Valve assembly for fluid control

Abstract

The valve assembly for fluid control according to the present invention comprises: a first flow path through which hydrogen gas flows so as to fill a high-pressure container with hydrogen gas or to use hydrogen gas filled in the high-pressure container; a second flow path connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path and used for supplying hydrogen gas to the high-pressure container during filling; a third flow path connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path and used for discharging the hydrogen gas stored in the high-pressure container when the gas is used; a fourth flow path connected between the high-pressure vessel and the first flow path; a manual valve installed in the first flow path and configured to manually open and close the first flow path; the electromagnetic valve is arranged on the third flow path and is used for automatically opening and closing the third flow path; and an exhaust valve installed in the fourth flow path and used for opening and closing the fourth flow path so as to exhaust the hydrogen gas in the high-pressure container through the first flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve assembly for fluid control, that is, when it is necessary to fill the high-pressure container with hydrogen stored in the high-pressure container or supply it to a gas using part, the valve assembly controls the flow of hydrogen. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in hydrogen fuel cell systems, a fluid control valve is installed in a high-pressure container storing hydrogen to control the flow of hydrogen when filling the high-pressure container with hydrogen and to control the flow of raw gas when supplying the hydrogen stored in the high-pressure container to the gas using unit.

[0003] Fluid control valves should achieve the following: precisely control the flow of hydrogen according to electrical signals, maintain constant pressure of the fluid stored in the pressure vessel, and prevent the high-pressure vessel from exploding when a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle rolls over or catches fire.

[0004] As disclosed in Korean Patent Gazette 10-1407015 (June 5, 2014), the existing fluid control valve assembly includes: a first flow path installed at the inlet of a high-pressure container, through which filling raw gas flows; a second flow path, through which supply raw gas flows; and an exhaust valve, which is arranged on a seventh flow path connected to the high-pressure container. If the exhaust valve is activated, the raw gas in the high-pressure container will be directly discharged to the outside through the seventh flow path.

[0005] In this case, the high-pressure gas in the high-pressure container will be directly discharged to the outside, so the stability will be reduced. For vehicles equipped with hydrogen fuel cell systems, there may be a problem of increased danger due to the release of high-pressure raw gas into the engine room of the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a valve assembly for fluid control, that is, by changing the flow path in which the exhaust valve is installed to prevent the gas exhausted from the high-pressure container from being discharged to the outside when the exhaust valve is started, thereby improving safety by preventing the high-pressure gas from being directly discharged to the outside.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the valve assembly for fluid control of the present invention comprises: a high-pressure container for storing hydrogen; a first flow path, which is connected to a filling part for filling hydrogen and a gas using part for using hydrogen so as to allow the hydrogen for filling and use to flow through the flow path; a second flow path, which is connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path and is used to supply hydrogen to the high-pressure container during filling; a third flow path, which is connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path and is used to discharge the hydrogen stored in the high-pressure container when the gas is used; a manual valve, which is installed in the first flow path and is used to manually open and close the first flow path; an electromagnetic valve, which is installed in the third flow path and is used to automatically open and close the third flow path; a fourth flow path, which is connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path; and an exhaust valve, which is installed in the fourth flow path and is used to open and close the fourth flow path to discharge the hydrogen inside the high-pressure container through the first flow path.

[0010] The second flow path and the third flow path may be connected to the first flow path on the rear side of the manual valve, and the fourth flow path may be connected to the first flow path on the front side of the manual valve.

[0011] The fourth flow path is provided with a decompression device, which can discharge the pressure inside the high-pressure container to the outside when the pressure of the high-pressure container increases due to temperature.

[0012] A first check valve may be installed in the second flow path to open the flow of hydrogen supplied to the high-pressure container and block reverse flow, and a second check valve may be installed in the third flow path to open the flow of hydrogen discharged from the high-pressure container and block reverse flow.

