GAS STORAGE ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for storing gas, comprising at least one container for storing a gas in liquid or gaseous form, comprising an electronic control unit assigned to the at least one container for detecting, displaying and / or transmitting data and comprising an energy generating device for providing the electrical energy required by the control unit.

[0002] Various containers, such as tanks, compressed gas cylinders or compressed gas cylinder bundles, are used to store compressed gases and liquefied gases, in particular technical or medical gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide or noble gases.

[0003] In order to store large quantities of gases, vacuum-insulated tanks (floor tanks) in sizes between 180 liters and 100,000 liters are usually used, in which the gas is stored in a cryogenically liquefied state.

[0004] Compressed gas cylinders are used to store pressurized gases. They have a filling volume of, for example, 1 to 200 liters and are typically made of steel, aluminum, or a composite material. They typically have an operating pressure of between 150 and 300 bar.

[0005] To cover a customer's average gas demand, compressed gas cylinder bundles are increasingly being used. These are arrangements in which several, for example, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, or 28, compressed gas cylinders of the above-mentioned type are grouped vertically or horizontally within a mostly fully or partially open frame and fluidly connected to each other via piping. For gas extraction, the compressed gas cylinder bundle is equipped with one or more extraction valves. Gas cylinder bundles of this type are described, for example, in DE 3 805 497 C1 or EP 0 230 904 A2.

[0006] Compressed gas cylinders are increasingly being equipped with complex withdrawal systems known as integrated valves or VIPR (valve with integrated pressure regulator). Integrated valves comprise a shut-off device and other fittings arranged compactly within a housing, such as pressure regulators, pressure controllers, display devices, one or more connections for withdrawing gas and / or filling the compressed gas cylinder, or systems for remotely monitoring the compressed gas cylinder. Examples of integrated valves can be found in US Pat. Nos. 8,322,569 B2, 6,732,996 B1, 8,534,312 B2, WO 2008 / 052022 A2, and 2008 / 0095607 A1. Tanks or bundles of compressed gas cylinders are also increasingly being equipped with monitoring systems which, for example, continuously record the contents of the respective container and transmit this information to a remote control center, which then automatically organizes the replacement or filling of the container as needed.US 2016 / 097666 A1 discloses a known tank.

[0007] The additional fittings or systems typically operate with electronic components, such as circuits, memory, display instruments, transmitters, etc., that require a power supply. Since a power supply via cables is often impractical and in some cases not even possible, the power supply is usually provided by batteries built into the integrated valve or an electronic control unit on the tank. Even if the power consumption is relatively low, the batteries must be replaced from time to time, which requires a considerable amount of time and effort.

[0008] It has therefore already been proposed to equip liquefied gas tanks or integrated valves with solar modules, which, in conjunction with a power storage device, are intended to ensure a continuous power supply to the electronic elements in the valve. For example, DE 203 011 68 U1, DE 10 2010 033 893 A1, US 10 480 717 B2, and US 10 677 391 B2 describe gas storage arrangements that at least optionally mention the use of solar modules as an integrated energy source.

[0009] However, solar modules are not suitable as an energy source for all gas storage locations. Such systems cannot be used in permanently shaded or dark locations, or where the artificial light falling on the solar module is insufficient to generate a sufficient amount of electricity.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an arrangement for storing gas which is equipped with additional electronic functions and which is equipped with an autonomous energy supply and which can also be used in locations where a solar power supply is not possible.

[0011] This object is achieved by a gas storage arrangement having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are claimed in the subclaims.

[0012] According to the invention, the energy generation device comprises a wind generator for converting wind energy into electrical energy and an energy storage unit for at least temporarily storing electrical energy generated by the wind generator.

[0013] The energy supply system, equipped with a wind generator and energy storage unit, enables an autonomous power supply of the electronic control unit as an island solution, particularly at locations where an external energy supply or a local photovoltaic energy supply is not possible or only possible at unreasonably high cost.

[0014] The electronic control unit is preferably permanently mounted on the container or on a fastening device assigned to the container and is transported with the container, for example, to a filling station or to a customer. It records, visualizes, and / or transmits data about the container, the container contents, and / or other measured or recorded parameters. For example, the electronic control unit records the pressure or temperature of the container contents, the ambient temperature, a fill level, a condition, and / or a location of the container and transmits the corresponding data, along with a stored container identifier, via remote data transmission to a control center in the vicinity of the container or to the location of a gas supplier.

[0015] The invention is based on the idea that even complex electronic control units require no more than 200 to 400 mAh of power per year. To meet this power requirement, comparatively small wind generators and / or relatively little air movement in the area of ​​the wind generator over a longer period of time are sufficient.

