Valve on tank

Abstract

A tank valve is disclosed for fitting to a tank (16) to allow gas stored in the tank (16) to be supplied to a consumer (500) of the gas and to allow the tank to be replenished with gas from a filling station (508). The valve (506) has a valve body defining at least two flow passages in communication with the canister (16). A first of the two flow channels contains a solenoid valve (14) to control the flow of gas from the tank (16) to the consumer (500) and a second channel contains a manually operable bleed valve (128) to enable the stored gas to be supplied to the consumer (500) while bypassing the solenoid valve (14). In the invention, the bleed valve (128) is a combination valve that is manually movable between two states. In a first state, the stored gas is allowed to flow from the tank (16) to the consumer (500), and in a second state, the second passage contains a one-way valve to allow the tank (16) to be replenished from the filling station (508) without the replenished gas passing through the solenoid valve (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank valve for filling and discharging a tank with a gas or gaseous medium, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or compressed gaseous hydrogen (CGH or H2). Such a tank can be used for fuel storage on a vehicle or for fuel production, processing, storage, transportation and distribution. Background Art

[0002] In the attached figure Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a typical fuel system for a production engine. The fuel for the engine 500 is stored in a fuel storage unit 502, which is shown as including three tanks 504 connected in cascade, each tank having its own tank valve 506. The fuel in the storage unit is replenished from a container 508 containing a filter and a one-way valve at its output, and the fuel enters the storage unit 502 through another one-way valve 510. The fuel from the storage unit 502 is supplied to the engine through a two-stage fixed outlet pressure regulator 512, a stop valve 514 and another filter 516. The output line of the pressure regulator is also connected to a check valve 518. The present invention is particularly related to the tank valve 506.

[0003] The concept of an on-tank valve (OTV) is currently well known, with several manufacturers producing such products in mass production. Typically, an on-tank valve consists of a solid body that can be screwed into the tank and has machined features that allow the assembly of several major fluid control and safety devices, such as: (i) manually operated tank isolation valve (MV), (ii) a manually operated drain valve to allow extraction of the tank contents (BV), (iii) a solenoid shut-off valve (SV) which allows the tank contents to be withdrawn for consumption by the vehicle, said solenoid shut-off valve being controlled in the vehicle by the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), (iv) an overflow valve (EFV), which is a safety device that limits the flow of fluid from the tank in the event of a downstream rupture such as a pipe burst, accidental damage, etc., (v) A thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) which releases pressure from the storage tank if the temperature within the tank rises above a specified limit, such as in the event of a fire.

[0004] In addition, in order to provide feedback on the conditions inside the tank to the vehicle / gas station control system, the tank valve is usually equipped with temperature and pressure sensors.

[0005] In the attached figure Figure 2A and 2B A typical schematic diagram of a known tank valve 506 is shown in FIG. Figure 1A indicates the direction of airflow during filling. Figure 1 The direction of airflow during fuel extraction is indicated in B.

[0006] exist Figure 2A In the embodiment, fuel from inlet 10 flows in the direction indicated by arrow 11 through the open manually operated isolation valve 12 to the solenoid operated valve 14. The latter is a two-way valve with a valve core with two positions. Figure 2A In the position shown, the core allows flow toward the tank 16, but does not allow flow in the opposite direction. Before reaching the tank 16, the gas flows through the relief valve 18 and the filter 20.

[0007] exist Figure 2B In the embodiment, the spool of the solenoid valve 14 moves to its second position in which gas flow is allowed in both directions between its two ports and in the direction indicated by arrow 13 towards the fuel outlet 22, which results in a consumption device such as a vehicle engine.

[0008] The two figures also show the pressure sensor 24 and the temperature sensor 26. The lines connected to the sensors 24, 26 and the solenoid valve 14 are shown as dashed lines because, unlike the other lines in the figure, they carry electrical signals rather than gas. Also shown in the two figures is a manually operated bleed valve 28 that allows gas to be drawn from the tank via a downstream service valve 518 while bypassing the solenoid valve 14 and the heat-activated pressure relief device 30 that vents the tank 16 if it overheats.

[0009] Additionally, other control elements such as one-way (check) valves may typically be included in the tank valve to provide specific functions or to control the flow path of the fluid through the valve depending on the usage scenario (such as filling or emptying the tank).

[0010] During the filling operation, the high pressure fluid must pass through the solenoid valve, relief valve and filter. Figure 2A and 2B In the arrangement shown in detail in FIG. 1 , several problems arise. In particular, because the high pressure fluid needs to pass through the solenoid valve and the relief valve, the following applies: The solenoid valve must be used as a check valve; Solenoid valves and relief valves must be capable of high flow rates in the filling direction, approximately 20 times higher than when consuming fuel; The solenoid valve must be robust to pressure fluctuations; The need to control valve chatter - a problem caused by high flow rates; and • Restrictions caused by solenoid valves, relief valves and filters will result in a pressure drop across the tank valve which must be compensated for by increased energy input to the filling station pump.

