Methods for controlling an operating tank system, tank systems, computer program products, and computer-readable media

Abstract

A method for controlling a tank system (100) in operation. The tank system (100) has multiple tanks (12) and a piping system (39). Each tank (12) is equipped with a valve (13). The tank system (100) supplies fluid to at least one consumer (40). The method comprises the following steps: a) supplying from a first tank (12.1) of a plurality of tanks to at least one consumer (40); b) closing the valve (13.1) of the first tank (12.1) when a predefined target pressure is reached; c) detecting a expected pressure drop, particularly a pressure drop below the first target pressure, by means of a piping system (39); d) opening the valve (13.2) of a second tank (12.2) of the plurality of tanks and performing steps a) to c) using the second tank (12.2); and e) detecting an expected pressure rise by means of a piping system (39) when the valve (13.2) of the second tank (12.2) is opened; and f) repeating steps a) to e) using the remaining tanks (12) of the plurality of tanks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of fuel or gas storage. In particular, the invention relates to a method for controlling a tank system in operation, a 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 hold 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 closed precisely. 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 valve's closing and opening functions must be trouble-free.

[0003] In practice, as a safety measure for tank systems, especially those used in motor vehicles, the switching behavior of one or more valves in the tank system is periodically inspected. This involves performing a so-called diagnostic process. Known diagnostic processes significantly increase the required number of switching cycles for the valves, which in turn shortens their lifespan.

[0004] Furthermore, known diagnostic procedures stipulate the parallel operation of all valves, ensuring supply from all tanks in the storage system to the consumer. However, this reduces the diagnostic capability for leaks in the storage system, as leaks with the system fully open (all tanks open) result in a reduced pressure drop in the piping system and consequently, a reduced pressure drop at the pressure sensor. Simultaneously, in the event of a corresponding pipe rupture or leak, a significant amount of leakage can escape from the storage system because the flow-limiting safety devices in the valves cannot always restrict mass flow. Limits that should be triggered by the safety devices are not triggered due to insufficient pressure drop in the piping system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The method for controlling a tank system in operation according to the present invention has the features of independent claim 1, and its advantage is that it can still reliably and safely control and operate the tank system for a long time, and can still perform diagnostic processes with high regularity.

[0006] Therefore, the proposed method saves on the number of switching cycles for valves in the tank system and achieves improved diagnostic capabilities for leaks in the tank system, as well as for faulty shut-off and / or open functions. Compared with known methods, the proposed method allows for more efficient, better, and safer control of the tank system.

[0007] The features, details, and advantages described in conjunction with the method for controlling a tank system in operation according to the invention also apply to said tank system, computer program product, and / or computer-readable medium, and vice versa, so that the disclosures regarding the various aspects of the invention are always mutually referenced or can be mutually referenced.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a tank system in operation, particularly a gas tank system for motor vehicles. The tank system has multiple tanks and piping systems. Each tank is equipped with a valve. The tank system supplies fluid to at least one consumer. The method comprises the following steps: a) Supply from the first of a plurality of storage tanks to the at least one consumer. b) When the predefined target pressure is reached, close the valve of the first storage tank. c) Detecting expected pressure drops, especially expected pressure drops below the first target pressure, using the piping system. d) Open the valve of the second storage tank among the multiple storage tanks and use the second storage tank to perform steps a) to c), and e) When the valve of the second storage tank is opened, the expected pressure increase is detected by means of the piping system. f) Repeat steps a) to e) using the remaining tanks in the plurality of tanks.

[0009] In other words, the tank system can be controlled in such a way that a diagnostic process can be performed during the operation of the tank system. The tank system can be controlled in such a way that it is possible to identify whether the valve of the first tank is closed without fault and whether the valve of the second tank is open without fault. The diagnostic process for the operation of the tank valves, implemented by the method, can be based on measured or detected pressure. Therefore, the method for controlling a tank system in operation can also be referred to as a method for implementing an operating strategy for a tank system used in a motor vehicle. It should be noted that the tank system should be in operation when performing the method according to the invention. A tank system in operation can refer to a tank system currently supplying fluid to a consumer, and / or the consumer also being in operation.

[0010] The tank system can be a fluid supply system for consumables, particularly for fuel systems in motor vehicles. The tank system can also be used in other applications. For example, it can be used in stationary applications or in construction machinery, marine applications, or rail vehicles. 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 tank volumes.

[0011] 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, or 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.

[0012] Pressure differentials within the piping of the tank system can be detected via the piping system 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 a plurality of tanks may be fluidly connected to the main distributor via piping.

