Method for controlling a tank system, tank system, computer program product and computer readable medium

Abstract

A method for controlling a tank system (100). The tank system (100) has a plurality of tanks (12) and a piping system (39). Each tank (12) is provided with a valve (13) and a temperature sensor (16). The tank system supplies fluid to at least one consumer (40). The method comprises the following steps: a) identifying a missing expected pressure drop by means of the piping system (39) while closing all valves (13) of all tanks (12) of the plurality of tanks; b) detecting the temperature in each tank (12) within a predefined time period; and c) obtaining a temperature profile of each tank (12) based on the detected temperature, and opening all valves (13) of all tanks (12) based on the obtained temperature profile. During steps a) and b), fluid is supplied to at least one consumer by at least one tank (12.1) that remains open.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of fuel or gas storage. In particular, this invention relates to a method for controlling a storage tank system, a storage tank system, a computer program product, and a computer-readable medium. Background Technology

[0002] Tank systems for motor vehicles typically have tanks or storage containers that contain fluid for supplying to consumers. For reliable and on-demand supply to consumers, the tank or storage container must be able to be opened or precisely closed. Furthermore, the closing and / or opening functions of the tank's valves ensure a certain level of safety during supply to consumers. However, for this purpose, the closing and opening functions of the valves must be trouble-free.

[0003] In practice, as a safety measure for tank systems, especially those used in motor vehicles, the switching behavior of the tank system's valves is checked periodically. Therefore, a diagnostic process is performed. The so-called "Stuck-open test" is a known diagnostic procedure. Here, the tank valves are checked for closure at predetermined intervals during operation or during shutdown. To this end, after all tank valves are de-energized, mass continues to be drawn from the consumer. In a fault-free system with actually closed tank valves, this mass is provided solely by the stored mass in the piping system, resulting in a corresponding pressure reduction. Here, the pressure reduction in the piping system serves as an identifying characteristic of the fault-free closure process for all tank valves.

[0004] When the tank valve is not closed (stuck open), the fuel consumed is supplied by the unclosed tank, and no pressure drop is observed in the pipeline system.

[0005] The known problem with the diagnostic process is that, in subsequent operations after a "stuck open" fault is identified, all tank valves are re-energized or opened, and the fault cannot be assigned to or located on individual tank valves. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The method for controlling a storage tank system according to the invention, which has the features of independent claim 1, has the advantage that it can still perform diagnostic processes with high frequency and reliability, and can locate valves that may fail.

[0007] Therefore, the proposed method assigns identified faults to valves or tanks within the tank system. This method enables direct fault location during operation without requiring external service intervention.

[0008] The features, details, and advantages described in conjunction with the method for controlling a storage tank system according to the invention also apply to the storage tank system, computer program products, and / or computer-readable media, and conversely, so that the disclosures regarding various aspects of the invention are always mutually referenced or can be mutually referenced.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a tank system. The tank system has multiple tanks and piping systems. Each tank is equipped with a valve and a temperature sensor. The tank system supplies fluid to at least one consumer. The method comprises the following steps: a) When closing all valves in all tanks of the plurality of tanks, the missing expected pressure drop is identified by means of the piping system. b) Monitor the temperature in each tank within a predefined time period, and c) Calculate the temperature profile for each tank based on the detected temperature, and open all valves in all tanks based on the calculated temperature profile.

[0010] At this time, during steps a) and b), supplies are made to the at least one consumer from at least one open storage tank.

[0011] In other words, a method is proposed in which measures and / or additional measurements are taken once it is identified that at least one valve of the tank remains open or is stuck in the open state. The measures taken enable the localization of the fault. Thus, a valve fault can first be identified by the failure to identify or detect the expected pressure drop when all valves are closed. If the expected pressure drop is not identified, temperature measurements can be introduced in each tank. For this purpose, each tank typically has a temperature sensor. The temperature is detected over a predetermined time period. If the predetermined time expires, all valves in all tanks can be reopened, allowing supply from all tanks to the at least one consumer. In principle, the method aims to detect temperature changes over a predefined time period, thereby enabling the inference of the faulty valve in the tank that remains open. However, a temperature change only occurs if a mass change (change in the stored fluid) also occurs in the corresponding tank. Therefore, it is preferable to remove fluid from the tank that remains open. For this purpose, supply is made to the at least one consumer while the tank that remains open is identified (i.e., during steps a) and b). By removing fluid from a kept-open tank, temperature changes, particularly a decrease in temperature, can be ensured to occur within a predefined time period. The fluid can be removed from the kept-open tank and delivered to at least one consumer. Here, the fluid can be supplied, for example, to a consumer in a motor vehicle. Alternatively, for example, when the consumer in the motor vehicle is not in operation, the fluid can be supplied to an external consumer via a removal opening.

