Hydrogen regulating module for hydrogen internal combustion engine

By designing a hydrogen regulation module with a shared body integrating multiple functional components, the problem of complex packaging and low safety of the hydrogen regulation module in the hydrogen internal combustion engine is solved, and a simpler package and higher safety is achieved.

CN119790223APending Publication Date: 2025-04-08PHINIA DELPHI LUXEMBOURG SARL
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380062280.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-08-30
Filing Date
2023-08-28
Publication Date
2025-04-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The hydrogen regulation module in hydrogen internal combustion engines is complex in packaging and has low safety, especially during assembly and sealing of components where hydrogen is prone to leakage.

Method used

A hydrogen regulation module with a common body is designed to integrate a shut-off valve, pressure regulating valve, purge valve, pressure relief valve and filter unit, and integrate all components in one position using the common body to simplify packaging and improve safety.

Benefits of technology

Through the design of the common body, the packaging process of the hydrogen regulation module is simplified, safety is improved, and it is easier to install in the engine.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a hydrogen regulating module for a hydrogen internal combustion engine. The hydrogen regulating module (10) comprises a common body (12) internally defining a gas flow channel for a flow of hydrogen, the gas flow channel (11) extending from an air inlet (14) to an air outlet (16). The common body is integrated with: a shut-off valve (26) for selectively opening or closing the flow of hydrogen through the gas flow channel; a pressure regulating valve (28) configured to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen stream to the gas outlet; a purge valve (32) configured to purge the gas flow passage downstream of the shut-off valve; a first pressure relief valve (30) in fluid communication with the gas flow passage downstream of the shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve; and a filter unit (24) for retaining particles exceeding a predetermined particle size, arranged upstream of the shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve. A temperature sensor (40) and a pressure sensor (42) are provided on the hydrogen stream upstream of the shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a hydrogen regulating module for a hydrogen internal combustion engine. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen, like electric cars, is increasingly seen as a way to mitigate the environmental impact of the world's 1.2 billion cars, most of which burn gasoline and diesel. Makers of large trucks, commercial vehicles and passenger cars are currently developing hydrogen engines, which use hydrogen as a fuel instead of the usual liquid fuel.

[0003] Hydrogen is stored in a high-pressure tank on the vehicle at a pressure of 500 to 700 bar and above. The tank is part of a fuel supply system that contains various components for discharging a predetermined amount of hydrogen into each combustion chamber.

[0004] On the downstream low-pressure side of the fuel supply system is the fuel rail, to which multiple fuel injectors are connected. Upstream of this, components with various functions are required, such as a shut-off valve for stopping the flow of hydrogen to the fuel rail when the engine is shut down, and a pressure regulating valve for expanding the high-pressure hydrogen flow discharged from the tank to an operating pressure range of 20 to 40 bar. Traditionally, the fuel supply system also includes a filter and a pressure relief valve that opens when the pressure downstream of the pressure regulator increases above a predetermined pressure threshold. In addition, the hydrogen temperature and pressure upstream of the regulator need to be monitored.

[0005] Integration of the various components in the engine can be somewhat complicated due to the different ways in which the various components are packaged. Additionally, due to the high likelihood of hydrogen leaking, special care must be taken during the assembly / sealing of the components.

[0006] Purpose of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problems, improve the packaging method and enhance safety. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a hydrogen regulation module for a hydrogen internal combustion engine, wherein the hydrogen regulation module (HRM) comprises a common body, the common body defines a gas flow path of a hydrogen flow inside, the gas flow path extends from an inlet to an outlet, the common body integrates:

[0009] a shutoff valve for selectively opening or closing the flow of hydrogen gas through the gas flow path;

[0010] A pressure regulating valve, used to adjust the pressure of the hydrogen gas flow toward the outlet;

[0011] a purge valve for purging the gas flow path downstream of the stop valve;

[0012] a first pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the gas flow path downstream of the shutoff valve and the pressure regulating valve;

[0013] a filter unit for intercepting particles exceeding a predetermined particle size, which is disposed upstream of the stop valve and the pressure regulating valve; and

[0014] Preferably, a temperature sensor (40) and a pressure sensor (42) are provided for determining the temperature and pressure of the hydrogen gas flow upstream of the shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve, respectively.