[0016] A "wind generator" is understood here to mean a power generation system in which a rotatably mounted rotor (wind turbine) is set in rotation by the movement of the surrounding air, and the resulting rotational energy is at least partially converted into electrical energy. For the purposes of the present invention, comparatively weak wind generators are sufficient, which are comparatively small in size and can be easily mounted on the arrangement according to the invention, in particular in the bundle frame of a compressed gas cylinder bundle or in or on the valve of a compressed gas cylinder. For example, the wind generators have a maximum power of 100 W, preferably 10 W or less.If a larger tank is provided as the container, such as a stationary tank with a filling volume between 100 l and 100,000 l, there is no need for a small construction volume for the wind generator, and larger wind generators with an output of, for example, between 100 watts and 1,000 watts can also be used, with which, in particular, other electrically operated devices in the vicinity of the arrangement, such as lighting or a surveillance camera, can be supplied with energy independently.

[0017] The wind generator is operatively connected to an energy storage unit for storing the electrical energy generated in the wind generator. This unit is typically a rechargeable battery. To supply the electronic control unit and, if necessary, other electrically operated devices, power can be drawn directly from the wind generator or, if no power is being generated there, from the energy storage unit, which is ensured by suitable control electronics.

[0018] The container of the arrangement according to the invention is a bundle of compressed gas cylinders of the types described above.

[0019] In the case of a tank not belonging to the invention, in particular a stationary tank which, when assembled, can reach heights of 15 m to 20 m, the wind generator is arranged as an integrated component of the tank construction, preferably in the region of the (when assembled) upper end of the tank. Since the assembly of the wind generator must not interfere with safety-relevant parts of the tank, the wind generator is mounted, preferably detachably, on or in the region of a holding eye provided for setting up the container or is fastened to a device arranged directly next to or on the container, such as a holding rod. The wind generator is preferably mounted on the arrangement in such a way that it projects vertically above the stationary tank once it has been set up.

[0020] If the container is a bundle of compressed gas cylinders, which typically has a bundle frame constructed, for example, from metallic hollow profiles, within which a plurality of compressed gas cylinders, including piping and connection fittings, are accommodated, the wind generator and / or the energy storage unit is preferably also arranged within the frame to avoid damage during transport. To achieve the greatest possible wind yield, however, the wind generator can also be pivoted or extendably mounted on the bundle frame; in this case, the wind generator is moved, if necessary, into an operating position to the side or above the outer circumference of the bundle frame after the bundle of compressed gas cylinders has been set up, but is returned to a protected transport position within the bundle frame before transport.

[0021] If a compressed gas cylinder not belonging to the invention is provided as the container, the wind generator is preferably mounted in or on a

[0022] The wind generator is mounted on the cylinder head or protective cage. In another preferred arrangement, the wind generator and the storage unit are part of an integrated valve mounted on the compressed gas cylinder. In these cases, too, the wind generator can be pivotably or extendably mounted on the cylinder head, the valve, or the protective cage.

[0023] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the arrangement, in addition to the wind generator, is equipped with at least one additional power supply device. This may be, for example, a solar module or a battery (primary battery), which can be used in addition to the wind generator or in the event of its failure.

[0024] The wind generator preferably has a maximum power between 0.1 W and 1000 W, preferably between 0.2 W and 100 W, particularly preferably between 0.2 W and 10 W. Wind generators with a power of less than 10 W, in particular, have a small construction volume and can be easily installed, in particular, in the frame of compressed gas cylinder bundles or in the cylinder head of a compressed gas cylinder, for example, in a VIPR.

[0025] The wind generator preferably comprises a rotor with a vertical axis of rotation when installed, for example, a Darrieus rotor. With such a design, the rotor blades do not need to be aligned to the respective wind direction. However, wind generators with a horizontal and / or pivoting axis of rotation, or multiple wind generators, possibly of different types, are also conceivable according to the invention.

[0026] The arrangement according to the invention is suitable for storing technical or medical gases in liquid or gaseous form, in particular for storing nitrogen, oxygen, noble gases, carbon dioxide, hydrogen or mixtures of two or more of these gases, in particular as welding gases, test gases or inhalation gases.

[0027] An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The sole drawing ( Fig. 1 ) shows schematically an arrangement according to the invention in a side view.

[0028] The Fig. 1The arrangement 1 according to the invention shown comprises a container for storing gas in the form of a compressed gas cylinder bundle, in which a number of compressed gas cylinders 3, 3', 3" are accommodated within a bundle frame 4 in a manner known per se. The compressed gas cylinders 3, 3', 3" are fluidly connected to one another by a piping 5, on which, likewise in a manner known per se, a tapping valve 6 with a handwheel 7 and tapping connection 8 is arranged. Not shown, but possible within the scope of the invention, are one or more additional tapping valves at which gas can be tapping at the same pressure as at the tapping valve 6 or - if a pressure reducer is interposed at the tapping valve in question - at reduced pressures.An electronic control unit 9 is arranged on the piping 5. In the embodiment shown here, it is equipped with a pressure indicator 10 and a transmitter unit 11, but can also include additional or other electronic components. For example, the electronic control unit 9 serves to continuously record the pressure in the piping 5, and thus in the pressure vessels 3, 3', 3", and, if a predetermined minimum pressure value is undershot, to send a warning signal via the transmitter unit 11 to a remote control station (not shown here) at the location of the arrangement and / or to a gas supplier.