[0013] A gas exhaust port is provided in a flow path connected to the first flow path and supplying hydrogen to the gas usage portion so as to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen discharged from the high-pressure container to the gas usage pressure and then discharge it. If the operation is started in the direction of opening the exhaust valve, the high-pressure hydrogen discharged through the fourth flow path can flow through the first flow path and be discharged through the gas exhaust port.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] As described above, the fluid control valve assembly of the present invention is connected with a fourth flow path between the high-pressure container and the first flow path. If the exhaust valve is installed in the fourth flow path and the exhaust valve is activated, the high-pressure hydrogen in the high-pressure container will flow through the first flow path and be discharged through the gas outlet that is decompressed to the gas use pressure, thereby improving safety by preventing the high-pressure hydrogen from being directly discharged to the outside. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of a fluid control valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2This is a diagram showing the flow of gas in the fluid control valve assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention when hydrogen gas is filled.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the flow of gas in a fluid control valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when hydrogen gas is used.

[0019] Figure 4 The figure shows the flow of gas in the fluid control valve assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention when the exhaust valve is activated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the process, for the sake of clarity and convenience of explanation, the size or shape of the structural elements shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated. In addition, considering the structure and function of the present invention, the specially defined terms may vary according to the intention or convention of the user or operator. These terms should be defined based on the overall content of this specification.

[0021] Figure 1 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of a fluid control valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The valve assembly for fluid control of the embodiment of the present invention includes: a high-pressure container for storing hydrogen; a first flow path 10, which is connected to a filling part filled with hydrogen and a gas using part using hydrogen to allow hydrogen for filling and use to flow through a flow path; a second flow path 12, which is connected between the high-pressure container 100 and the first flow path 10, and is used to supply hydrogen to the high-pressure container 100 during filling; a third flow path 14, which is connected between the high-pressure container 100 and the first flow path 10, and is used to discharge the hydrogen stored in the high-pressure container 100 when using the gas; and a plurality of valves, which are installed in the first flow path 10, the second flow path 12 and the third flow path 14, and are used to control the flow of the fluid.

[0023] A first filter 20 is installed in the first flow path 10 for filtering hydrogen flowing through the first flow path 10 for filling and using gas, and a second filter 22 is installed in the third flow path 14 for filtering hydrogen discharged from the high-pressure container 100 .

[0024] In order to fill hydrogen, a first check valve 30 is installed in the second flow path 12 to open the gas flow supplied to the high-pressure container 100 and block the reverse gas flow, and a second check valve 32 is installed in the third flow path 14 to open the gas flow discharged from the hydrogen stored in the high-pressure container 100 and block the reverse gas flow.

[0025] A manual valve 24 is installed in the first flow path 10 for manually opening and closing the first flow path 10 , and an electromagnetic valve 26 is installed in the third flow path 14 for automatically opening and closing the third flow path 14 according to an electrical signal.

[0026] The over-current blocking valve 34 is installed in the third flow path 14 to prevent the raw gas inside the high-pressure container 100 from flowing out abnormally in large quantities if the vehicle pipe breaks when the vehicle has an accident or rollover. The over-current blocking valve 34 can be arranged between the high-pressure container 100 and the electromagnetic valve 26.

[0027] A temperature sensor 36 is installed in the high-pressure container 100 to measure the temperature inside the high-pressure container 100 . The temperature sensor 36 is connected to a control unit 38 that controls the electromagnetic valve 26 by inputting an electrical signal to the electromagnetic valve 26 , thereby inputting a temperature signal to the control unit 38 .

[0028] A fourth flow path 16 is connected between the first flow path 10 and the high-pressure container 100, and a bleed valve 50 is installed in the fourth flow path 16. In order to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure container 100, the bleed valve 50 opens the fourth flow path 16 at any time or when the pressure inside the high-pressure container exceeds a set pressure value, and discharges hydrogen inside the high-pressure container 100 to the first flow path 10.

[0029] Furthermore, the fourth flow path 16 is provided with a decompression device 52 to release the pressure inside the high-pressure container 100 to the outside if the pressure inside the high-pressure container 100 increases due to temperature when a vehicle accident or a vehicle fire occurs.

[0030] A gas discharge port 60 is provided in the flow path connected to the gas using portion of the first flow path 10 to discharge the high-pressure hydrogen gas stored in the high-pressure container 100 after reducing the pressure to a use pressure.

[0031] The fourth flow path 16 is connected to the first flow path 10 connected to the front side of the manual valve 24 . The hydrogen gas discharged to the fourth flow path 16 flows directly into the gas discharge port 60 without passing through the manual valve 24 , and is discharged to the outside through the gas discharge port 60 .