[0015] Thus, the present invention provides a hydrogen regulation module which has advantages in terms of packaging due to the use of a common body, integrating all components in one location. The HRM can be handled and tested for seals as a single component. It is therefore easy to install in the engine and has improved safety.

[0016] The function of the shut-off valve is to allow or prevent hydrogen from passing through the HRM. In particular, when the engine is turned off, the shut-off valve must be closed. Preferably, the shut-off valve is a normally closed valve, i.e. closed by default, without the need for an external energy source.

[0017] The pressure regulating valve (or pressure regulator) regulates the pressure of the hydrogen flowing to the engine. Therefore, the hydrogen path upstream of the pressure regulating valve is the high pressure side, while the downstream part is the low pressure side. The pressure regulating valve is usually configured to regulate the hydrogen flow within a predetermined range, for example between 20 and 40 bar.

[0018] The purge valve acts as a safety feature to purge hydrogen from the fuel delivery circuit on the low pressure side. That is, activating the purge valve will allow the purging / removal of hydrogen from the fuel circuit / piping between the HRM and the fuel rail / fuel injectors.

[0019] Stop valves, pressure regulating valves and purge valves can be of any suitable design and usually comprise a valve arrangement controlled by an actuator.

[0020] The first pressure relief valve is a safety component that will be triggered when the pressure on the low pressure side exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby opening an escape path for the hydrogen. Any suitable design may be adopted. Conveniently, the first pressure relief valve may include a check valve or other similar or equivalent valve.

[0021] In some embodiments, a filter unit is disposed upstream of the shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve.

[0022] In some embodiments, the HRM further integrates a second pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the gas flow path upstream of the shutoff valve and the pressure regulating valve. The second pressure relief valve is configured to open when the high pressure side pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure level.

[0023] In some embodiments, the HRM also integrates an oil injection device for discharging a predetermined amount of oil in the gas flow path. The oil injection device can be arranged at a position upstream of the shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve to discharge a predetermined amount of oil in the gas flow path. This enables the introduction of some lubricant in the hydrogen flow, which is beneficial to the mechanical parts.

[0024] In some embodiments, the HRM further comprises a heat exchanger device for influencing the temperature of the incoming hydrogen gas stream. The heat exchanger may comprise an auxiliary body assembled to the common body, the auxiliary body having a fluid channel inside for conveying a heat transfer fluid. The heat exchanger allows cooling or heating of the HRM common body, thereby controlling the temperature of the hydrogen gas stream flowing therethrough. Depending on the operating conditions, heating or cooling may be required.

[0025] In some embodiments, the HRM also integrates a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor for determining the temperature and pressure of the hydrogen gas flow, respectively, preferably upstream of the shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve. The pressure and temperature sensors can be combined in the same housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the shutoff valve and the pressure regulating valve are combined into a single component and are located in the same housing.

[0027] In general, the shutoff valve, pressure regulating valve and purge valve may each include a valve seat and a valve member disposed in a groove inside a common body, and an associated electromagnetic actuator disposed outside the common body, wherein the grooves are arranged sequentially on the hydrogen flow path. Thus, these components are arranged to interact with the hydrogen flow path to perform their respective functions. The shutoff valve and the pressure regulating valve are arranged to allow hydrogen flow to pass through. The purge valve may be arranged transversely to communicate with the hydrogen flow path.

[0028] In some embodiments, the HRM further comprises a mounting member assembled to the common body, the mounting member having a predetermined shape configured for installation in an internal combustion engine. The mounting member may have any desired shape or design suitable for installation in the engine. The HRM common body (optionally together with the heat exchanger) may be fixed to the mounting member, which in turn is fixed to the engine.

