Hydrogen tank and tank receiver for hydrogen powered vehicles

Abstract

A tank (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701) for hydrogen for a hydrogen powered vehicle, wherein the tank comprises: a hydrogen container (12), a bladder (5) disposed within the hydrogen container, wherein the bladder divides an internal volume of the hydrogen container into a hydrogen volume (11) and a bladder volume (14), wherein the hydrogen container is configured to receive hydrogen in the hydrogen volume; the bladder is configured to be inflatable between a first volume and a second volume, wherein the first volume is smaller than the second volume, wherein the bladder is configured to be at the first volume after the hydrogen container is filled with hydrogen at a fill pressure; the bladder is inflated towards the second volume as hydrogen is evacuated from the hydrogen volume, thereby reducing the hydrogen volume.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen-powered machinery (such as vehicles). Specifically, it relates to a tank for hydrogen, a tank receiver, and a method for refilling hydrogen.

[0002] Vehicles equipped with conventional internal combustion engines based on fossil fuels emit pollutants (such as CO2, NO). x and SO x The drawbacks of [other technologies] are that [they have] the disadvantages of [other energy sources]. Therefore, in recent years, the combination of alternative energy sources for transportation vehicles has become increasingly popular. For example, this can include electric propulsion, but it can also include hydrogen-based motors.

[0003] Hydrogen fuel produces no pollutants. It is environmentally friendly. However, some practical issues in hydrogen use have become obstacles to its large-scale adoption as a transportation energy source.

[0004] For example, a practical problem is the difficulty in using all the hydrogen supplied in a hydrogen tank. Typically, the pressure of a common hydrogen container is 35 MPa or 70 MPa. During use, the pressure in the hydrogen container gradually decreases as hydrogen is vented. According to ISO 19880-1:2020, the minimum pressure for replenishing hydrogen is 0.5 MPa. When the pressure is below 0.5 MPa, residual hydrogen cannot be used. As an approximation, when calculating the amount of residual hydrogen remaining in the container at an ambient temperature of 25°C using the ideal gas law, for 49.7 L and 99.4 L containers, the values ​​at 35 MPa and 70 MPa are 20.3 g and 40.7 g, respectively.

[0005] Another practical problem is that the infrastructure for distributing and storing hydrogen is not yet widespread. Even when hydrogen can be supplied by trucks or ships, there is still the issue of the need for specialized equipment to refuel these vehicles with the hydrogen.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and / or practical problems of the prior art, or at least to provide an alternative to the prior art. A specific objective of this invention is to provide a system that allows more hydrogen to be vented from a hydrogen container. Another objective of this invention is to provide a rapid and flexible method for replenishing hydrogen.

[0007] One or more purposes are achieved through a tank of hydrogen used in hydrogen-powered machinery (such as a vehicle), wherein the tank includes • Hydrogen container, • A gas bladder arranged within the hydrogen container, wherein the gas bladder divides the internal volume of the hydrogen container into a hydrogen volume and a gas bladder volume. in, • The hydrogen container is configured to receive hydrogen in a hydrogen volume; • The airbag is configured to inflate between a first volume and a second volume, wherein the first volume is smaller than the second volume, and wherein the airbag is configured to: • After the hydrogen container is filled with hydrogen at the filling pressure, it is in the first volume; • When hydrogen gas is vented from the hydrogen gas volume, it expands toward the second volume, thereby reducing the hydrogen gas volume.

[0008] This invention therefore relates to a tank for hydrogen. Preferably, the tank is used for hydrogen-powered machines, such as vehicles. Vehicles can be, for example, automobiles, buses, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, surface and / or underwater vehicles, flying vehicles and underwater flying vehicles, and jet vehicles. Vehicles can be manned or unmanned. Vehicles can be powered entirely by hydrogen or are hybrid vehicles combining hydrogen with another power source. Machines can be, for example, robots, such as AI robots and / or mobile robots. Machines can be, for example, generators. Machines (e.g., vehicles) include a hydrogen power source. Vehicles can include, for example, a hydrogen internal combustion engine, although it is contemplated that the invention can also be applied to hydrogen-powered vehicles including fuel cells. Optionally, the vehicle includes an auxiliary power source, such as an electric motor. Thus, the vehicle can be a hybrid vehicle, for example, including a hydrogen internal combustion engine or fuel cell and an electric motor.

[0009] It is particularly envisioned that, with relatively minor modifications, this invention can be used in existing vehicles with internal combustion engines (optionally, plug-in hybrid vehicles). Apart from the engine, only the fossil fuel tank and piping system need to be removed and replaced with components of this invention to enable conversion. Other components can be maintained as originally supplied by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).