[0032] The valve assembly of this embodiment can connect the fourth flow path 16 with the first flow path 10 and install the exhaust valve 50 on the fourth flow path 16. When the exhaust valve 50 is opened, the hydrogen in the high-pressure container 100 is supplied to the gas exhaust port 60 through the fourth flow path 16 and the first flow path 10 so as to be discharged after decompression, thereby improving stability.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, during the start-up of filling of the valve assembly of this embodiment constructed as described above, as shown by arrow A, hydrogen supplied through the first flow path 10 flows through the second flow path 12 and fills the high-pressure container 100.

[0034] In this case, the flow of the filling gas to the third flow path 14 is blocked by the second check valve 32 , and the flow to the fourth flow path 16 is blocked by the bleed valve 50 .

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, in terms of gas flow when using gas, as shown by arrow B, if the electromagnetic valve 26 is opened, the hydrogen stored in the high-pressure container 100 is discharged through the third flow path 14 and flows through the first flow path 10, and after being reduced in pressure to the gas use pressure by the pressure reducing device, it is supplied to the gas use part.

[0036] In this case, the flow of the gas for use to the second flow path 14 is blocked by the first check valve 30 .

[0037] Figure 4 2 shows the flow of hydrogen when the exhaust valve 50 is activated. Figure 4 It can be seen that, as shown by arrow C, when the exhaust valve 50 is activated and the fourth flow path 16 is opened, the hydrogen gas stored in the high-pressure container 100 is discharged through the fourth flow path 16, flows into the first flow path 10, and is supplied to the gas exhaust port 60. In addition, while flowing through the gas exhaust port 60, the pressure is reduced to the use pressure, and then discharged to the outside or flows into the gas use part.

[0038] In this case, since the manual valve 24 is in the closed state, the high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged through the fourth flow path 16 and flowing into the first flow path 10 is prevented from flowing back into the high-pressure container 100 through the first flow path 10 .

[0039] Therefore, if the high-pressure hydrogen gas stored in the high-pressure container is directly discharged, there is a problem of reduced stability due to the high pressure. However, the valve assembly of this embodiment installs the exhaust valve on the fourth flow path connected between the first flow path and the high-pressure container, and can prevent the high-pressure hydrogen gas stored in the high-pressure container from being directly discharged to the outside by opening the fourth flow path.

[0040] The present invention is illustrated and described above by taking specific preferred embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and various changes and modifications may be made by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention.

[0041] Industrial Applicability

[0042] In a hydrogen fuel cell system, the present invention can be applied to fluid control for controlling the flow of a raw material gas when filling a high-pressure container with hydrogen or supplying hydrogen stored in a high-pressure container to a gas using unit.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for fluid control, characterized in that: include: High-pressure vessels for storing hydrogen; The first flow path is connected to a filling part for filling hydrogen gas and a gas using part for using hydrogen gas so that hydrogen gas for filling and using flows through the first flow path; a second flow path connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path and used to supply hydrogen to the high-pressure container during filling; a third flow path, connected between the high-pressure container and the first flow path, for discharging hydrogen stored in the high-pressure container when the gas is used; A manual valve installed in the first flow path and used for manually opening and closing the first flow path; An electromagnetic valve installed in the third flow path and used for automatically opening and closing the third flow path; a fourth flow path connected between the high pressure container and the first flow path; and The exhaust valve is installed in the fourth flow path and is used to open and close the fourth flow path to exhaust the hydrogen inside the high-pressure container through the first flow path.

2. The fluid control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second flow path and the third flow path are connected to the first flow path on the rear side of the manual valve, and the fourth flow path is connected to the first flow path on the front side of the manual valve.

3. The fluid control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fourth flow path is provided with a decompression device, which discharges the pressure inside the high-pressure container to the outside when the pressure of the high-pressure container increases due to temperature.

4. The fluid control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first check valve is installed in the second flow path to open the flow of hydrogen supplied to the high-pressure container and block the reverse flow, and a second check valve is installed in the third flow path to open the flow of hydrogen discharged from the high-pressure container and block the reverse flow.

5. The fluid control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gas discharge port is provided in a flow path connected to the first flow path and supplying hydrogen to the gas using unit so as to discharge the high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the high-pressure container after reducing the pressure to the hydrogen gas of the use pressure. If the operation is started in the direction of opening the exhaust valve, the high-pressure hydrogen discharged through the fourth flow path flows through the first flow path and is discharged through the gas exhaust port.

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