[0029] In some embodiments, the HRM may include two pressure regulating valves, particularly for applications requiring higher hydrogen flow rates.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a hydrogen internal combustion engine comprising an engine block having at least one cylinder, a hydrogen supply system comprising at least one fuel injector for injecting hydrogen into the at least one cylinder, and a hydrogen regulation module according to the present disclosure.

[0031] In some embodiments, the hydrogen regulation module is secured to a cylinder head of a hydrogen internal combustion engine.

[0032] In some embodiments, the hydrogen conditioning module is optionally secured to the engine block via a support member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 : is a schematic diagram of the principle of an implementation method of the hydrogen regulation module;

[0035] Figure 2 :for Figure 1 An exemplary perspective view of a hydrogen regulation module;

[0036] Figure 3 :for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the hydrogen regulation module;

[0037] Figure 4 : This is a cross-sectional view of the purge valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a principle embodiment of the present hydrogen regulation module (HRM) 10. The HRM 10 is designed as a module that contains a plurality of components with specific functions that are necessary for regulating the flow of hydrogen in order to burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine. The HRM 10 includes a body 12, called a common body, which integrates the various components, and the common body 12 forms a single structure with these components. In practice, the common body 12 is configured to accommodate these components. The common body can generally be made of metal, in particular stainless steel or aluminum, preferably having good compatibility with hydrogen.

[0039] exist Figure 1 In the figure, reference numeral 12 denotes a common body, in which a gas flow path 11 (or channel) is provided. The flow path 11 extends from a gas inlet 14, through which hydrogen enters the HRM 10, to a gas outlet 16, through which hydrogen is discharged. In practice, the gas inlet 14 is connected to a fuel tank via a supply pipe, in which hydrogen is stored at a pressure of 500 to 700 bar, for example. Therefore, the gas inlet 14 is an inlet section of the high pressure side of the HRM 10.

[0040] Hydrogen is discharged from the HRM 10 through an outlet 16 at an operating pressure typically between 20 and 40 bar. From the outlet 16, the low pressure hydrogen stream is delivered to the engine's fuel rail assembly 18, which includes a fuel rail 20 connected to a plurality of fuel injectors 22. The fuel injectors 22 may be arranged to allow the hydrogen to be injected directly into the engine cylinders.

[0041] The HRM 10 integrates at least the following components: a filter unit 24 , a stop valve 26 , a high pressure regulator 28 , a first pressure relief valve PRV 30 , and a purge valve 32 .

[0042] The filter unit 24 is configured to intercept particles exceeding a predetermined particle size. It is disposed on the upstream side of the flow path 11, upstream of the stop valve 26 and the high pressure regulator 28. The filter unit 24 may generally include a filter element having a predetermined mesh size (i.e., an opening having a given size, for example, the opening size may be less than 15 microns, 10 microns, or 8 microns).

[0043] The shut-off valve 26 allows the flow of hydrogen through the gas flow path 11 to be selectively opened or closed. The function of the shut-off valve 26 is to seal off the incoming hydrogen flow when it is not needed, i.e., usually when the engine is shut down, to avoid leakage of hydrogen into the non-operating engine. The shut-off valve 26 is preferably designed as "normally closed": the valve is closed by default. The shut-off valve 26 includes an actuator for opening the shut-off valve, i.e., moving the valve element to an open position away from the valve seat, allowing hydrogen to flow through the valve seat. Such an actuator may be of the solenoid type. The valve element may typically be biased in the closed position by a spring.

[0044] The high-pressure regulator 28 is designed to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen gas flow, i.e., to maintain the pressure within a predetermined pressure range. Preferably, the high-pressure regulator 28 is configured to regulate the pressure downstream of the regulator within a pressure range of 20 to 40 bar. The high-pressure regulator can be of any suitable design. For example, it may include a valve seat with an orifice, which cooperates with a regulating valve member, which can control the flow cross section through the regulator orifice. The regulating valve member is driven by an actuator (e.g., a solenoid actuator), by which the position of the valve member relative to the valve seat can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the flow cross section. In some embodiments, the shut-off valve 26 and the pressure regulator 28 can be integrated into a single component, such as Figure 1 Shown in the dashed rectangle.