[0010] The container includes a hydrogen container. The hydrogen container can be made of any suitable material for containing hydrogen at the required pressure. Depending on the application, the hydrogen container can have any suitable shape or size.

[0011] Preferably, the airbag is disposed inside the hydrogen container. However, embodiments without an airbag are also contemplated. In this context, the airbag is a component with a flexible outer wall that allows expansion depending on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the outer wall. The flexible outer wall can be made of any suitable material, such as polyurethane. Although it is mentioned that the airbag is disposed inside the hydrogen container, a (small portion) of the airbag can be disposed outside the hydrogen container.

[0012] The gasbag divides the internal volume of a hydrogen container into at least two volumes: the hydrogen volume and the gasbag volume. The hydrogen volume is the volume of hydrogen that can be used to fill a canister, particularly a hydrogen container. The gasbag volume typically includes the internal volume of the gasbag and the flexible outer wall of the gasbag.

[0013] When a hydrogen container is filled with hydrogen, hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen volume under a filling pressure. The filling pressure can be appropriate and desirable, but commonly used pressures are, for example, 35 MPa or 70 MPa. The gasbag is in the first volume, which is typically a relatively small volume. A relatively high filling pressure will exert a large force on the flexible outer wall of the gasbag. This will cause the gasbag volume to compress. As the gasbag volume is compressed, the hydrogen volume increases. This allows more hydrogen to be filled into the hydrogen container.

[0014] During use, hydrogen is vented from the tank to be used as an energy source for the vehicle. When this occurs, the pressure within the hydrogen volume decreases. At a certain point, the hydrogen pressure drops to the point where the pressure exerted by the hydrogen on the outer wall of the gasbag becomes less than the internal pressure of the gasbag. This causes the gasbag (particularly the outer wall) to inflate. As the gasbag inflates, its volume increases, and the hydrogen volume decreases. This decrease in hydrogen volume causes the hydrogen pressure to increase or at least decrease more slowly. The gasbag will inflate to at least a second volume, which is larger than the first volume. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen pressure from becoming too low to be usable. More hydrogen can be used, and less residual hydrogen remains.

[0015] In an embodiment, the airbag is configured to be filled with an airbag fluid before use and to maintain a constant amount of airbag fluid in the airbag during use. In another embodiment, the amount of airbag fluid disposed in the airbag is configured to be the same in both a first and a second volume. For example, the canister is configured not to be connected to the airbag filling system during use. For example, the airbag is configured to remain closed during use. In this context, "during use" means at least when hydrogen is disposed in the canister and emptied from it.

[0016] Even if the canister is filled and emptied of hydrogen multiple times, the amount of fluid in the gasbag remains the same. The volume of the gasbag does not change during use due to more or less gasbag fluid being placed inside, but only due to the change in back pressure provided by the hydrogen in the hydrogen container.

[0017] In one embodiment, the gasbag is configured to maintain substantially constant pressure in the hydrogen volume while expanding from a first volume to a second volume.

[0018] In an embodiment, the airbag is configured to be internally pressurized under airbag pressure, wherein the airbag pressure is less than the hydrogen filling pressure. For example, the airbag can be pressurized under airbag pressure when the hydrogen volume is empty. When the airbag is filled under airbag pressure, the airbag may, for example, be in a second volume. Optionally, the airbag pressure is configured to be less than the filling pressure after being compressed to a first volume. The airbag may, for example, be configured to be compressed to a first volume when the can is filled with hydrogen.

[0019] In this embodiment, the airbag pressure is between 0.5 MPa and 10 MPa, for example, between 4 MPa and 8 MPa, such as 6 MPa. Given ISO 19880-1:2020, it may be advantageous if the airbag pressure is at least 0.5 MPa to maintain the hydrogen pressure at at least 0.5 MPa. Simultaneously, it may be advantageous if the airbag pressure is not too high to ensure that the initial volume is as small as possible after the canister has been filled with hydrogen.

[0020] In an embodiment, the airbag is configured to be filled with gas, for example, under airbag pressure. For example, the gas may be hydrogen. For example, the gas may be air. For example, the gas may be an inert gas. For example, the canister may include an airbag nozzle for filling the airbag with gas.

[0021] In this embodiment, the hydrogen container has an elongated shape. For example, the hydrogen container may have an elliptical cross-section. A cross-section taken in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the elliptical cross-section, for example, the hydrogen container may have a circular cross-section.