[0013] In step b), it is essentially possible to wait until the pressure in the tank (and consequently in the piping system) drops below a predefined pressure difference by removing fluid from the first tank. For example, the target pressure can be defined based on a predefined pressure difference. In other words, the pressure in the corresponding tank (and therefore in the piping system) drops because only one tank is supplied to the consumer.

[0014] When detecting the expected pressure drop in step c), 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 expected pressure drop because, under fault-free operation of the valve in the first tank, the pressure in the piping system, particularly in the filling path of the first tank, should decrease substantially abruptly when the valve is closed. Given that the valve can be expected to function faultlessly, this can be termed an expected pressure drop. This similarly applies to the expected pressure rise in step e). Under fault-free operation of the valve in the second tank, a pressure rise, particularly a substantially sudden pressure rise, can be expected when the valve is opened.

[0015] Step f) can be understood as the third tank assuming the role of the second tank in the next repetition of steps a) to e), and the second tank assuming the role of the first tank, and so on. This allows for the sequential checking of the functionality of all valves in all tanks of the storage system for malfunctions. After all tanks have been checked, i.e., after all valves have been opened and closed once, the method can restart from the beginning. This allows the diagnostic process to be performed without interruption. Alternatively, once all valves have been checked for functionality, the storage system can be freely operated or controlled within a predefined timeframe, i.e., operated or controlled without any requirement to open or close any tanks. However, it is preferable to apply the method cyclically, enabling the identification of faulty valves at any time and as quickly as possible.

[0016] In the context of this disclosure, each time a valve is opened or closed, it can be said that the valve is energized or controlled.

[0017] Therefore, this method enables rapid, reliable, and accurate diagnosis of the function of tank valves. This allows for direct safe operation and / or safety control of the tank system. Furthermore, this method provides enhanced passive safety for serious faults with large leaks.

[0018] Repeating the method is advantageous. A new target pressure is predefined at each repetition, specifically lower than the target pressure predefined in the previous repetition. In the context of this disclosure, repeating the method can be understood as all tanks in a plurality of tanks resuming the role of the first or second tank at each repetition. The method is preferably repeated after step f) has been fully performed, i.e., after all tanks have been able to sequentially assume the role of the first and second tanks. In other words, a new target pressure can be defined each time the complete diagnostic process is repeated. This is particularly attributable to the fact that after steps a) through e) have been performed using the remaining tanks, the pressure in all tanks has reached the (first) predefined target pressure. Therefore, it is advantageous that the predefined target pressure is reduced each time a tank takes the role of the first or second tank for the second, third, or xth time.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, it may be conceivable to specify a predefined pressure difference that is the same each time step f) is repeated, i.e., each time the entire method is repeated.

[0020] Advantageously, when detecting a anticipated pressure drop, the shut-off function of at least the valves in the corresponding storage tank is checked. In other words, it can be checked whether the anticipated pressure drop has indeed been or has been detected. If the anticipated pressure drop is detected, it can be inferred that the shut-off function of the valves in the corresponding storage tank is fault-free.

[0021] Advantageously, when a anticipated pressure rise is detected, the valve opening function of the second storage tank can be checked. In other words, it can be checked whether the anticipated pressure rise has indeed been or has been detected. If the anticipated pressure rise is detected, it can be inferred that the valve opening function of the corresponding storage tank is fault-free.

[0022] It should be noted that while a decrease in pressure can be expected, the expected decrease in pressure is usually not, or cannot, be quantified (in advance). The same applies to an expected increase in pressure.

[0023] Advantageously, valve signals are output based on detected expected pressure drops and / or detected expected pressure increases in the piping system. These valve signals can be signals with diagnostic information. The valve signals can be configured to communicate to the user of at least one consumer whether the valve of the corresponding tank is functioning fault-free. If an expected pressure drop is detected in a manner that is either just missed or substantially missed, then the valve signal can be considered a fault signal. Such a fault signal can provide the user and / or control unit of at least one consumer with the information that the closing function of the valve of the corresponding tank is faulty. Similarly, if an expected pressure increase is detected in a manner that is either just missed or substantially missed, then the valve signal can also be considered a fault signal. Such a fault signal can provide the user and / or control unit of at least one consumer with the information that the opening function of the valve of the corresponding tank is faulty.

[0024] It should be noted that the valve signal can also contain information about which of the multiple tanks it pertains to. The corresponding valve signal essentially indicates whether the valve being checked is faulty or functioning correctly in terms of its closing and / or opening functions. This allows for advantageous individual inspection of each valve. Therefore, its own signal can be output for each valve.