[0045] The first pressure relief valve PRV 30 is a safety component designed to open when the pressure in the hydrogen flow path 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The inlet side of the pressure relief valve 30 is in communication with the low-pressure side of the hydrogen flow path 11, i.e., downstream of the high-pressure regulator 28. The downstream side of the PRV is connected to the vent 34. The PRV 32 may include, for example, a check valve.

[0046] The purge valve 32 is located downstream of the shutoff valve 26 and the high-pressure regulator 28. The purge valve 32 is disposed in a branch path 36 that connects the hydrogen flow path 11 to the vent 34. The inlet side of the purge valve 32 is at the pressure of the hydrogen flow path 11. The purge valve 32 can be a normally closed valve (i.e., closed by default), which is selectively controlled to open when the low-pressure side of the HRM 10 needs to be purged. In this case, the purge valve solenoid actuator is energized to open the purge valve, thereby establishing fluid communication between the hydrogen flow path 11 and the vent 34, thereby allowing hydrogen to be discharged into the environment. For example, after the engine is shut down, when the shutoff valve 26 is closed, such a purge may be required to purge the low-pressure side. Alternatively, the purge valve can be designed as a normally open valve, driven to a closed position by an actuator.

[0047] Preferably, the HRM 10 further comprises a pressure sensor 40 and a temperature sensor 42 housed in the common body 12 for sensing the hydrogen flow in the flow path 11. Both sensors can be connected to the flow path 11 through a collection branch 44. The pressure sensor 40 and the temperature sensor 42 can be in the same housing or can be arranged separately.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the HRM 10 includes an optional heat exchanger device 46 configured to exchange heat with the common body 12 to control the temperature of the hydrogen gas flow through the flow path 11. In practice, a fluid channel may be provided extending within the common body 12 and / or within a heat exchanger body connected to the common body 12. A heat transfer fluid having an appropriate temperature circulates through the channel to heat or cool the common body 12, thereby heating or cooling the hydrogen gas flow through the flow path 11.

[0049] To improve safety, the HRM 10 advantageously includes another pressure relief valve 48, which is designed to open when the pressure on the upstream side of the hydrogen flow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The inlet side of the pressure relief valve 48 communicates with the hydrogen flow path 11 upstream of the shut-off valve 26. The downstream side of the PRV2 48 is connected to the vent 34. The PRV2 48 may include a check valve, for example.

[0050] Reference numeral 50 denotes an optional oil injection device configured to deliver a predetermined amount of oil to the hydrogen gas flow. Such an oil injection device provides a certain amount of lubrication for the fuel delivery system components (particularly the fuel injectors). In this embodiment, the oil injection device is configured to discharge oil in the high-pressure side hydrogen gas flow path 11. Alternatively, the oil injection device can be arranged after the high-pressure regulator 28.

[0051] Figure 2 Shows the embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of the HRM 10' showing the HRM design principle. Figure 3is a cross-sectional view of the HRM 10'. The common body 12 is constructed as a metal block having a plurality of recesses 61 for accommodating various components, such as Figure 3 As shown, the grooves 61 are connected to each other through the flow path 11 in the metal block 12. That is, the grooves have openings that communicate with the flow path 11.

[0052] Now let’s look at it in more detail. Figure 2 , it can be seen that the inlet connector 60 is connected to the air inlet 14, while the outlet connector 62 is connected to the air outlet 16. Figure 2 Thus, the common body 12 integrates: an oil filling device 50 , pressure and temperature sensors 40 , 42 , a filter 24 , a shut-off valve 26 and a high-pressure regulator 28 , a purge valve 32 and two pressure relief valves 30 , 48 .