[0012] The tank system can be a fluid supply system for a fuel system used in a consumer, particularly a motor vehicle. The tank system can be a hydrogen storage tank system. The tank system can be a storage tank system for fluids (such as liquid or gaseous fuels). The tank system can have two or more tanks. The tanks can have different volumes.

[0013] The storage tank may be a fluid storage device or container. Each storage tank is equipped with a valve, wherein the term "valve" should be understood broadly in the context of this disclosure. The valve may be a valve device. Thus, for example, the valve may be a tank valve, a safety valve, and a check valve. The valve may be defined, for example, by its function, i.e., its ability to close and open the corresponding storage tank. The valve may be configured to fluid-tightly close the corresponding storage tank, such that no fluid can be drawn from the storage tank.

[0014] The piping system of the tank system can detect, for example, the pressure and / or pressure differential within the piping of the tank system. The piping system may include pipes, sensors, and / or distributors. The piping system can be configured to detect pressure differentials, whether pressure increases or decreases, along the filling and / or draining paths of the tanks. The piping system may particularly include a main distributor, a pressure regulator unit, and at least one pressure sensor. The main distributor may be fluidly connected to the main filling path and to the tank paths. Each of the plurality of tanks may be fluidly connected to the main distributor via a pipe.

[0015] When detecting a anticipated pressure drop, the pressure in the flow direction after the main distributor, also known as fluid pressure, can be detected. This pressure drop can be referred to as the anticipated pressure drop because, under fault-free operation of the tank's valves, the pressure in the piping system should decrease substantially suddenly when all valves are closed. In step a), it can be substantially identified that a valve (which one is not yet identified) has malfunctioned and therefore failed to shut down the corresponding tank.

[0016] When monitoring the temperature in each tank, it can be a continuous temperature measurement. Each temperature measurement (and subsequently each temperature profile) can be labeled or marked (or tagged) and associated with the tank or valve.

[0017] Method step c) advantageously enables the identification or identification of the faulty valve. In another alternative method step, the following steps may be performed after method step c): d) Supply from all of the plurality of tanks to the at least one consumer.

[0018] Therefore, while the tank system continues to operate, it can be ensured that the tanks can be emptied evenly.

[0019] The method can be performed during the operation of the tank system. Alternatively, the method can be applied during service. This can prove advantageous, for example, when a fault that cannot be identified during operation (due to safety conditions preventing further operation). For this purpose, during service, for example, an outlet can be opened to supply to the (second) consumer.

[0020] This method advantageously enables the location of faulty, unclosed valves. This location, or the evaluation of the temperature profile, can occur immediately after obtaining the temperature profile, or later, for example, during troubleshooting. In principle, the main advantage of this invention is that, by obtaining the temperature profile in the tank, the location of the fault that has occurred can now be achieved.

[0021] This allows for precise and reliable diagnostic procedures. Such methods significantly simplify troubleshooting already identified faults.

[0022] Advantageously, the temperature profiles can be further evaluated, particularly by means of a computing unit, to identify the faulty valve in the at least one open tank. Here, the temperature profiles can be compared, for example, with theoretical profiles. The temperature in a tank from which fluid is not being removed typically remains approximately the same throughout a predefined time period. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature profiles can be compared with each other. The temperature profile with the largest negative slope can be assigned to a tank with a faulty valve. This further improves the location of the faulty valve.

[0023] The evaluation of the temperature profile can be performed by a computing unit. This computing unit can be part of the tank system, or alternatively, external to the tank system. For example, in a vehicle's tank system, such a computing unit could be located within the vehicle. Alternatively, such a computing unit could be placed in the cloud. It is conceivable that the temperature profile or corresponding data can be transmitted to the cloud. Thus, the method can be flexible.

[0024] Advantageously, the tank system also includes control equipment. When detecting the temperature in each tank and / or during temperature profile calculation, if a predetermined temperature drop is identified, the control equipment outputs a fault signal. Here, the fault signal is associated with the valves of tanks that remain open, and particularly at least one open tank. Identifying the predetermined temperature drop can be part of the temperature profile evaluation. The identification of the predetermined temperature drop can be performed by a calculation unit. Such a calculation unit can be connected in data communication with the control equipment. Regarding the temperature drop, it can be a temperature difference of several degrees Celsius over a predefined time period. The predetermined temperature drop is preferably a percentage value.

[0025] Advantageously, when all valves in all tanks are closed, the shut-off function of the tank valves can be checked by means of the piping system in the event of a missing pressure drop. In other words, method step a) can be used to reliably check the shut-off function of the tank or the valve.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the method, the tank system is a tank system for a motor vehicle. Therefore, at least one of the consumers can be a fuel cell system.

