CRYOPENTER AND SUB-SYSTEM FOR FILLING AND VENTING THE CRYOPENTER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system comprising a cryogenic container and an auxiliary system for filling and venting the cryogenic container, wherein the auxiliary system comprises a connecting line leading into the first cryogenic container and a filling coupling is connected to the connecting line.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to mount cryogenic tanks on a motor vehicle in which liquefied gas (e.g., LNG, "Liquid Natural Gas") is stored, which is used, for example, as fuel for the motor vehicle. A connecting line is installed in each cryogenic tank through which it can be filled.

[0003] According to the state of the art, each cryogenic container also features a so-called vent coupling, which serves to selectively release gas from the respective cryogenic container to reduce the pressure inside; in other words, the cryogenic container is "vented." For this purpose, a vent line is inserted into each cryogenic container in addition to the filling line. Together, the filling system and the vent system form the so-called auxiliary system of the cryogenic container.

[0004] According to this state of the art, there are two independent systems for filling and venting. The disadvantage of this state of the art is that the auxiliary system's lines are complicated to route on the vehicle. In particular, space on the vehicle for routing lines is extremely limited, and any space gained can be used to enlarge the cryogenic container to store more cryogenic fluid.

[0005] US 2008 / 0134693 A1 describes a coupling that enables combined refueling and venting and has a shut-off valve and a check valve connected in parallel.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2016 214 577 A1 discloses a pressure vessel system in which a single line enables both withdrawal and refueling, with a single shut-off valve and a parallel check valve in the connecting line. A bleed port is located directly adjacent to each vessel.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to create an auxiliary system for filling and venting a cryogenic container, which is particularly space-saving but still makes it possible to fill or vent the cryogenic container.

[0008] This objective is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle according to claim 1.

[0009] The solution according to the invention provides a means by which only a single connection line needs to be routed into the cryogenic container; that is, the vent line and the filling lines no longer need to be connected to the cryogenic container separately. Thus, the number of pipe penetrations on the cryogenic container for the auxiliary system for filling and venting can be reduced from two to one. Actuating the shut-off valve allows switching from filling mode to venting mode, which is achieved by the parallel-connected check valve.

[0010] The inventive solution helps to reduce heat losses from the cryogenic containers, because cryogenic containers are double-walled vacuum-insulated containers and all pipes connected to the actual storage volume must penetrate the insulating vacuum and form a thermally conductive and mechanical connection between an inner tank and an outer container.

[0011] According to the invention, either the same coupling used for filling can be used for venting, i.e., the filling coupling is a combination coupling for filling and venting the cryogenic container, or a separate vent coupling can be provided for venting. This has the purpose of allowing the filling and vent couplings to be connected to existing filling station connections, thus ensuring backward compatibility.

[0012] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to mount two cryogenic containers on a vehicle. The cryogenic containers are typically mounted on the left and right sides of the vehicle's frame, between the vehicle's axles. Both cryogenic containers generally have accessible filling couplings on the side of the vehicle, allowing them to be filled individually. It is also known that the filling lines of the two cryogenic containers can be connected via a connecting line to allow both containers to be filled simultaneously via a single filling coupling. Similarly, a separate vent system is provided for each cryogenic container, with the two vent lines being connected by a separate connecting line so that both cryogenic containers can be vented via a single vent coupling.

[0013] According to this state of the art, there are therefore two independent systems for filling and venting, each having a connecting line running through the vehicle's frame, so that two cryogenic containers can be filled or vented simultaneously.

[0014] However, this has the disadvantage that even more lines have to be laid in the area of ​​the cryogenic containers. Therefore, a further objective of the invention is to create a system for filling and venting two cryogenic containers that is particularly space-saving but still allows both cryogenic containers to be filled or vented from only one side.

[0015] According to the invention, this is solved by the above-mentioned system comprising a further cryogenic container, wherein the auxiliary system comprises a further connecting line led into the further cryogenic container and a connecting line which connects the two connecting lines in such a way that both cryogenic containers can be filled via the filling coupling and preferably vented via the filling coupling or the vent coupling.

