Tank device for storing a gaseous medium with a valve device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tank device with a valve device, in particular for storing hydrogen, for example for use in vehicles with fuel cell drive or in vehicles with a hydrogen combustion engine as drive. State of the art

[0002] DE 10 2018 201 055 A1 describes a tank device with at least one storage unit, which has a control valve and is connected to an outlet line via a line system. At least one control valve of at least one storage unit is designed as a main valve, and at least one control valve of at least one storage unit is designed as a secondary valve, wherein the main valve and the secondary valve are designed differently.

[0003] EP 0 668 468 B1 shows a tank device for storing a gaseous medium.

[0004] The safety devices for such a refueling device are standardized. Each refueling device must be equipped with such a shut-off valve. This shut-off valve can seal the tank containers in the event of damage to the refueling device, for example, caused by an accident involving a fuel cell-powered vehicle or a broken line in the refueling device.

[0005] Due to the high safety requirements for the shut-off valves and high system pressures of, for example, 800 bar or more, such shut-off valves are very challenging to design and require a large installation space. This, in turn, increases the overall weight of the entire tank assembly, which, in the event of an accident involving a vehicle with, for example, a fuel cell drive, can lead to high acceleration forces and possible deformation of the valve assembly or the tank assembly. Advantages of the invention

[0006] The tank device according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1 has the advantage that a tank device is provided in a structurally simple and cost-saving manner, which has a compactly designed safety valve with low opening forces.

[0007] For this purpose, the tank device for storing a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, has a valve device and a tank container. The valve device has a valve housing, in which valve housing a pilot valve element is arranged, which can be moved along a longitudinal axis of the tank device. The pilot valve element cooperates with a first sealing seat to open and close a first through-opening, thus forming a pilot valve. The valve device further comprises a solenoid, by means of which solenoid the pilot valve element can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the tank device. A main valve element is arranged in the valve housing, which main valve element cooperates with a second sealing seat to open and close a second through-opening, thus forming a main valve, wherein the second sealing seat is designed as a conical shoulder on the valve housing.Furthermore, the pilot valve element has a transverse bore perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank device. This transverse bore of the pilot valve element opens into a transverse bore of the main valve element arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank device. A driver element is also arranged at least partially in the transverse bore of the pilot valve element and in the transverse bore of the main valve element.

[0008] Furthermore, the pilot valve element has a shoulder against which a spring rests, applying a force toward one end of the pilot valve element. When the solenoid coil is not energized, a closing force acts on the pilot valve element and the main valve element via the spring.

[0009] In addition, a throttle channel is formed between the valve housing and a molding of the main valve element, which molding cooperates with the second sealing seat to open and close the second through-opening, which throttle channel has a conical widening opposite to the direction of the second sealing seat, whereby a throttling effect is formed.

[0010] This allows the efficiency and functionality of the valve device to be easily optimized while simultaneously saving costs by minimizing the magnetic forces required to open the valve device. Furthermore, the magnetic circuit is improved by optimally designing the magnetic flux based on optimized material selection, cross-sectional dimensions, and the design of the valve device's surface structures, thus resulting in a compact and cost-effective valve device.

[0011] In a first advantageous development, the driver element is pin-shaped. The geometric design of the driver element is adapted according to the required functions, thus achieving optimal functionality of the entire valve device.

[0012] In an advantageous development, a permanent magnet is arranged at one end of the pilot valve element. This permanent magnet is arranged in the valve device such that a positive pole element of the permanent magnet is arranged toward a housing cover of the valve device and a negative pole element of the permanent magnet is arranged toward the tank container. Furthermore, when the magnetic coil is energized, the permanent magnet is arranged in a positive pole region of a permanent magnetic field generated by the magnetic coil.