[0022] In one embodiment, the airbag is configured to expand in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen container to expand from a first volume to a second volume.

[0023] In this embodiment, the hydrogen container comprises an aluminum alloy (or is made of an aluminum alloy). Optionally, the aluminum alloy is treated to resist hydrogen embrittlement. This improves safety.

[0024] In an embodiment, the hydrogen container is configured to withstand at least twice the hydrogen pressure, for example, at least 70 MPa when the maximum hydrogen pressure is 35 MPa, or at least 140 MPa when the maximum hydrogen pressure is 70 MPa.

[0025] In an embodiment, the hydrogen container is configured to be lightweight and / or portable and / or impact-resistant.

[0026] In one embodiment, the hydrogen container includes an O-ring inside, for example, to prevent hydrogen leakage. For instance, the O-ring can be safely closed.

[0027] In this embodiment, the hydrogen container is configured to receive up to 0.5 liters of hydrogen, for example, at pressures between 5 MPa and 35 MPa. For example, a hydrogen container of this size can be suitable for use with fuel cells, AI mobile robots, unmanned vehicles, unmanned surface and underwater vehicles (UUVs), lightweight hydrogen-electric hybrid motorcycles, generators, and underwater flying (jet) vehicles.

[0028] In this embodiment, the hydrogen container is configured to receive up to 2 liters of hydrogen. For example, the hydrogen container can be configured to provide up to 1 kW of energy. For example, a hydrogen container of this size can be used with hydrogen-electric hybrid vehicles, large unmanned or manned vehicles, medium-sized UUV agricultural power supplies, hydrogen-electric mini-motorcycles, vans / trucks, cars, and medium-sized energy storage devices.

[0029] In this embodiment, the hydrogen container is configured to receive up to 10 liters of hydrogen. For example, the hydrogen container can be configured to provide up to 5 kW of energy. For instance, a hydrogen container of this size can be used in gasoline-electric hybrid trucks, buses, ships, and fisheries. It is also suitable for long-distance driving vehicles, large energy storage devices, and emergency power supplies. Furthermore, it is suitable as an energy supplement for medium and large-sized fuel cell PEM (proton exchange membrane) / SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) and mobile generators.

[0030] In one embodiment, the canister includes a hydrogen nozzle for filling the hydrogen volume and an airbag nozzle for filling the airbag, wherein the hydrogen nozzle and the airbag nozzle are arranged on opposite sides of the canister. This can be advantageous because the airbag is configured to expand / compress in opposite directions depending on whether the airbag is being filled or the hydrogen volume is being filled.

[0031] In one embodiment, the tank includes a hydrogen nozzle for filling the hydrogen volume, wherein the hydrogen nozzle is also configured to vent the hydrogen volume in order to supply hydrogen to a hydrogen-powered vehicle.

[0032] In one embodiment, the canister includes a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve advantageously protects the hydrogen container from overpressure. Optionally, the canister includes a pressure relief valve fluidly connected to the hydrogen volume. Optionally, the canister includes a pressure relief valve fluidly connected to the gasbag volume. A combination of two pressure relief valves is also possible, one connected to the hydrogen volume and the other connected to the gasbag volume.

[0033] In one embodiment, the canister includes a plurality of ribs extending from the outer surface of the hydrogen container. Ribs can be advantageous for enhancing the strength of the hydrogen container. This can be particularly advantageous when the hydrogen container is relatively large, for example, having a length greater than 20 cm in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] For example, a rib can be T-shaped. For example, a rib can be rectangular. For example, a rib can be cross-shaped. For example, a rib can be a spherical shape with a rectangle.

[0035] When multiple cans are arranged close to each other, the ribs of the first can can be configured to match the ribs of the second can. This advantageously allows for a compact stacking arrangement.

[0036] In this embodiment, the canister is configured to be releasably mounted in a canister receiver of a hydrogen-powered vehicle. Releasable mounting requires that the canister be coupled to and disconnected from the canister receiver by a consumer. This advantageously allows for replacement of the canister with a new one when it is empty. The new canister is filled with hydrogen at filling pressure. Thus, instead of refueling in a manner similar to that of conventionally refueling with fossil fuels (filled canisters), a new hydrogen container filled with hydrogen is mounted in the vehicle. This advantageously solves the problem of the lack of infrastructure for hydrogen networks and the unpredictable availability of hydrogen refueling equipment. The canister can be filled at a central location (e.g., a plant) and distributed as needed.