[0029] The bundle rack 4 comprises an outer frame structure, in the exemplary embodiment essentially cuboid-shaped, made of metal profiles, for example, hollow steel profiles, connected to one another by welding. The frame structure is dimensioned such that all gas cylinders 3, 3', 3", the piping 4, the electronic control unit 9, and the extraction valve 6 are arranged within the outer edges of the bundle rack 4. Furthermore, the bundle rack 4 comprises lateral frame profiles 13, 14, which serve in particular to prevent the compressed gas cylinders 3, 3', 3" from sliding out sideways. To facilitate the transport of the assembly 1, the bundle rack 4 further comprises a pallet-like base section 15 with transport openings 16, 16' for engagement by transport means, such as the forks of a forklift.Above the frame profile 13, the bundle frame 4 has an access opening 17 through which the extraction valve 6 and the electronic control unit 9 are accessible to an operator.

[0030] According to the invention, a wind generator 18 is used to supply energy to the electronic control unit 9. The wind generator 18 is mounted in an open frame 19 accommodated within the bundle frame 4 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, comprises a rotor 20 with a plurality of vertically arranged rotor blades 21, 21', which are rotatably mounted about a likewise vertically arranged axis 22. In a generator section 23 of the wind generator 18, a rotary movement of the rotor 20 is converted into electrical current in a manner known per se and not of further interest here. Furthermore, a storage unit 24 for storing electrical energy generated by the wind generator 18 is provided within the frame 19; for example, the storage unit 24 is an accumulator. The wind generator 18 and the storage unit 24 are electrically connected to the electronic control unit 9 via a line 25.During operation of the wind generator 18, a rotation of the rotor 20 caused by air movement in the surroundings is converted into electrical current, which is temporarily stored in the storage unit 24 and / or fed to the electronic control unit 9 as needed. The vertical positioning of the rotor blades 21, 21' in the exemplary embodiment ensures a certain independence from the wind direction; however, other types of wind generators are also conceivable within the scope of the invention, which can be used instead of or in addition to the wind generator 18 shown here, in particular those with a horizontal and / or pivotable axis of rotation. A plurality of wind generators 18 can also be provided on different side surfaces of the arrangement 1 in order to be able to take different wind directions into account.

[0031] Since the power requirement of the electronic control unit 9 is only low, a few hours of wind per year, or an air movement prevailing during the transport of the arrangement 1, are sufficient to ensure a permanent, self-sufficient power supply of the electronic control unit 9.

[0032] Furthermore, the arrangement 1 can optionally also comprise further devices for supplying energy, such as a solar module 26 or a battery (not shown here) in order to ensure a power supply even in the event of a permanent absence of air movement. List of reference symbols:

[0033] 1Arrangement 2- 3, 3', 3"Compressed gas cylinders 4Bundle frame 5Piping 6Withdrawal valve 7Handwheel 8Withdrawal connection 9Electronic control unit 10Pressure indicator 11Transmitter unit 12- 13Side frame profile 14Side frame profile 15Floor section 16, 16'Transport opening 17Access opening 18Wind generator 19Frame 20Rotor 21, 22'Rotor blades 22Axle 23Generator section 24Storage unit 25Cable 26Solar module

Claims

1. Arrangement for storing gas, with at least one container (3, 3', 3'') for storing a gas in a liquid or gaseous form, with an electronic control unit (9), which is assigned to the at least one container (3, 3', 3") and is intended for capturing, displaying and / or transmitting data, and with an energy generating device for providing the electrical energy required by the control unit (9), the energy generating device comprising a wind generator (18) for converting wind energy into electrical energy and an energy storage unit (24) for at least temporarily storing electrical energy generated by the wind generator, characterized in that a compressed-gas cylinder bundle is provided as the container and the wind generator (18) is arranged within the bundle framework (4) of the compressed-gas cylinder bundle.

2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in addition to the wind generator (18), at least one additional device (26) for supplying energy is provided.

3. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wind generator (18) has a maximum output of between 0.1 W and 1000 W, preferably between 0.2 W and 100 W, particularly preferably between 0.2 W and 10 W.

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wind generator (18) comprises a rotor (20) with an axis of rotation (22) that is upright in the installed state.