[0013] This allows for an optimal magnetic flux formation to be achieved in a simple manner. A two-stage opening process also requires only a small magnetic force to open the valve device. This results in low power and energy consumption, thus achieving a positive energy balance.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the valve device can be opened toward the tank container when the solenoid coil is energized. This results in a structurally simple and cost-effective tank device. This design also allows the electrically connected parts and the magnet to be removed from the areas surrounded by the media without the need for complex sealing concepts.

[0015] In an advantageous development of the invention, the through-opening is formed in the valve housing at the level of the throttle channel and opens into the throttle channel. Advantageously, a chamber is formed in the valve housing, which chamber is connected to the throttle channel via the through-opening. This facilitates the opening process of the valve device in a structurally simple manner.

[0016] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the valve device is arranged in a neck region of the tank device and pressed against a tank base within the neck region. Due to the structural design of the valve device within the neck region, a smaller pressure application surface is achieved, resulting in lower axial compressive forces. At high pressures, smaller pressure application surfaces provide significant relief with regard to component loads, which is reflected in less deformation, less wear and sealing influences, and an increased service life of the entire tank device and the valve device.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that a removal opening is formed in the tank bottom, which fluidically connects the interior of the tank container and the chamber. In this way, the interior of the valve device can be connected to the interior of the tank device in a structurally simple manner.

[0018] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the main valve element is subjected to a force in the direction of the tank container interior by means of a spring, whereby the main valve element is subjected to a force in the direction of the first sealing seat and opposite to the direction of the second sealing seat.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that an interior space is formed in the valve housing, which interior space is divided by the main valve element into a first partial interior space and a second partial interior space.

[0020] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the first partial interior space is connected to an inlet line by means of a control channel formed in the valve housing, which inlet line can be connected to an inlet area of ​​a consumer system.

[0021] This can facilitate the opening process of the valve device, which requires low magnetic forces, since the opening process is supported by pneumatic forces due to the design of the valve device.

[0022] The tank device described is preferably suitable in a fuel cell system for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell.

[0023] The described tank device for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell is also advantageously suitable in a fuel cell-powered vehicle.

[0024] The described device for storing hydrogen is also advantageously suitable in a hydrogen-powered vehicle, i.e. in a vehicle with a hydrogen combustion engine as the drive. Drawings

[0025] The drawing shows an embodiment of a tank device according to the invention for storing a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a tank device according to the invention with a valve device in longitudinal section. Description of the embodiment

[0026] Fig.1 shows an embodiment of a tank device 1 according to the invention with a longitudinal axis 48 in longitudinal section and in a simplified view, wherein the tank device 1 is designed to be rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 48.

[0027] The tank device 1 comprises a tank container 200 and a valve device 100, wherein the valve device 100 is partially accommodated in the tank container 200. The tank container 200 has a tank container housing 202 in which a tank container interior 201 is formed.

[0028] Furthermore, the tank container 200 has a neck region 203 in which the valve device 100 is partially accommodated. The valve device 100 is supported on a tank bottom 140, which is arranged between the neck region 203 and the tank container interior 201, thus separating the tank container interior 201 from the neck region 203.

[0029] The valve device 100 has a valve housing 102 in which a solenoid coil 32 is arranged, which can be supplied with power via an electrical connection 30. The passage of the electrical connection 30 is formed in a magnetizable housing cover 28.

[0030] At one end 42 of the pilot valve element 24, a permanent magnet 17 is arranged, which has a positive pole element 170 and a negative pole element 171. The positive pole element 170 of the permanent magnet 17 points in the direction of the housing cover 28 of the valve device 100, and the negative pole element 171 of the permanent magnet 17 is arranged in the direction of the tank container 200. Furthermore, the permanent magnet 17 is arranged in the valve device 100 such that, when the magnetic coil 32 is energized, it is arranged in a positive pole region 51 of a permanent magnetic field 52 generated by the magnetic coil 32.

[0031] In addition, the housing cover 28 is made of a non-magnetic material in order to guide the magnetic force fields and thus the direction of movement of the pilot valve element 24 in the direction of the tank container interior 201 when the solenoid coil 32 is energized.