[0037] In one embodiment, the tank is configured to be installed in a tank receiver of a hydrogen-powered vehicle when the hydrogen volume is filled with hydrogen at the filling pressure.

[0038] In this embodiment, the cans are configured to be arranged modularly within the can receiver. Therefore, when needed, for example, when a can is empty, it can be replaced with another can.

[0039] In one embodiment, the tank includes a hydrogen nozzle configured to be disposed in a nozzle receiver of the tank receiver, wherein the hydrogen nozzle is configured to open a hydrogen connection to the piping system of the hydrogen-powered vehicle once disposed in the nozzle receiver. For example, the hydrogen nozzle may have an open position and a closed position, wherein the hydrogen nozzle is configured to be disposed from a closed position to an open position when disposed in the nozzle receiver.

[0040] The present invention may further relate to a can receiver for receiving a can comprising hydrogen. Optionally, the can is any can according to any embodiment described herein; however, neither the can receiver nor the can is limited thereto. Unless expressly defined otherwise, features interpreted herein with reference to the can have the same meaning with respect to the can receiver. Features interpreted with reference to the can can be applied to the can receiver with necessary modifications to achieve similar advantages, and vice versa.

[0041] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a tank receiver for a hydrogen-powered vehicle, the tank receiver comprising: • Can holder for releasably holding a can containing hydrogen. • A nozzle receiver for receiving hydrogen from a canister nozzle, wherein the nozzle receiver is fluidly connected to a piping system configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrogen motor.

[0042] The can receiver thus allows for the releasable retention of the can containing hydrogen. The can may optionally be any embodiment described herein. For example, the can receiver may be configured to modularly receive the can. Therefore, when needed, for example, when the can is empty, it can be replaced with another can.

[0043] The tank receiver includes a nozzle receiver connected to a piping system. The piping system is configured to supply hydrogen to a hydrogen motor. The hydrogen motor is arranged in a hydrogen-powered vehicle. For example, the hydrogen motor can be a hydrogen internal combustion engine. For example, the hydrogen motor can be a fuel cell. Optionally, the tank receiver includes the piping system or at least a portion thereof.

[0044] In one embodiment, the can receiver includes one or more straps for securing the can. For example, the straps may be configured to be arranged around the can. The straps may be made of, for example, a flexible material, such as a polymer, like rubber. The straps can protect the can from excessive shaking.

[0045] In this embodiment, the can receiver is configured to be located in an accessible location within the vehicle. For example, the can receiver may be configured to be located in the trunk. This accessibility allows the user easy access to place a can in the can receiver and / or replace a can with a new (full) can.

[0046] In embodiments of the tank and / or tank receiver, the hydrogen nozzle and / or nozzle receiver are configured for a threaded connection. For example, the hydrogen nozzle and / or nozzle receiver may be threaded. This has been found to be a practical and safe connection method that can be applied by the user.

[0047] In embodiments of the canister and / or canister receiver, the hydrogen nozzle and / or nozzle receiver are configured for a snap-fit ​​connection. This has been found to be a practical and safe connection method that can be applied by the user.

[0048] In embodiments of the canister and / or canister receiver, the hydrogen nozzle and / or nozzle receiver are configured to open the hydrogen nozzle after they are connected to each other. Therefore, the hydrogen nozzle opens automatically when connection is made. For example, the hydrogen nozzle may include a breakable element that automatically breaks upon connection formation. For example, the hydrogen nozzle may be configured to move to an open position via the nozzle receiver upon connection.

[0049] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a modular tank system comprising a plurality of tank receivers according to any of the embodiments described herein, wherein each tank receiver is configured to receive a tank comprising hydrogen. The plurality of tank receivers allows for the provision of as many tanks as desired, for example, depending on the distance the vehicle will be driven.

[0050] For example, multiple can receivers may include at least two can receivers, for example, at least five, for example, at least ten, for example, at least twenty.

[0051] For example, multiple can receivers can be arranged in a grid, for example, with multiple rows and multiple columns.

[0052] In one embodiment, the nozzle receivers of multiple canister receivers are connected to a common piping system configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrogen motor.

[0053] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a can system comprising a can according to any of the embodiments described herein, and a can receiver according to any of the embodiments described herein, the can receiver being used to receive the can.