[0025] Advantageously, in step a), all valves in the remaining tanks of the plurality of tanks are closed. In other words, supply to at least one consumer can temporarily be made from only one tank.

[0026] Advantageously, the closing and / or opening of the tank valves can be controlled by means of a piping system, particularly by means of a pressure regulator unit within the piping system. In other words, the piping system can have a control unit, which can be implemented, for example, in conjunction with a pressure regulator unit. This means that closing and opening can be controlled by the control unit of the piping system based on the pressure detected in the piping system.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention relates to a tank system for supplying fluid to at least one consumer. The tank system has multiple tanks and a piping system. Each of the multiple tanks is equipped with a valve, also referred to as a valve device. The tank system can be controlled according to the methods described above and below. The tank system may be a hydrogen storage tank system, such that the fluid is preferably hydrogen. The piping system may in particular have a high-pressure sensor configured to detect pressure increases and / or pressure decreases in the piping system. The multiple tanks may have two or more tanks. Here, the tanks may have different storage volumes.

[0028] Because the tank system can be controlled using the method according to the invention, the tank system can be long-lasting. This is because the method minimizes the number of valve switching operations in the tank, while simultaneously allowing the tank system to undergo ongoing diagnostic processes.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Advantageously, the piping system has at least one pressure sensor, particularly a high-pressure sensor. Such a pressure sensor can be arranged, for example, 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.

[0031] Advantageously, at least one, and preferably all, of the plurality of tanks is equipped with a tank pressure sensor. This ensures that pressure information about the tank itself is not lost. If no tank pressure sensor is installed, i.e., no pressure sensor is placed in the corresponding tank, then the pressure information in the tank will be lost during recharging.

[0032] Advantageously, each of the plurality of storage tanks is connected to a piping system via a pipeline. Each pipeline has a filling path and a draining path. Here, the filling path and the draining path can be implemented as a single path. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the filling path and the draining path are 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 a method according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0035] 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

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 A tank system according to one embodiment is schematically illustrated. Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the method is shown, and Figure 3 A storage tank system according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[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 1 The 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. Fluid should or will be stored in the tanks 12, enabling the tank system 100 to supply this fluid to at least one consumer 40. The tanks 12 are fluidly connected to distributors 14, 30 via pipes 31, 32. 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 may be directly fluidly connected to the main distributor 30 via the so-called secondary pipe 32. Alternative embodiments regarding the tanks 12 and distributors 14, 30 are also conceivable. Figure 1 The implementation schemes described are merely exemplary and should not be considered restrictive.

[0040] The piping system 39 typically—such as Figure 1The dashed box indicates a system with multiple elements and / or components. 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 consumer 40 is a fuel system. The tank system 100 or its piping system 39 may also have a main filling path 33. Therefore, 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 utilize a high-pressure sensor 36 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 ) Detect pressure changes or pressure processes in pipelines 31 and 32.

[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 unit. Such a control unit can be part of the piping system 39. The valve 13 can be controlled accordingly according to the method of the invention.

[0042] Figure 2 A flowchart of another embodiment of the method is shown. The method can be used to control a tank system 100 in operation. In particular, the method can be used to perform a diagnostic process on valve 13 of tank 12.

[0043] In the first method step a), fluid is supplied to the at least one consumer from the first storage tank 12.1, i.e., the only storage tank 12 among the plurality of tanks. Therefore, only one valve 13, i.e., valve 13.1 of the first storage tank 12.1, is opened during step a). All remaining valves 13.2, 13.3, and 13.4 are closed. As fluid is drawn from the first storage tank 12.1 and supplied to the consumer 40 via storage tank path 34, the pressure in the corresponding storage tank 12.1 decreases. Once the pressure in the first storage tank 12.1 has decreased by a predefined pressure difference, valve 13.1 of the first storage tank 12.1 is closed in the second method step b). In other words, valve 13.1 of the first storage tank 12.1 is closed in the second method step b) when a predefined target pressure is reached. By closing valve 13.1—assuming a trouble-free closure—the pressure in the corresponding line 32 of the piping system 39 or the storage tank system 100 will decrease. Therefore, in step c) of the third method, the expected pressure drop (i.e., under fault-free valve 13.1) is detected by means of piping system 39. It should be noted that since all other valves 13 are closed in steps a) through c), the pressure in piping 32 and in tank path 34 is the same after closing valve 13.1 of the first tank 12.1. Step c) can be used to check whether the closing function of valve 13.1 of the first tank 12.2 is functioning fault-free.