[0016] The additional cryogenic container can, in principle, be designed as known from the prior art, whereby at least simultaneous filling via the connecting line is enabled. If the additional cryogenic container comprises a separate filling line and a separate vent line, the connecting line could, in one embodiment, open into both the filling line and the vent line. For example, the connecting line here could, as in the case of the first cryogenic container, include a check valve that opens towards the additional cryogenic container and a shut-off valve connected in parallel.

[0017] Solutions with a single connecting line for filling and venting both cryogenic tanks thus allow only one connecting line to be routed through or over the vehicle's chassis. This minimizes the installation space required in the tank area, allowing the available space to be used as much as possible for fuel volume.

[0018] According to the invention, both cryogenic containers are equipped with a combined filling and venting system, each with only one connection line. For this purpose, a further shut-off valve is provided in the additional connection line, and a further check valve, opening in the filling direction, is connected in parallel to the additional shut-off valve by means of a further branch line.

[0019] To allow the two cryogenic tanks to be filled from either side of the vehicle, an additional filling coupling can be connected to the connecting line, with the filling couplings being accessible at different locations, e.g., on opposite sides of the vehicle. To provide the same advantage for venting, preferably another filling coupling can be connected to the connecting line, with the filling couplings being accessible on opposite sides of the vehicle. This allows the cryogenic tanks to be filled and vented from either side of the vehicle.

[0020] It is further advantageous if a pressure relief valve is connected to the first connection line and preferably another pressure relief valve is also connected to the second connection line. In contrast to the prior art, it is possible to provide only one pressure relief valve per cryogenic container.

[0021] In its installed state, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle frame and the aforementioned system, wherein the cryogenic container is mounted on a first side of the support frame and the further cryogenic container is mounted on a second, opposite side of the support frame, wherein the auxiliary system is positioned on the motor vehicle such that the filling coupling is accessible on the first or second side. This motor vehicle is designed such that the slim design of the auxiliary system provides more installation space for additional components or larger cryogenic containers with greater storage volume.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the motor vehicle is designed such that a filling coupling and a vent coupling, or a combined filling and vent coupling, are accessible on both the first and second sides. This allows the cryogenic containers of the motor vehicle to be filled and vented from both sides of the vehicle, while also achieving a significant space saving compared to the prior art.

[0023] Advantageous and non-restrictive embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle with two mounted cryogenic containers. Figure 2 shows two cryogenic containers and an auxiliary system according to the state of the art. Figure 3 shows a cryogenic container and a section of the auxiliary system according to the invention.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 with a support frame 2 and two axles 3, 4. On both sides 5, 6 of the support frame 2, a cryogenic container 7, 8 is mounted between the axles 3, 4. The cryogenic containers 7, 8 each store fluid 9, for example, liquefied natural gas, which is also known to those skilled in the art as LNG ("Liquid Natural Gas"). The fluid 9 is contained in the examples of Figure 2 and 3 The fluid is stored in liquid form up to a fill level F, and in a gaseous state above that level. If the cryogenic containers 7, 8 are used in conjunction with a motor vehicle, the stored fluid 9 can, for example, serve as fuel for the engine of the motor vehicle 1. In other embodiments, however, the cryogenic containers could also be used in other areas.

[0025] The lines connected to cryogenic containers 7 and 8 are referred to in technical terminology as the auxiliary system. The following section describes in detail the auxiliary system for filling and venting the first cryogenic container 7 and the second cryogenic container 8.

[0026] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a secondary system 10 known from the prior art for filling and venting two cryogenic containers 7, 8. The secondary system 10 is divided into a filling system 11 and an independent venting system 12.

[0027] The filling system 11 has a first filling line 13 leading into the first cryogenic container 7 and a second filling line 14 leading into the second cryogenic container 8. The first filling line 13 has a first filling coupling 15 accessible on the first side 5 of the vehicle 1, and the second filling line 14 has a second filling coupling 16 accessible on the second side 6 of the vehicle 1. To allow both cryogenic containers 7 and 8 to be filled simultaneously through only one of the two filling couplings 15 or 16, the filling lines 13 and 14 are connected by a first connecting line 17.