[0054] In embodiments, the present invention relates to a machine comprising a tank and / or tank receiver and / or tank system according to any embodiment described herein. For example, the machine may be one of the following: UVA and unmanned vehicles; motorcycles, electric-assisted bicycles; model cars, go-karts; camping stoves and lighting fixtures, audiences; offline heaters, coolers and air conditioners; auxiliary vehicles; mobile or offline generators; robots; UPS (uninterruptible power supplies), ESS (energy storage systems) and chargers; agricultural machinery; water sports equipment; industrial vehicles in factories; AI mobile robots; unmanned vehicles; surface and underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs); light hydrogen-electric hybrid motorcycles; generators; underwater flying (jet) vehicles; hydrogen-electric hybrid vehicles; large unmanned or manned vehicles, medium-sized UUV agricultural power supplies; hydrogen-electric mini-motorcycles; minivans / trucks, cars; medium-sized energy storage devices; gasoline-electric hybrid trucks, buses, boats, fisheries; long-distance driving vehicles, large energy storage devices and emergency power supplies; medium and large fuel cell PEM / SOFCs; mobile generators.

[0055] In embodiments, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a tank and / or tank receiver and / or tank system according to any embodiment described herein. For example, the vehicle may also include a hydrogen power source. For example, the vehicle may include a hydrogen internal combustion engine, although the invention is contemplated to be applicable to hydrogen-powered vehicles including fuel cells. Optionally, the vehicle includes an auxiliary power source, such as an electric motor. Thus, the vehicle may be a hybrid vehicle, for example, including a hydrogen internal combustion engine or fuel cell and an electric motor. Optionally, the vehicle is a transitional vehicle previously having an internal combustion engine.

[0056] This invention also relates to one or more methods. Although the methods can be performed using systems (tanks, tank receivers, tank systems, and / or vehicles) according to the invention, neither the systems nor the methods are limited thereto. Unless otherwise expressly defined, features explained with reference to the system herein have the same meaning relative to the method. Features explained with reference to the system can be applied to the method with necessary modifications to achieve similar advantages, and vice versa.

[0057] One or more objects of the present invention can be achieved by a method for replenishing hydrogen for a hydrogen-powered vehicle, wherein the method includes the steps of using one or more of a tank, tank receiver, tank system and / or vehicle according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0058] One or more objectives of the present invention can be achieved by a method for replenishing hydrogen for a hydrogen-powered vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: • One or more tanks containing hydrogen are arranged in one or more tank receivers, which are arranged in a vehicle. • Connect one or more tanks to a piping system that is fluidly connected to a hydrogen motor.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described using the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented and are in no way intended to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention and the claims. Along the drawings, the same features are indicated by the same reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0060] Figure 1a The schematic diagram illustrates a can according to a first embodiment, the can having an air bladder, wherein the air bladder is in a second volume;

[0061] Figure 1b The schematic diagram shows the tank, with the air bladder in the first volume;

[0062] Figure 2a The schematic diagram shows a cross-section of a tank arranged in a tank receiver;

[0063] Figure 2b A schematic diagram shows the strip of the can receiver;

[0064] Figure 2c The tank receiver is shown schematically in a side view map;

[0065] Figure 2d The tank receiver is shown schematically in a top-down view map;

[0066] Figure 2e A schematic diagram illustrates a modular tank system that includes multiple tank receivers;

[0067] Figure 3a The schematic diagram illustrates the can in the second embodiment, wherein the air bladder is in the second volume;

[0068] Figure 3b The schematic diagram illustrates the canister in the second embodiment, wherein the air bladder is in the first volume;

[0069] Figure 4a The schematic diagram shows a cross-section of the can receiver in the second embodiment;

[0070] Figure 4b A schematic diagram shows the strip of the can receiver;

[0071] Figure 4c The tank receiver is shown schematically in a side view map;

[0072] Figures 5a to 5e The schematic diagram illustrates the ribs in different embodiments.

[0073] Figure 1a A schematic diagram illustrates tank 101 in the first embodiment. Tank 101 is configured to receive hydrogen gas, as explained further below. Tank 101 can be modularly arranged in a hydrogen-powered vehicle or another type of machine, such as any machine mentioned herein. The hydrogen gas can be supplied to a hydrogen internal combustion engine to provide propulsion to the vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example, a car, bus, truck, motorcycle, or scooter.

[0074] Figure 1a The schematic diagram shows a cross-section of tank 101, making the internal components visible. Tank 101 includes a hydrogen container 12. In this example, the hydrogen container 12 is formed by two arc-shaped end caps 3 and an intermediate wall disposed between the caps 3. The hydrogen container 12 has an elongated shape in this cross-section taken along the longitudinal direction z. In the radial direction x, the cross-section will be circular.

