125) to the first outlet (129); or - Turn off the electric heating component (105) and fluidly connect the inlet (127) of the directional component (125) to the second outlet (131).

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