[0053] In fact, Figure 2 Only the outer part of the assembly can be seen. This is the common electrical connector 41 for the pressure and temperature sensors. For the oil filling device 50, the connector 50.1 and the solenoid actuator 50.2 can be seen. In addition, the oil inlet pipe 64 can be seen on the side of the common body 12 for supplying oil to the oil filling device 50.

[0054] Here the shut-off valve 26 and the high pressure regulator 28 are combined into a single component, driven by a single solenoid actuator 27 with a connector 29 .

[0055] As for the purge valve 32, its solenoid actuator 32.1 and connector 32.2 can be seen, as well as the purge outlet connection 33 for collecting the purged hydrogen gas.

[0056] Reference numeral 66 denotes an outlet connection of the vent 34 for collecting hydrogen released by the pressure relief valve. Figure 1 The schematic diagram is slightly different. Figure 1 The outlets of the pressure relief valve and the purge valve are combined into a single outlet.

[0057] The heat exchanger device 46 comprises a plate-like body 67 assembled to and in contact with the bottom of the common body 12. The plate-like body 67 comprises an internal fluid channel 68 for circulating a heat transfer fluid. Reference numerals 70 and 71 denote inlet and outlet connections of the internal fluid channel 68. The fluid channel 68 may be, for example, U-shaped, with two longitudinal channels 68.1 extending from respective inlet and outlet connections and interconnected at opposite ends by transverse channels 68.2.

[0058] The common body 12 is also assembled to a mounting plate 72, which is located opposite the heat exchanger body 67. The mounting plate may have any suitable shape, generally adapted to fit in a fixed position.

[0059] exist Figure 3 In the figure, the oil filling device 50, the combined shut-off valve 26 and high-pressure regulator 28 and the purge valve 32 can be seen. The fuel filter 24 is inserted into the inlet section of the flow path 11. It can be noted that the gas flow path 11 actually consists of two sections. The first section 11.1 is from the inlet connection 60 to the combined shut-off valve 26 and pressure regulating valve 28. When the combination 26, 28 is open, the gas flow (see arrows) passes through the combination and flows radially out of the cylindrical body of the functional component to the second section 11.2, which is partially shown in the figure and is connected to the purge valve 32 and finally to the outlet connection 62. The positions of the upstream and downstream pressure relief valves 48 and 30 are also indicated. They are connected to the high-pressure section 11.1 and the low-pressure section 11.2 of the gas flow path 11, respectively.

[0060] It will be appreciated that the electromagnetically driven components (ie, the oil injection device 50, the combined shutoff valve 26 and high pressure regulator 28, and the purge valve 32) include an inner portion and an outer portion, the outer portion being essentially a solenoid actuator with an electrical connector.

[0061] The inner part (or functional part) is usually designed as one unit or box, for example in the form of a cylindrical / tubular body comprising a valve seat surrounding a flow orifice, and a valve member movable relative to the valve seat.

[0062] In general, the internal portion may be designed to provide any specific function. In particular, the functional portion may include valve means in the flow passage for controlling the flow of fluid to or away from the flow path 11 in the common body 12. For example, it may control the supply of hydrogen to or exhaust of hydrogen from the flow path 11, or introduce a fluid into the flow of hydrogen flowing to the path 11.

[0063] The actuating part is capable of generating an actuating force to drive a mechanical device in the functional part. For example, in the case of a valve device, the actuating element of the actuating part can act on a valve member of the functional part, in particular through a valve shaft. The valve shaft and the actuating rod can be made in one piece or in two pieces. Alternatively, the functional part can be designed as a pump, in which case the actuating element of the actuating part acts on a piston in a pump chamber, and the outlet valve device of the pump chamber is configured to open automatically when a predetermined pressure is reached in the pump chamber.