[0075] An air bladder 5 is disposed within a hydrogen container 12. The air bladder 5 includes a flexible outer wall 13. The outer wall 13 is indicated by a dashed line in the figure. The outer wall 13 allows the air bladder 5 to expand or compress. The flexible outer wall 13 can be made of any suitable material, such as polyurethane.

[0076] The gasbag 5 divides the internal volume of the hydrogen container into a hydrogen volume 11 and a gasbag volume 14. The hydrogen volume 11 is configured to receive hydrogen. The gasbag volume 14 corresponds to the internal volume of the gasbag 5 and the outer wall 13 of the gasbag.

[0077] Canister 101 includes airbag nozzle 1, in Figure 1a In the arrangement shown, the gasbag nozzle is located at the bottom of the hydrogen tank 12. The gasbag 5 can be filled with gas through the gasbag nozzle 1. For example, the gasbag 5 can be filled with hydrogen before the hydrogen volume is filled. The gasbag 5 can be filled with gas, for example, under gasbag pressure. The gasbag pressure can be, for example, between 0.5 MPa and 10 MPa, and in the example shown, for example, 6 MPa. When the gasbag 5 is filled, the gasbag volume 14 will expand from a first volume to a second volume. Figure 1a In this configuration, the gas bladder 5 is under gas pressure, and the gas bladder volume 14 is in the second volume. It can be seen that the gas bladder volume 14 occupies almost all of the internal volume of the hydrogen container 12. In this case, the hydrogen volume 11 is relatively small. After filling, the gas bladder nozzle 1 is closed and remains closed. Even when hydrogen is arranged into the container and later emptied from the container, the amount of gas in the gas bladder remains the same.

[0078] After the gasbag 5 is filled to the required pressure, hydrogen can be filled into the hydrogen volume. For this purpose, the tank 101 includes a hydrogen nozzle 6. It is evident that the hydrogen nozzle 6 and the gasbag nozzle 1 are located on opposite sides of the hydrogen tank 12. This facilitates allowing hydrogen to enter either the hydrogen volume 11 or the gasbag volume 14, respectively.

[0079] Hydrogen gas is filled into hydrogen volume 11 until the hydrogen volume reaches the filling pressure. The filling pressure is greater than the gasbag pressure. The filling pressure can be, for example, 35 MPa or 70 MPa. During the filling of hydrogen volume 11, the pressure in hydrogen volume 11 will exceed the pressure in gasbag volume 14. This pressure difference will cause gasbag 5 to compress, thereby moving the outer wall 13 of gasbag 5 in the longitudinal direction (-z) of hydrogen container 12. Eventually, gasbag volume 5 decreases to a first volume, such as... Figure 1b As shown in the diagram. When in the first volume, the pressure inside airbag 5 is higher than the pressure inside the airbag in the second volume. During this process, the amount of gas in the airbag remains the same.

[0080] The hydrogen container 12 also includes a pressure relief valve 2. The pressure relief valve 2 prevents overpressure.

[0081] Figures 2a-2eThe figure illustrates a can system 100 having a can 101 and a can receiver 102. The can receiver 102 includes a can support 8 with an arcuate opening. The shape of the opening is configured to match the shape of the can 101. The can 101 can therefore be arranged within the can support 8. The can receiver 102 also includes a band 7 (in... Figure 2b (As can also be seen in the image), this belt can be arranged around the can 101. The belt 7 can be made of, for example, rubber. The belt 7 protects the can 101 from shaking or vibration.

[0082] Figure 2a The figure shows a hydrogen nozzle 6 of tank 101 arranged in a nozzle receiver 10 of tank receiver 102. The hydrogen nozzle 6 and nozzle receiver 10 can be connected, for example, by a threaded connection or a snap-fit ​​connection. During the formation of this connection, the hydrogen nozzle 6 is opened. A fluid connection is formed between the hydrogen volume 11 in the hydrogen container and the piping system 9. Although not shown in these figures, the piping system 9 can be further connected downstream to a hydrogen internal combustion engine.

[0083] In the example shown, a single hydrogen nozzle 6 is used to fill and evacuate hydrogen from the hydrogen container 12. This is possible because the canister 101 is filled remotely. The canister 101 can be filled, for example, by a professional in a factory, thereby ensuring safety. When a user needs hydrogen for his vehicle, he can obtain / purchase a filled canister 101. The canister receiver 102 is located in an accessible position in the vehicle, such as in the trunk. The user can then place the canister 101 into the canister receiver 102. This can be easily and safely accomplished by means of the threaded or snap-fit ​​connection between the hydrogen nozzle 6 and the nozzle receiver 10.