[0032] Furthermore, an interior space 45 is formed in the valve housing 102, in which a pilot valve element 24 and a main valve element 12 are arranged.

[0033] The pilot valve element 24 is arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis 48 and has stepped recesses and a rounded shoulder 43, which is formed at an opposite end as a step 430. A spring 16 is supported on this step 430, which is also supported on the tank bottom 140 and the pilot valve element 24 with a force in the direction of the solenoid coil 32 - in the Fig.1 upwards - loaded.

[0034] Arranged parallel to the pilot valve element 24 is a main valve element 12, which is substantially L-shaped with a projection 37. In addition, the main valve element 12 has a first through-opening 20 through which a first partial interior space 450 and a second partial interior space 451 can be fluidically connected. The interior space 45 is divided by the main valve element 12 into the first partial interior space 450 and the second partial interior space 451.

[0035] The main valve element 12 is preloaded by a spring 22 and is pressed by the spring against the rounded shoulder 43, with the spring 22 being supported on the valve housing 102. A first sealing seat 18 is thus formed on the main valve element 12, which cooperates with the main valve element 12 to open and close a connection between the first partial interior space 450 and the second partial interior space 451 and thus to open and close the first through-opening 20, thus forming a pilot valve 240.

[0036] The pilot valve element 24 applies a force to the main valve element 12 counter to the force of the spring 22, thus pressing its projection 37 against a second sealing seat 6 conically formed on the valve housing 102. The closing force is supported by the pressure in the tank interior 201 and the force of the spring 16. The closing force ensures secure closing of the main valve element 12 when switched off and not energized. As a result, the main valve element 12 interacts with the second sealing seat 18 to open and close a second through-opening 8 formed in the valve housing 102, thus forming a main valve 120.

[0037] Between the valve housing 102 and the molding 37 of the main valve element 12, a throttle channel 38 is formed, which has a conical widening opposite to the direction of the second sealing seat 6, whereby a throttling effect is formed.

[0038] The second through-opening 8 is formed at the level of the throttle channel 38 and opens into the throttle channel 38. Furthermore, the second through-opening 8 opens into a chamber 35 formed in the valve housing 102, which is connected to the tank container interior 201 via removal openings 14 formed in the tank bottom 140.

[0039] The first partial interior space 450 is connected to an inlet line 40 by means of a discharge channel 2 formed in the valve housing 102, which inlet line 40 can be connected to an inlet area of ​​a consumer system. The system pressure p1 develops in the discharge channel 2.

[0040] Furthermore, the pilot valve element 24 has a transverse bore 241 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 of the tank device 1. Likewise, the main valve element 12 has a transverse bore 121 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48, which opens into the transverse bore 241 of the pilot valve element 24. A pin-shaped driver element 66 is arranged in the transverse bore 241 of the pilot valve element 24 and in the transverse bore 121 of the main valve element 120. The driver element 66 also projects into the first partial interior space 450.

[0041] In addition to the pin-shaped design, further geometric designs of the driver element 66 are also possible, such as an elliptical, circular-cylindrical or polygonal design in cross-section.

[0042] The functioning of the tank device 1 is as follows: In the de-energized state of the magnetic coil 32, the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 are closed, so that no gaseous medium, here hydrogen, can flow from the tank container interior 202 via the valve device 100 into the inlet line 40, for example in the direction of an inlet area of ​​the consumer system.

[0043] When the solenoid coil 32 is energized via the electrical connection 30, a permanent magnetic field 52 is formed, which has a positive pole region 51 and a negative pole region 50. The permanent magnet 17 lies in the positive pole region 51 of the permanent magnetic field 52 generated by the solenoid coil 32. Due to the mutually repelling magnetic forces of the permanent magnet 17 in the permanent magnetic field 52, the pilot valve element 24 moves away from the housing cover 28, thus compressing the spring 16. Due to the longitudinal movement of the pilot valve element 24, it lifts off the first sealing seat 18, thus releasing an opening cross-section from the second partial interior space 451 into the first partial interior space 450 and the first through-opening 20.