[0064] This concept is Figure 4 In the explanation, Figure 4An assembly 80 is shown, which has an actuating portion 82 and a functional portion 84 configured as a simple switching valve. This design corresponds to the design of the purge valve 32 (or shut-off valve). The functional portion 84 comprises a cylindrical body 84.1, inside which there is a flow channel 84.2, which has an axial section 84.3, a valve seat section 84.4 and a transverse section 84.5. The valve seat section 84.4 comprises a valve seat 84.6 surrounding a flow orifice 84.7 (leading from the axial section to the transverse section). The valve seat can be opened or closed by a valve member 84.8 (here a spherical member), which can be selectively driven by the actuator 82, here by a valve shaft 84.9. The valve shaft 84.9 is axially guided in a hole 84.10 of a valve body wall 84.11 defining a transverse channel 84.5, opposite to the axial section 84.3. This side of the valve body 84.1 forms the connection end, and the valve shaft is received in the end groove 84.12.

[0065] The actuating portion 82 is the outer portion of the assembly 80 and includes an electromagnetic coil 82.2 surrounding a movable armature 82.3 in a housing 82.1, and the movable armature 82.3 is configured to act on an actuating rod 82.4. Reference numeral 82.7 denotes an electrical connector, the wires of which extend to the coil 82.2. As is known, energizing the coil 82.2 will generate a magnetic field, causing the armature 82.3 to move toward the functional portion 84 in the direction of the arrow, thereby transmitting the actuating force to the functional portion 84 through the actuating rod 82.4. Therefore, the actuating rod 82.4 is axially aligned with the valve shaft 84.9 in the functional portion, which enables the valve member 84.8 to move in the direction of the arrow.

[0066] The valve member 84.8 is pressed against the valve seat 84.5 (ie in the closed position) by a spring 84.13 provided in the axial section (fixed by a hollow screw 84.14 screwed into the axial section 84.2).

[0067] The actuating portion 82 is also roughly cylindrical, with the housing 82.1 defining a side 82.5 and a top 82.6. The side facing the functional portion is called a connection interface 86. The connection interface 86 includes a cylindrical groove 86.1 surrounded by a peripheral flange 86.2. The groove 86.1 has a central opening 86.3 for the actuating rod 82.4. The connection interface 86 is configured to cooperate with the connecting end of the functional portion, specifically through shape matching. Therefore, the inner diameter of the groove 86.1 corresponds to the outer diameter of the valve body 84.1 at the connecting end. In fact, the functional portion and the actuating portion can be assembled to each other at the connecting interface / connection end by press fitting, crimping, threaded connection or gluing. In use, pressurized hydrogen flows in the flow path 11. The valve member 84.8 is biased in the closing direction by a spring 84.13, and when the electromagnetic coil 82.2 is energized, the valve shaft 84.9 can be driven by the actuating rod 82.4 to lift the valve member 84.8 from the valve seat 84.6. When the valve member 84.8 is opened, hydrogen can escape through the axial section 84.3 and then through the transverse section 84.5, from where it enters the lateral channel 13 in the common body 12 and escapes towards the dedicated purge connector 33.

[0068] Internal sealing of the gas flow path 11 is achieved by means of an annular seal 88 arranged in a peripheral groove 89 .

[0069] As can be seen from the figure, the actuating portion 82 is partially embedded in the groove 61 through the connection interface and abuts against the shoulder 90. The flange 86.2 has a peripheral groove 92 in which an annular seal 94 is received to provide an external seal.

[0070] In some embodiments, the actuating portion may include a radial flange (not shown) by which it is threadedly connected to the common body. In this case, in addition to the seal 94, or as an alternative to the seal 94, the flange may be provided with an annular seal (not shown) which is compressed against the surface of the peripheral body.

[0071] exist Figure 3 It can be noted that the gas flow path 11 actually comprises two sections. The first section is from the inlet connection 60 to the combined shut-off valve 26 and pressure regulating valve 28. When the combined assembly 26, 28 is open, the gas flow (see arrows) passes through the combined assembly and then flows radially out of the cylindrical body of the functional component to the second section 11.2, which is partially shown in the figure and communicates with the purge valve 32, and finally reaches the outlet connection 62.