[0084] When the filled tank 101 is positioned in the tank receiver 102, the pressure in the hydrogen volume 11 remains at the filling pressure (possibly deviating slightly due to temperature differences). The gasbag 5 is in the first volume. During use, hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen volume 11 to serve as an energy source for the vehicle. The pressure in the hydrogen volume 11 slowly decreases. At some point, the pressure in the hydrogen volume 11 will drop below the pressure in the gasbag volume 14. This will cause the outer wall 13 of the gasbag 5 to move longitudinally in the hydrogen tank 12. Consequently, the gasbag volume 14 increases and the hydrogen volume 11 decreases. The pressure in the gasbag volume 14 decreases and the pressure in the hydrogen volume 11 increases. This continues until the gasbag 5 has expanded from the first volume to the second volume. Figure 2a In the illustrated scenario, the airbag 5 has inflated to a second volume. Preferably, the inflation of the airbag 5 maintains a substantially constant pressure within the hydrogen volume 11, at least during the inflation period. Preferably, the amount of gas in the airbag remains constant throughout this process.

[0085] The inflation of the gasbag 5 has the following advantages: it prevents the pressure in the hydrogen volume 11 from dropping too low. If the pressure becomes too low, it may be impossible / not permissible to further vent hydrogen into the piping system 9. Therefore, residual hydrogen will remain, leading to inefficiency. This is mitigated using the system shown in the figure.

[0086] Figure 2e A top-view diagram of the modular tank system 200 is shown. Multiple tank systems 100 have been provided. Specifically, the modular tank system 200 with multiple tank receivers can be arranged in a vehicle. In this example, the tank receivers are arranged in a grid with m rows and n columns. The number corresponding to m and n can depend on the size of the tanks and the required / desired amount of hydrogen for the vehicle. The modular tank system 200 is arranged in an accessible location within the vehicle, such as in the trunk.

[0087] Because the tanks are filled remotely at the factory, users cannot choose the distance from which they fill the tanks when refueling. Users obviously want to use as much hydrogen as possible from the tanks. However, if only a single tank is provided, the user cannot drive until the tank is completely empty, because then the vehicle cannot drive to the location to purchase a full tank. This problem can be solved by providing a modular tank system with multiple tank receivers. When some tanks are empty, the user can replace those with full tanks. Therefore, it can always be ensured that as much hydrogen as possible is used. Furthermore, users have the flexibility to refill as many tanks as desired at any given time.

[0088] Figure 2e The different tank receivers shown can be connected to a common piping system. This common piping system can then be fluidly connected to a hydrogen internal combustion engine.

[0089] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A second embodiment of tank 201 is shown. Figure 3a The airbag 5 in the second volume is shown, and Figure 3b The airbag in the first volume is shown. For efficiency, in Figures 3a-3b The text does not explicitly indicate all characteristics. (The last two sentences appear to be fragments and are not translated.) Figures 1a-2e The difference between the embodiments shown is that, in Figures 3a-3b In this embodiment, the hydrogen container 12 is formed by a single arc-shaped end cap 3 and a wall 4. The wall 4 may be, for example, an extrusion tube.

[0090] Figures 4a-4c The figure illustrates a second embodiment of the can receiver 202. In this embodiment, the can support 8 is... Figure 2a - The embodiment shown in Figure 2 extends further. This may be advantageous for supporting tank 101. Furthermore, Figures 4a-4cThe can receiver 202 includes two straps 7 for holding the can 101.

[0091] Figures 5a-5e The figure illustrates that, in some embodiments, ribs 51-54 may be provided. Ribs 51-54 extend radially outward from the outer surface of the can. Ribs 51-54 enhance the strength of the can. When multiple cans are arranged close to each other, ribs 51-54 can cooperate with each other to arrange the cans in a stacked arrangement.

[0092] exist Figure 5a In the embodiment shown, can 301 has cross-shaped ribs 51. Figure 5b In the embodiment shown, can 401 is configured without ribs. Figure 5c In the embodiment shown, can 501 has rectangular ribs 53. Figure 5d In the embodiment shown, the can 601 has circular ribs 54. Figure 5e In the embodiment shown, the can 701 has a T-shaped rib 52.

[0093] Detailed embodiments of the invention have been described herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, and these examples may be implemented in different ways. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to practice the invention in various ways with virtually any suitable detailed structure. Not all described objectives need to be achieved with specific embodiments.