[0044] The second partial interior space 451 is fluidically connected to the tank interior space 201 via the discharge opening 14, the chamber 35, the second through-opening 8, and the throttle channel 38, so that the latter is filled with hydrogen. As the hydrogen flows outward toward the discharge channel 2 and thus into the supply line 40, a compensating pressure level is created around the main valve element 12, depending on the medium removal by the pressure system.

[0045] Due to the structural design of the throttle channel 38 as a throttle, more medium, in this case hydrogen, will flow out through the first through-opening 20 during the opening process than can flow in through the throttle channel 38. In this way, an additional opening force acts on the main valve element 12. In addition, the pressure in the second partial interior space 451 is reduced.

[0046] After a short opening time of the first sealing seat 18, the pilot valve element 24 is pressure balanced, which leads to pressure balance of the main valve element 12.

[0047] The force of spring 22 assists in the release of the second sealing seat 6, as it presses the main valve element 12 into the opening force, so that the main valve element 12 lifts off the second sealing seat 6 and releases an opening cross-section between the second through-opening 8 and the first partial interior 450. Hydrogen now flows from the tank interior 201 via the second through-opening 8 directly into the first partial interior 450 in the direction of the diverter channel 2 and thus into the supply line 40.

[0048] In addition to the pneumatic pressure conditions, the main valve element 12 is pulled out of the second sealing seat 6 with the aid of the mechanical driver element 66 via the pilot valve element 24 in a time-delayed manner.

[0049] Thus, the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 are now released and hydrogen flows from the tank interior 201 via the valve device 1 into the inlet line 40 via both opening cross sections, for example in the direction of the inlet area of ​​the consumer system.

[0050] If the opening cross-section at the first sealing seat 18 is smaller than the opening cross-section at the second sealing seat 6, only small magnetic forces are required for the opening process of the pilot valve element 24 at the first sealing seat 18.

[0051] If the current supply to the solenoid coil 32 is interrupted, the permanent magnetic field 52 and thus the repulsive magnetic forces of the permanent magnet 17 and the permanent magnetic field 52 of the solenoid coil 32 collapse, and a closing force on the pilot valve element 24 and the main valve element 12 is introduced via the spring 16. Depending on the prevailing pressure p 2 , such as 15 to 1000 bar, in the tank container interior 201, the closing force is introduced together with the pressure in the neck region 203 of the tank device 1 via the pilot valve element 24 and the first sealing seat 18 to the main valve element 12 with the second sealing seat 6.

[0052] Both the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 are now closed again, so that no more hydrogen can flow from the tank container interior 201 via the valve device 100, for example, toward the inlet area of ​​the consumer system. This principle of automatic closure also works in an emergency if the power supply is interrupted. However, it is important to note that the force of the spring 22, which acts against the desired force flow, must not be set too high and must be adjusted accordingly. This ensures that no hydrogen can escape from the tank device 1 in an emergency.

[0053] During refueling, the discharge channel 2 is supplied with pressure via a connected tank unit, for example, a gas station. The pressure in the discharge channel 2 is greater than in the remaining valve device 100.

[0054] Due to the different pressure level, the pressure ratio at the second sealing seat 6 is greater than in the rest of the valve device 100, so that the main valve element 12 pushes the pilot valve element 24 toward the tank container interior 201 against the force of the spring 16. The tank device 1 can now be filled via the released second sealing seat 6 and via the second through-opening 8 until the refueling process is completed. Once the refueling process is completed, no further filling takes place, so that the pressure around the main valve element 12 equalizes. The force of the spring 16, together with the resulting differential pressure from p 2 > p 1, ensures that the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 are closed again.