[0072] In practice, the hydrogen regulation module (HRM) and its various components are designed for operating pressures up to about 55 bar. The regulator 28 is preferably configured to regulate pressure between a minimum pressure Pmin=3 bar and a maximum pressure Pmax=40 bar. The choice of materials is based on an operating temperature of -40°C to 125°C and compatibility with hydrogen. The upstream pressure relief valve 48 is preferably configured to open at a pressure of about 1.5 times Pmax, i.e., about 60 to 65 bar. The downstream pressure relief valve 30 can be configured to open when the pressure downstream of the pressure regulator 28 increases by about 10%, 20%, or 30%, or even more, than Pmax.

Claims

1. A hydrogen regulating module for a hydrogen internal combustion engine, wherein: The hydrogen regulation module (10) comprises a common body (12), wherein a gas flow path of the hydrogen gas flow is defined inside the common body, wherein the gas flow path (11) extends from a gas inlet (14) to a gas outlet (16), and wherein the common body integrates: a shut-off valve (26) for selectively opening or closing the flow of hydrogen through the gas flow path; a pressure regulating valve (28), the pressure regulating valve (28) being configured to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen gas flow toward the gas outlet; a purge valve (32) configured to allow purging of the gas flow path downstream of the shutoff valve; a first pressure relief valve (30) in fluid communication with the gas flow path downstream of the shutoff valve and the pressure regulating valve; a filter unit (24), the filter unit (24) being used to intercept particles exceeding a predetermined particle size and being arranged upstream of the stop valve and the pressure regulating valve; as well as A temperature sensor (40) and a pressure sensor (42) are provided, wherein the temperature sensor (40) and the pressure sensor (42) are respectively arranged to determine the temperature and the pressure of the hydrogen gas flow upstream of the shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve.

2. The hydrogen regulation module according to claim 1, wherein: The filter unit (24) is disposed upstream of the stop valve (26) and the pressure regulating valve (28).

3. The hydrogen regulation module according to claim 1 or 2, further integrating a second pressure relief valve (48), wherein the second pressure relief valve (48) is fluidically connected to the gas flow path upstream of the shut-off valve (26) and the pressure regulating valve (28).

4. The hydrogen regulation module according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising an integrated oil injection device (50), wherein the oil injection device (50) is configured to discharge a predetermined amount of oil in the gas flow path (11).

5. The hydrogen regulation module according to claim 4, wherein: The oil injection device (50) is arranged to discharge a predetermined amount of oil in the gas flow path (11) at a position upstream of the shutoff valve and the pressure regulating valve.

6. A hydrogen conditioning module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heat exchanger arrangement (46) arranged to influence the temperature of the incoming hydrogen flow.

7. The hydrogen regulation module according to claim 6, wherein: The heat exchanger comprises an auxiliary body (67) assembled to the common body, the auxiliary body having a fluid channel (68) inside for conveying a heat transfer fluid.

8. A hydrogen conditioning module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shut-off valve (26) and the pressure regulating valve (28) are combined into a single component.

9. A hydrogen regulation module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a further pressure regulating valve.

10. A hydrogen conditioning module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shut-off valve, the pressure regulating valve and the purge valve each include a valve seat and a valve member disposed in a groove within the common body, and an associated electromagnetic actuator disposed outside the common body, wherein the grooves are arranged sequentially on the hydrogen flow path.

11. A hydrogen conditioning module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mounting member (72) assembled to the common body, the mounting member having a predetermined shape and configured for installation in an internal combustion engine.

12. A hydrogen internal combustion engine comprising an engine block having at least one cylinder, a hydrogen supply system comprising at least one fuel injector for injecting hydrogen into the at least one cylinder, and a hydrogen regulation module according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The hydrogen internal combustion engine according to claim 12, wherein: The hydrogen regulation module is fixed to a cylinder head of the hydrogen internal combustion engine.

14. The hydrogen internal combustion engine according to claim 12, wherein: The hydrogen regulation module is secured to the engine block.

15. The hydrogen internal combustion engine according to claim 14, wherein: The hydrogen regulation module is fixed to the engine block via a support member.