[0028] The venting system 12 has a first vent line 18 leading into the first cryogenic container 7 and a second vent line 19 leading into the second cryogenic container 8. The first vent line 18 has a first vent coupling 20 accessible on the first side 5 of the vehicle 1, and the second vent line 19 has a second vent coupling 21 accessible on the second side 6 of the vehicle 1. To allow both cryogenic containers 7 and 8 to be vented simultaneously through only one of the two vent couplings 20 or 21, the vent lines 18 and 19 are connected by a second connecting line 22.

[0029] From the state of the art according to Figure 2It is further known to provide a check valve 23 in the respective filling line 13, 14 between the connection to the cryogenic container 7, 8 and the filling coupling 15, 16 in order to prevent fluid flow from the cryogenic container 7, 8. Furthermore, a pressure relief valve 24 is connected to the respective filling line 13, 14 between the connection to the cryogenic container 7, 8 and the check valve 23.

[0030] A shut-off valve 25 can also be provided in the respective vent line 18, 19, which is accessible on side 5, 6 of the respective vent coupling 19, 20. By operating one of the shut-off valves 25, the cryogenic containers 7, 8 can be vented via the vent coupling 20, 21. Furthermore, a pressure relief valve 26 is provided in the respective vent line 18, 19 between the connection to the cryogenic container 7, 8 and the shut-off valve 25, whereby the pressure relief valves 26 can be connected as shown.

[0031] Figure 3Figure 1 shows an auxiliary system 27 for filling and venting the cryogenic containers 7, 8 according to the invention. Accordingly, there are no separate filling and venting systems, each of which is separately routed into the cryogenic container by means of a line, but rather only a first connecting line 28 is routed into the first cryogenic container 7 and a second connecting line 29 into the second cryogenic container 8.

[0032] The connecting lines 28, 29 thus serve, firstly, to introduce fluid 9 into the respective cryogenic containers 7, 8, and secondly, to vent the respective cryogenic containers 7, 8. Furthermore, according to the invention, there is only one connecting line 30 between the two connecting lines 28, 29.

[0033] At least one filling coupling 31 and one vent coupling 32 are connected to the connecting line 30. For example, the filling coupling 31 and the vent coupling 32 can both be accessible on one side 5, 6 of the vehicle 1, so that both cryogenic containers 7, 8 can be filled or vented via the connecting line 30. More generally, the filling coupling 31 and the vent coupling 32 could also be accessible on opposite sides 5, 6.

[0034] To enable filling and / or venting of the two cryogenic containers 7, 8 from both sides 5, 6, an additional filling coupling 33 and / or an additional vent coupling 34 can be connected to the connecting line 30. Alternatively or additionally, a combination coupling (not shown) for filling and venting can be provided. Preferably, one filling coupling 31, 33 and one vent coupling 32, 34 (or one combination coupling) are provided on each side 5, 6, so that the cryogenic containers 7, 8 can be filled or vented from both sides 5, 6 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0035] Thus, according to the invention, a secondary system 27 is created in which both a filling coupling 31 and a vent coupling 32 (or a combination coupling) are connected to the same connecting line 30. The first cryogenic container 7, the second cryogenic container 8, the filling coupling 31, and the vent coupling 32 are therefore connected to each other via a single pipe section. Preferably, as described, two filling couplings 31, 33 and two vent couplings 32, 34 (or two combination couplings) are connected to the same connecting line 30.

[0036] In the Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, a shut-off valve 35 is further provided in the connecting line 28, and a check valve 37, opening in the filling direction, is connected in parallel to the shut-off valve 35 by means of a branch line 36. The shut-off valve 35 is usually accessible next to the valve coupling 32 (or combination coupling). This allows the single connecting line 30 to be used in conjunction with the shut-off valve 35 and the check valve 36. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that an embodiment in which the shut-off valve 35 is provided in the branch line 36 and the check valve 37 in the connecting line 28 is equivalent to the solution described above. This embodiment can, in particular, also be used for only one cryogenic container 7, 8, which would also eliminate the need for the connecting line 30.