[0055] The tank device 1 for storing a gaseous medium can be used not only in fuel cell-powered vehicles but also, for example, for hydrogen storage in vehicles with a hydrogen combustion engine as the drive.

Claims

1. Tank device (1) for storing a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, having a valve device (100) and a tank container (200), wherein the valve device (100) has a valve housing (102), in which valve housing (102) a pilot control valve element (24) which is movable along a longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (100) is arranged, which pilot control valve element (24) interacts with a first sealing seat (18) in order to open and close a first passage opening (20) and thus forms a pilot control valve (240), wherein the valve device (2) comprises a solenoid coil (32), by means of which solenoid coil (32) the pilot control valve element (24) is movable along the longitudinal axis (48), wherein a main valve element (12) is arranged in the valve housing (102), which main valve element (12) interacts with a second sealing seat (6) in order to open and close a second passage opening (8) and thus forms a main valve (120), wherein the pilot control valve element (24) has a transverse bore (241) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (1), which transverse bore (241) of the pilot control valve element (24) opens into a transverse bore (121) of the main valve element (12), which transverse bore is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (1), wherein a driver element (66) is at least partially (120) arranged in the transverse bore (241) of the pilot control valve element (24) and in the transverse bore (121) of the main valve element (12), characterized in that the second sealing seat (6) is designed as a conical shoulder (36) on the valve housing (102), and the pilot control valve element (24) has a shoulder (43), on which shoulder (43) a spring (16) is supported and acts upon the pilot control valve element (24) with a force in the direction of the one end (42) of the pilot control valve element (24), wherein, when the solenoid coil (32) is not energized, a closing force acts on the pilot control valve element (24) and the main valve element (12) via the spring (16), and wherein a throttle channel (38) is formed between the valve housing (102) and a protuberance (37) of the main valve element (12), which protuberance (37) interacts with the second sealing seat (6) in order to open and close the second passage opening (8), which throttle channel (38) has a conical widening counter to the direction of the second sealing seat (6), thus forming a throttle effect.

2. Tank device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the driver element (66) is pin-shaped.

3. Tank device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a permanent magnet (17) is arranged at one end (42) of the pilot control valve element (24), which permanent magnet (17) is arranged in the valve device (100) in such a way that a positive pole element (170) of the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in the direction of a housing cover (28) of the valve device (100) and a negative pole element (171) of the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in the direction of the tank container (200), wherein, when the solenoid coil (32) is energized, the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in a positive pole region (51) of a permanent magnetic field (52) generated by the solenoid coil (32).

4. Tank device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device (2) is openable in the direction of the tank container (200) when the solenoid coil (32) is energized.

5. Tank device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage opening (8) in the valve housing (102) is formed level with the throttle channel (38) and opens into the throttle channel (38).

6. Tank device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a chamber (35) is formed in the valve housing (102), which chamber (35) is connected to the throttle channel (38) by means of the passage opening (8).

7. Tank device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the valve device (100) is arranged in a neck region (203) of the tank device (1) and is pressed against a tank base (140) within the neck region (203).

8. Tank device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in the tank base (140) a removal opening (14) is formed which connects a tank container interior (201) and the chamber (35) fluidically to each other.

9. Tank device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main valve element (12) is acted upon with a force in the direction of the tank container interior (201) by means of a spring (22), as a result of which the main valve element (12) is acted upon with a force in the direction of the first sealing seat (18) and counter to the direction of the second sealing seat (6).

10. Tank device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an interior space (45) is formed in the valve housing (102), which interior space (45) is divided into a first partial interior space (450) and a second partial interior space (451) by the main valve element (12).

11. Tank device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first partial interior space (450) is connected by means of a spill channel (2) formed in the valve housing (102) to a feed line (40), which feed line (40) is connectable to a feed region of a load system.

12. Fuel cell system having a tank device (1) for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell according to one of Claims 1 to 11.

13. Fuel-cell-operated vehicle having a tank device (1) for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell according to one of Claims 1 to 11.