[0011] All of these requirements result in increased energy consumption, complexity, and cost.

[0012] One possible solution is to add a separate "high flow" fill channel. Figure 3 The arrangement shown adds a dedicated fill line 40 to the tank on-valve 100 which bypasses the solenoid valve 14 and the relief valve 18. In this figure, the direction of gas flow during replenishment is indicated by the darker arrows, while the direction of gas flow during gas consumption is indicated by the lighter arrows.

[0013] This arrangement will still have two disadvantages, namely: 1. It is not possible to fill multiple tanks simultaneously at the required filling rate using a single supply line from a filling station. Therefore, a separate dedicated manifold is required to separate the filling line to each tank. The necessary multiple high pressure lines and connections increase cost and susceptibility to leaks. 2. Additional machining is required in the tank valve body to provide a dedicated filling passage. Summary of the invention Purpose of the Invention

[0014] The present invention seeks to provide a tank on valve which alleviates at least some of the problems experienced with known tank on valves without increasing the number of flow passages fitted into the valve body of the tank, whilst allowing multiple tanks to be replenished from a common supply line.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a tank valve for being assembled to a tank to allow gas stored in the tank to be supplied to a gas consumer and to allow the tank to be replenished with gas from a filling station, the valve having a valve body defining at least two flow channels connected to the tank, a first channel of the two flow channels including a solenoid valve to control the flow of gas from the tank to the consumer, and a second channel including a manually operable relief valve to enable the stored gas to be supplied to the consumer while bypassing the solenoid valve, characterized in that the relief valve is a combination valve that can be manually moved between two states, wherein, in the first state, the stored gas is allowed to flow from the tank to the consumer, and in the second state, the second channel includes a one-way valve to allow the tank to be replenished from the filling station without the replenishment gas passing through the solenoid valve.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first passage includes a manually operable isolation valve connected in series with the solenoid valve and preferably disposed between the solenoid valve and the tank.

[0017] In some embodiments, the isolation valve can be a combination valve that can be manually moved between two states, wherein in a first state, the tank is isolated, and in a second state, the tank is connected to the solenoid valve via a one-way valve that is oriented to allow stored gas to flow from the tank to the solenoid valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 As mentioned previously, this is a schematic diagram of a typical fuel system for a production engine. Figure 2A and 2B As mentioned above, a schematic diagram of a prior art tank valve operating in different modes is shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 2A and 2B1 instead of a variant of the valve according to the invention to allow bypassing the solenoid valve during the refilling of the tank, Figure 4 is with Figure 2A and 2B A similar schematic diagram of the tank valve of the present invention, Figure 5 and 6 is a cross-sectional view of a combined bleed and check valve in different valve positions, and Figure 7 and 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a combined manual stop and check valve in different valve states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] To avoid unnecessary repetition, Figure 4 When the embodiment of the invention is shown, the same reference numerals are assigned to the parts that play the same role as in the prior art, and they will not be described again. Parts that have been modified but serve similar purposes have been assigned reference numerals with the same last two significant digits. Two arrows of different shades are added to the drawings to indicate the direction of airflow, the darker arrow indicating the airflow during replenishment, and the lighter shaded arrow indicating the airflow from the tank to the consumer.

[0020] In the present invention, Figure 2A and 2B The discharge valve 28 is replaced by a valve 128 which is a combined discharge and check valve. When moved to the discharge valve state, the valve serves the same purpose as in the prior art of allowing the solenoid valve 14 to be bypassed. However, when not acting as a discharge valve, as indicated by the dark arrow, the valve 128 acts as a check valve to allow the tank 16 to be filled from the inlet 10 while bypassing the solenoid valve 14.

[0021] Figure 4The embodiment of also differs from the prior art in that the manual shutoff valve 12 has been moved from one side of the solenoid valve 14 to the other side and is located between the solenoid valve 14 and the tank. This allows the solenoid valve 14 to be removed for maintenance or inspection, even when the tank 16 is full. In addition, the manual shutoff valve 12 has been replaced by a combined valve 112 having a second state in which it acts as a one-way valve. Since the solenoid valve 14 will allow gas to flow toward the tank 16 in both of its positions, the check valve state of the combined manual valve 112 prevents gas from entering the tank when the tank is not fully isolated.

[0022] From the above description, it can be seen that Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment of the invention can provide a passage for high flow rate tank filling that bypasses the solenoid valve during the filling operation without requiring additional passages that would require additional machining / drilling operations and possibly external seals. The on-tank valve also allows for simultaneous filling of multiple tanks connected in series, thereby avoiding the need for an external distribution manifold and additional high pressure lines / fittings.

[0023] The embodiment of the combination valve 128 is Figure 5 is shown in the first state. Figure 6 1 is shown in its second state. To receive the combination valve 128, a stepped through hole is bored in the OTV body 210 and is threaded at its wider outer end. The combination valve includes a valve seat element 212, which is pressed against a shoulder of the stepped through hole by an annular collar 214. An actuator 216 is threadedly engaged with the inner bore of the annular collar 214. A valve closing member or shuttle 218 is urged on the side of the valve seat element 212 opposite the collar 214 by a spring 220.