[0044] Subsequently, in the fourth method step d), valve 13.2 of the second storage tank 12.2 is opened, which should be performed as soon as possible after the third method step c). Therefore, the second storage tank 12.2 assumes the role of the first storage tank 12.1, such that (according to method step a)) only the second storage tank 12.2 supplies the consumer. Therefore, in the fourth method step d), steps a) to c) are repeated using the second storage tank 12.2. When the second storage tank 12.2 assumes the role of the first storage tank 12.1, i.e., when valve 13.2 of the second storage tank 12.2 is opened, a pressure increase in pipeline 31 and in the tank path 34 can be anticipated—assuming the opening function of valve 13.2 of the second storage tank 12.2 functions without fault. Therefore, in a further fifth method step e), the anticipated pressure increase is detected by means of pipeline system 39. Step e) allows for checking whether the opening function of the corresponding valve (here, valve 13.2 of the second storage tank 12.2) is faulty.

[0045] In step f) of the sixth method, steps a) through e) are repeated using the remaining tanks 12 among the multiple tanks. This allows for checking the faulty closing and opening functions of each valve 13. Specifically, when the second tank 12.2 is closed (see step b) and a anticipated pressure drop is subsequently detected (see step c), the third tank (if any) or valve 13.3 of the third tank 12.3 is opened to check the opening function of valve 13.3 of the third tank 12.3. Here, fluid is supplied to the consumer 40 only from the third tank 12.3, so that the pressure in the piping system 39 reaches a predefined target pressure. When valve 13.3 of the third tank 12.3 is opened, a anticipated pressure increase is detected by means of the piping system 39. Once it is possible to supply fluid to the consumer (individually) from all tanks 12, step f) is completely completed, and the method can be repeated from the beginning.

[0046] Figure 3 A tank system 100 according to an embodiment is shown schematically. Unless otherwise stated, Figure 3 The tank system has the same characteristics as Figure 1 The storage tank system has 100 identical components and / or parts. Furthermore, Figure 3 The storage tanks 12 of the storage tank system 100 each have an end plug 15, also known as an "End Plug". Such end plugs 15 can be equipped with additional safety devices. The safety devices in the end plugs 15 are preferably temperature-controlled. Furthermore, the storage tanks 12 can be equipped with temperature sensors 16. Storage tank pressure sensors 17 are capable of constantly detecting the dominant pressure in the respective storage tank. Alternatively or additionally, multiple storage tanks 12 can be equipped with temperature sensors 16.

[0047] Preferably, the pressure regulator unit 42 of the piping system 39 is equipped with a medium-pressure sensor 41 and a pressure regulator 43.

[0048] 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.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a tank system (100) in operation, wherein, The tank system has multiple tanks (12) and a piping system (39), and each tank (12) is equipped with a valve (13), wherein the tank system (100) supplies fluid to at least one consumer (40). The method comprises the following steps: a) Supply from the first of the plurality of storage tanks (12.1) to the at least one consumer (40), b) When the predefined target pressure is reached, close the valve (13.1) of the first storage tank (12.1). c) Detect expected pressure drops, especially expected pressure drops below the first target pressure, using the piping system (39). d) Open the valve (13.2) of the second tank (12.2) of the plurality of tanks and perform steps a) to c) using the second tank (12.2), and e) When the valve (13.2) of the second storage tank (12.2) is opened, the expected pressure increase is detected by means of the piping system (39). f) Repeat steps a) to e) using the remaining tanks (12) among the plurality of tanks.

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The method is repeated, wherein a new target pressure is predefined each time the method is repeated, the new target pressure being particularly lower than the target pressure predefined in the previous repetition.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, When the expected pressure drop is detected, check the shut-off function of at least the valve (13) of the corresponding storage tank (12).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, When an expected pressure rise is detected, check the opening function of the valve (13) of the second storage tank (12).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, Based on the detected expected pressure drop and / or detected expected pressure rise in the piping system (39), an output valve signal is generated.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, In step a), all valves (13) of the remaining tanks (12) of the plurality of tanks are closed.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The closing and / or opening of the valve (13) of the storage tank (12) is controlled by means of the piping system (39), especially by means of the pressure regulator unit (42) of the piping system (39).

8. A tank system (100) for supplying fluid to at least one consumer, comprising: Multiple storage tanks (12) and piping systems (39), among which, Each of the plurality of storage tanks (12) is provided with a valve (13), wherein the storage tank system (100) is controllable 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, especially a high-pressure sensor (36).

10. The tank system (100) according to any one of claims 8 and 9. Its features are, At least one of the multiple storage tanks has a tank pressure sensor.

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

12. 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 11, cause the computing unit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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

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