[0027] Advantageously, operating strategies for the tank system are determined and / or applied based on the detected temperature process. Here, for example, the execution of additional diagnostic processes can be prohibited or modified. The consumer and / or the vehicle itself (in the case of a tank system in a vehicle) can operate, for example, according to the determined operating strategy.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the method, the tank system is in operation. The method can be advantageously performed while the tank system is in operation. In other words, the location of a faulty valve can be performed during operation or while the system is in motion, without requiring external service intervention.

[0029] A second aspect of the invention relates to a tank system for supplying fluid to at least one consumer, the tank system having multiple tanks and piping systems. Each of the multiple tanks is equipped with a valve and a temperature sensor. The tank system is controllable according to the methods described above and below.

[0030] Because the tank system can be controlled according to the method of the invention, the tank system can be long-lasting. The method allows for reliable and accurate identification of valve malfunctions in the tank. Furthermore, troubleshooting can be significantly simplified because the method allows for advantageous localization of the fault.

[0031] All the advantages illustrated by the method according to the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the tank system according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0032] Advantageously, the piping system has at least one pressure sensor. Such a pressure sensor can, for example, be arranged downstream of the main distributor of the piping system along the direction of fluid flow when supplying to at least one consumer. Furthermore, the piping system can have both high-pressure and medium-pressure sensors. Such a medium-pressure sensor can be arranged in the pressure regulating unit of the piping system.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the tank system, each of the plurality of tanks is connected to a piping system via a pipeline. Each pipeline has a filling path and a draining path. These filling and draining paths can be implemented as a single path. Alternatively, the filling and draining paths can be separate. Each pipeline can be connected in fluid communication with the main distributor of the piping system, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via a primary distributor).

[0034] It should be noted that motor vehicles can be equipped with such a tank system. The at least one consumer can be the fuel system of the motor vehicle. Such a motor vehicle can also possess all the advantages explained for the tank system according to the invention and / or for the method according to the invention.

[0035] A third aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing unit of a control device, particularly a computing unit of a tank system control device as described above and below, cause the computing unit to perform the methods described above and below.

[0036] The fourth aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium having a computer program product as described above stored thereon. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 A tank system according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated, and Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the method is shown.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings, similar, similarly functioning, identical, or identical elements are provided with similar or identical reference numerals. The drawings are schematic only and not to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 A tank system 100 according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically. Figure 1The tank system 100 may be part of a motor vehicle. The tank system 100 has multiple tanks 12 and a piping system 39. Each tank 12 is equipped with a (separate) valve 13 and a temperature sensor 16. Fluid should or will be stored in the tanks 12, enabling the tank system 100 to supply such fluid to at least one consumer 40. The tank system preferably has two consumers 40, one of which is fluidly connected via an outlet opening 37. The tanks 12 are fluidly connected to distributors 14, 30 via pipes 31, 32. Here, a primary distributor 14 may be provided for the first group of tanks 12. The pipe 31 fluidly connected to the tanks 12 from the first group may be referred to as the primary pipe 31. The tanks 12 of the first group can be fluidly connected to the main distributor 30 via the primary distributor 14. Tanks 12 from the second group of tanks can be directly fluidly connected to the main distributor 30 via a so-called secondary pipe 32. Alternative implementations for storage tank 12 and distributors 14 and 30 are also conceivable. Figure 1 The implementation schemes described are merely exemplary and should never be considered restrictive.

[0040] The piping system 39 typically—such as Figure 1 The dashed box indicates a component with multiple elements and / or parts. The piping system 39 has at least one pressure sensor 36, which may be located, for example, at the main distributor 30. The piping system 39 may have pipes 31, 32. Furthermore, the piping system 39 may have a tank path 34. Fluid can be supplied to the consumer 40 via the tank path 34. A pressure regulator unit 42 may be provided on the tank path 34, which can be used to regulate the pressure of the fluid supplied to the consumer 40. It is conceivable that the pressure regulator unit 42 is combined with another control unit. Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, the (first) consumer 40 is a fuel system. If the first consumer 40 is not in operation, fluid can be supplied to the second consumer via the outlet 37. The second consumer 40, located after the outlet 37, could be, for example, a workshop device for the safe discharge of the fluid. The tank system 100 or its piping system 39 may also have a main filling path 33. Thus, the main distributor 30 is connected in fluid communication with the main filling path and with the tank path 34. The piping system 39 is configured to detect pressure changes in the lines 31, 32 and / or in the tank path 34. The piping system 39 may be referred to as a high-pressure system because it is, in principle, configured to detect pressure changes or pressure processes in the lines 31, 32 using a high-pressure sensor 36.

[0041] Each valve 13 of the storage tank 12 is configured to allow or prevent the removal of fluid from or the supply of fluid to the storage tank 12. Each valve 13 is used to close and open its associated storage tank 12. Each valve 13 can be controlled by a control device. Such a control device can be part of the piping system 39. The valve 13 can be controlled accordingly according to the method of the invention.