[0037] The connecting line 28 is thus connected at one end to the cryogenic container 7 and opens at the other end into the filling coupling 31 and into the vent coupling 32 (or into the combination coupling), wherein the shut-off valve 35 with a parallel-connected check valve 37 is arranged in the connecting line between the cryogenic container 7 and the filling coupling 31 or vent coupling 32 (or into the combination coupling).

[0038] The same can be provided for the second (further) connection line 29, so that in the further connection line 29 of the second cryogenic container 8 a further shut-off valve 38 is provided and by means of a further branch line 39 a further check valve 40 opening in the filling direction is connected in parallel to the further shut-off valve 38.

[0039] In general, the second cryogenic container 8 could also be equipped with a filling line and a separate venting line as in Figure 2shown to be equipped so that the connecting line 30 leads on the one hand into the connecting line 28 of the first cryo container and on the other hand into both the filling and the venting line of the second cryo container 8.

[0040] Furthermore, in the solution according to the invention, a pressure relief valve 41 can be provided with the first connecting line 28, and preferably, an additional pressure relief valve 42 can also be connected with the second connecting line 29. For example, the pressure relief valve 41 or 42 can also be provided in the branch line 36 or further branch line 39 and be indirectly connected to the respective connecting lines 28 and 29 via these.

[0041] Furthermore, additional components such as a pressure sensor 43 for a control unit and / or a visual pressure indicator 44 can be provided in the respective connecting line 28, 29 or branch line 36, 39.

[0042] Additional shut-off valves could also be provided in the first connecting lines 28, the second connecting line 29 and / or in the connecting line 30 in order to selectively fill or vent only one of the two cryogenic containers 7, 8 via one of the filling couplings 31, 33 or vent couplings 32, 34.

[0043] The subsystem 27 shown above is illustrated for two cryocontainers 7, 8, but could easily be extended for use with one, three or more cryocontainers.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a vehicle frame (2) and a system comprising a cryogenic container (7) and an ancillary system (27) for filling and venting the cryogenic container (7), wherein the ancillary system (27) comprises a connecting line (28) routed into the first cryogenic container (7) and a filling coupling (31) is connected to the connecting line (28), wherein a shut-off valve (35) is provided in the connecting line (28) and a check valve (37) opening in the filling direction is connected in parallel to the shut-off valve (35) by means of a branch line (36) so that the cryogenic container (7) can be filled via the filling coupling (31) when the shut-off valve (35) is closed and can be vented via the filling coupling (31) or via a vent coupling (32) separate therefrom and connected to the connecting line (28) when the shut-off valve (35) is open, wherein the system comprises an additional cryogenic container (8) and the ancillary system (27) comprises an additional connecting line (29) routed into the additional cryogenic container (8), characterized in that an additional shut-off valve (38) is provided in the additional connecting line (29), and an additional check valve (40) opening in the filling direction is connected in parallel to the additional shut-off valve (38) by means of an additional branch line (39), wherein the ancillary system (27) further comprises a connection line (30) which connects the two connecting lines (28, 29) in such a way that the two cryogenic containers (7, 8) can be filled via the filling coupling (31) and can be vented preferably via the filling coupling (31) or the vent coupling (32).

2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off valve (35) and the additional shut-off valve (38) are pneumatically connected to one another.

3. Motor vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein an additional filling coupling (33) is connected to the additional connecting line (29) in such a way that the filling couplings (31, 33) are accessible at different points.

4. Motor vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a pressure relief valve (41) is connected to the connecting line (28) and preferably a further pressure relief valve (42) is also connected to the additional connecting line (29).

5. Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, with the cryogenic container (7) being installed on a first side (5) of the supporting frame (2) and the further cryogenic container (8) being installed on a second side (6) of the supporting frame (2) opposite to the first one, wherein the ancillary system (27) is placed on the motor vehicle (1) in such a way that the filling coupling (31) is accessible on the first side (5) or on the second side (6).

6. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 5 in combination with claim 3, wherein the filling coupling (31, 33) is accessible on the first side (5) and the additional filling coupling is accessible on the second side (6).