[0094] Furthermore, the terminology and expressions used herein are not intended to limit the invention, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "a," "an," or "one" as used herein refer to one or more. The terms "a multiple of," "a plurality," or "several" refer to two or more. The terms "comprise," "include," "comprising," and "having" have open-ended meanings and do not exclude the presence of additional elements. Reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0095] The fact that certain technical features are described in different dependent claims still allows for the possibility that combinations of these technical measures can be used advantageously.

[0096] A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of the different components mentioned in the specification and claims. For example, in practice, the functions of the processing unit or control unit or a single processing unit or control unit described herein may be distributed across multiple components, optionally physically separated from each other. Any communication between components may be wired or wireless by known methods.

[0097] Actions performed by the control unit can be implemented as programs, such as computer programs and software applications. Programs can be executed using computer-readable instructions. Programs may include subroutines, functions, programs, object methods, object implementations, executable applications, source code, object code, shared libraries / dynamically loaded libraries, and / or other sets of instructions designed to execute on a computer system.

[0098] Computer programs or computer-readable instructions may be stored and / or distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media equipped with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

Claims

1. A hydrogen tank (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701) for use in hydrogen-powered machines such as vehicles, wherein, The tank includes: • Hydrogen container (12) • An air bladder (5) is arranged inside the hydrogen container, wherein the air bladder divides the internal volume of the hydrogen container into a hydrogen volume (11) and an air bladder volume (14). in, • The hydrogen container is configured to receive hydrogen in the hydrogen volume; • The airbag is configured to inflate between a first volume and a second volume, wherein the first volume is smaller than the second volume, and wherein the airbag is configured to: • After the hydrogen container is filled with hydrogen at filling pressure, it is in the first volume; • When hydrogen is vented from the hydrogen volume, it expands toward the second volume, thereby reducing the hydrogen volume.

2. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The airbag is configured to be filled with airbag fluid before use and to maintain a constant amount of airbag fluid in the airbag during use.

3. The tank according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The amount of airbag fluid disposed in the airbag is configured to be the same in the first volume and the second volume.

4. The tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The airbag is configured to be pressurized internally under airbag pressure, wherein the airbag pressure is less than the filling pressure of the hydrogen.

5. The tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The airbag pressure is between 0.5 MPa and 10 MPa, for example, 6 MPa.

6. The tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hydrogen container has an elongated shape.

7. The tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The canister includes a hydrogen nozzle (6) for filling the hydrogen volume and an airbag nozzle (1) for filling the airbag, wherein the hydrogen nozzle and the airbag nozzle are arranged on opposite sides of the canister.

8. The tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tank includes a pressure relief valve (2).

9. The tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The canister includes a plurality of ribs extending from the outer surface of the hydrogen container.

10. The tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tank is configured to be releasably installed in a tank receiver (102, 202) of a hydrogen-powered vehicle.

11. The tank according to the preceding claim, wherein, The tank includes a hydrogen nozzle (6), wherein the hydrogen nozzle is configured to be disposed in a nozzle receiver (10) of the tank receiver, wherein the hydrogen nozzle is configured to open a hydrogen connection to the piping system (9) of the hydrogen-powered vehicle once disposed in the nozzle receiver.

12. A tank receiver (102, 202) for a hydrogen-powered machine such as a vehicle, comprising: • A can holder (8) for releasably holding a can (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701) containing hydrogen, wherein optionally the can is the can according to any one of the preceding claims. • Nozzle receiver (10) for receiving hydrogen nozzles from the tank, wherein the nozzle receiver is fluidly connected to a piping system (9) configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrogen motor.

13. The can receiver according to any one of the preceding claims further includes one or more straps (7) for securing the can.

14. A modular tank system (200) comprising a plurality of tank receivers (102, 202) according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein, Each canister receiver is configured to receive canisters (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701) containing hydrogen, wherein the nozzle receivers of the plurality of canister receivers are connected to a common piping system configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrogen motor.

15. The can according to any one of the preceding claims or the can receiver according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hydrogen nozzle and / or the nozzle receiver are configured to be threaded or snap-fit ​​connected.

16. A can system comprising a can according to any one of the preceding claims and a can receiver according to any one of the preceding claims for receiving the can.

17. A method for refilling hydrogen into a hydrogen-powered machine, such as a vehicle, comprising the steps of: • One or more tanks containing hydrogen are arranged in one or more tank receivers, which are arranged in the vehicle. • Connect the one or more tanks to a piping system that is fluidly connected to a hydrogen motor.

Images