[0042] Figure 1 The storage tanks 12 of the storage tank system 100 also each have an end plug 15, also known by the term "End Plug". Such end plugs 15 can be designed with additional safety devices. The safety devices in the end plugs 15 are preferably temperature-controlled. Alternatively or additionally, the storage tanks 12 of the plurality of storage tanks may be equipped with temperature sensors 16.

[0043] Preferably, the pressure regulator unit 42 of the piping system 39 is equipped with a medium-pressure sensor 41 and a pressure regulator 43.

[0044] Figure 2 A flowchart of another embodiment of the method is shown. The method can be used to control a tank system 100 for a motor vehicle in operation. In particular, the method can be used to perform a diagnostic process on valve 13 of tank 12.

[0045] When a stuck-open fault is identified by recognizing a missing pressure drop in the piping system after all valves 13 have been de-energized or closed (see method step a)), the consumer 40 continues to operate or supply without further energizing or opening the valves until abnormal temperature changes are observed in one (or more) tanks (see method steps b) and c).

[0046] In other words, after identifying an unclosed valve 13, the temperature in each tank 12 can be detected within a predefined time period in step b) of the second method. This time period can depend on the expected temperature decrease. Alternatively, the time period can be (pre)defined by the expected temperature change. The predefined time period can define the time required for the tank system to identify and / or detect a predefined temperature decrease in at least one tank.

[0047] Subsequently, in the third method step c (which can be performed partially concurrently with the second method step b), the temperature profile for each tank is obtained. Based on the obtained temperature profiles, i.e., once the expected temperature decrease can be identified, all valves 13 of tank 12 can be opened.

[0048] The temperature profiles of each tank 12 were then evaluated, and the valves 13 of tanks 12 with abnormal or declining temperatures were detected as faulty.

[0049] Since the actually closed tanks do not release mass or fluid, they remain approximately at their temperature and pressure levels. This means that their temperature changes are approximately the same. In contrast, the open tank 12 experiences a pressure drop due to the removal of fluid, which leads to an increased temperature drop. The increased temperature drop, determined via temperature sensor 16 in tank 12, can be used to assign the fault to either the open tank 12 or the faulty valve 13.

[0050] The fault can be associated with the corresponding valve and stored in the control device. After locating the faulty valve 13, all valves can be opened for possible further operation (see method step d) to ensure uniform tank emptying during operation.

[0051] It is further noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude multiple elements. It is also noted that the features and steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features and steps of the other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a storage tank system (100), wherein, The tank system (100) has multiple tanks (12) and a piping system (39), and each tank (12) is equipped with a valve (13) and a temperature sensor (16), wherein the tank system supplies fluid to at least one consumer (40), and the method comprises the following steps: a) When all valves (13) of all tanks (12) of the plurality of tanks are closed, the missing expected pressure drop is identified by means of the piping system (39). b) Detect the temperature in each tank (12) within a predefined time period, and c) Calculate the temperature curve for each tank (12) based on the detected temperature, and open all valves (13) of all tanks (12) based on the calculated temperature curve. During steps a) and b), the supply is made to the at least one consumer by at least one open storage tank (12.1).

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, Further evaluation of the temperature profile, particularly by means of a computing unit, is conducted to identify the faulty valve (13) of the at least one open storage tank (12).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The tank system (100) also has a control device that outputs a fault signal if a minimum predetermined temperature decrease is identified when detecting the temperature in each tank (12) and / or when obtaining the temperature profile, wherein the fault signal is associated with the tank (12.1) that remains open.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, In the event that the missing pressure drop is identified by means of the piping system (39) when all valves (13) of all tanks (12) are closed, check the closing function of the valves (13) of the tanks (12).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The tank system (100) is a tank system (100) for motor vehicles.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, Based on the detected temperature profile, an operating strategy for the tank system (100) is determined and / or applied.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The storage tank system (100) is in operation.

8. A tank system (100) for supplying fluid to at least one consumer, the tank system having a plurality of tanks (12) and a piping system (39). in, Each of the plurality of storage tanks (12) is equipped with a valve (13) and a temperature sensor (16), and The storage tank system (100) can be controlled by any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The tank system (100) according to claim 8. Its features are, The piping system (39) has at least one pressure sensor (36).

10. The tank system according to any one of claims 8 to 9, Its features are, Each of the plurality of storage tanks (12) is connected to the piping system (39) by means of pipes (31, 32), and Each of the pipelines (31, 32) has a filling path and a draining path.

11. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a control device, particularly a computing unit of a tank system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, cause the computing unit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. A computer-readable medium having a computer program product according to claim 11 stored thereon.

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