[0024] exist Figure 5 In its normal state shown, the actuator 216 is in a retracted position and is not in contact with the shuttle 218. The annular channel surrounding the valve seat 212 is connected to the consumer, and the narrow end of the through hole leads to the interior of the tank. The check valve formed by the shuttle 218 and the valve seat element 212 now serves to allow a one-way flow into the tank but not out of the tank. If the pressure in the annular channel exceeds the pressure in the line leading to the tank, the shuttle 218 is lifted off the valve seat element 212 against the action of the spring 220 and allows gas to flow along the Figure 5 The flow is in the direction shown by the black arrow.

[0025] exist Figure 6 In its second state shown, the valve 128 has been actuated to allow free flow in both directions between the interior of the tank and the line to the consumer. Figure 6In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the actuator 216 has been manually turned to a position in which a protrusion 222 at the end of the actuator 216 abuts against the shuttle 218 of the check valve and separates it from the seat element 212 against the action of the spring 220, thereby keeping the connection between the consumer device line and the interior of the tank open.

[0026] The embodiment of the combination valve 112 is Figure 7 is shown in its first state, Figure 8 3 is shown in its second state. As with the combination valve 128, to receive the combination valve 112, a stepped through hole is bored in the OTV body 310 and threaded at its wider outer end. The combination valve 112 includes a valve seat element 312 pressed against a shoulder of the stepped through hole by an annular collar 314. An actuator 316 is threadedly engaged with the inner bore of the annular collar 314. A valve closing member or shuttle 318 is urged against the side of the valve seat element 312 opposite the collar 314 by a spring 320.

[0027] The actuator 316 and valve seat element 312 of the combination valve 112 differ from the corresponding components of the valve 128 in that the actuator has no protrusion capable of contacting the shuttle 318 and the valve seat element 312 is equipped with an annular insert 322 capable of sealing the end of the actuator 316 .

[0028] exist Figure 7 In its normal state shown, the actuator 316 is in a retracted position and is not in contact with the annular insert 322. As in the case of the combination valve 128, the annular channel around the valve seat 312 is connected to the consumer, and the narrow end of the through hole leads to the interior of the tank. The check valve formed by the shuttle 318 and the valve seat element 312 now serves to allow a one-way flow into the tank but not out of the tank. If the pressure in the annular channel exceeds the pressure in the line leading to the tank, the shuttle 318 overcomes the action of the spring 320 and is lifted off the valve seat element 312, allowing gas to flow along the tank. Figure 6 The flow is in the direction shown by the black arrow.

[0029] exist Figure 8 In its second state shown, valve 112 has been actuated to isolate the tank. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the actuator 316 has been manually rotated to a position in which its end seals against the insert 322, thereby preventing any gas from flowing past the valve seat element, thereby keeping the canister sealed at all times.

Claims

1. A tank valve for fitting to a tank (16) to allow gas stored in the tank (16) to be supplied to a gas consumer (500) and to allow the tank to be used for gas replenishment from a filling station (508), the valve (506) having a valve body, the valve body defining at least two flow channels communicating with the tank (16), the first of the two flow channels containing a solenoid valve (14) to control the flow of gas from the tank (16) to the consumer (500), and the second channel containing a manually operable relief valve (128) to enable the stored gas to be supplied to the consumer (500) while bypassing the solenoid valve (14), characterized in that The discharge valve (128) is a combined valve that can be manually moved between two states, wherein in a first state, the stored gas is allowed to flow from the tank (16) to the consumer (500), and in a second state, the second channel contains a non-return valve to allow the tank (16) to be replenished from the filling station (508) without the replenishing gas passing through the solenoid valve (14).

2. The tank valve according to claim 1, wherein: The first passage includes a manually operable isolation valve (112) connected in series with the solenoid valve (14).

3. The tank valve according to claim 2, wherein: The isolation valve (112) is arranged between the solenoid valve (14) and the tank (16).

4. The tank valve according to claim 3, wherein: The isolation valve (112) is a combination valve that is manually movable between two states, wherein in a first state, the tank (16) is isolated, and in a second state, the tank (16) is connected to the solenoid valve (14) via a one-way valve oriented to allow stored gas to flow from the tank (16) to the solenoid valve (14).

5. A tank valve according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first passage also includes a relief valve (18) disposed between the solenoid valve (14) and the tank (16).

6. A tank valve according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first channel also includes a filter (20).

7. A tank valve according to any preceding claim, wherein: The valve body defines an additional passage connected to a temperature sensor (26).

8. A tank valve according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first channel further comprises a pressure sensor (24).

9. A tank valve according to any preceding claim, further comprising a heat activated pressure relief device (30) connected to the second passage between the tank (16) and the relief valve (128).

Images