CRYOTANK

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a cryogenic tank, in particular a cryogenic tank for holding cryogenic hydrogen and for supplying a consumer with gaseous hydrogen according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A fuel supply system for cryogenic fuels such asLNG (natural gas) or LH2 (hydrogen) generally comprises a double-walled container with an inner tank to hold the fuel, an outer tank with insulation arranged between them to reduce heat input into the inner tank, an inner tank suspension for positioning the inner tank in the outer tank, a heat-insulated filler neck (Johnson-Cox coupling) on ​​the outer tank to accommodate the vehicle-side refueling coupling with valves, switching components for controlling the mass flow during refueling, switching components for controlling the mass flow during withdrawal, switching components for limiting the inner tank pressure, a heat exchanger and associated switching components for maintaining the inner tank pressure, a heat exchanger for heating the fuel for the consumer, lines for connecting the individual switching components and heat exchangers and sensors for controlling the mass flows, for monitoring and diagnostics.

[0003] Such fuel storage systems for cryogenic fuels are known, inter alia, from DE 19546618, DE 102009012380, DE 19945462, DE 102008063563, DE 4041170, DE 00001981744, DE 4320556, WO 2009 / 071208 and the like, wherein the individual applications differ from one another, for example, with regard to the refueling process, ie refueling with or without return of gas from the inner tank to the filling station, with regard to the pressure level, ie subcritical and / or supercritical refueling and storage of the fuel, with regard to the switching system, ie type, number and arrangement of the switching components for refueling, for withdrawal and for pressure limitation.A common feature of all applications is the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components for controlling the refueling process and for controlling the withdrawal process in a thermally insulated space, preferably in the space between the inner and outer tanks or in a thermally insulated valve box that can be separated from the outer tank or permanently connected to the outer tank and is connected to the piping system leading to the inner tank. This design ensures that no liquefaction of the air occurs during refueling and withdrawal.

[0004] The disadvantages of cryogenic switching valves, as shown in EP 1801478, are the enormous space required by the valve to avoid liquefaction or condensation on the outside, the high costs of the individual cryogenic valve and the fuel supply system when using multiple valves, the costs for welding the valve housing and the welding of the connecting lines to the valve and the testing of the welds, the disruption of the insulation and the reduction of the insulation effect when arranging the cryogenic valve(s) in the insulation space between the inner tank and the outer tank and the weight. Technical task

[0005] The object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular by avoiding components, avoiding work steps and avoiding testing procedures, the weight, dimensions and costs of a cryogenic fuel supply system are reduced.

[0006] According to the invention, the present object is achieved by providing a cryogenic tank having the features of claim 1. Technical solution

[0007] The problem is solved by the arrangement of the cryogenic valves or the cryogenic switching elements for controlling the fuel flow during refueling and / or for controlling the fuel flow during withdrawal in different design variants in a space directly or indirectly connected to the filler neck, whereby all cryogenic valves can be removed after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling, i.e. the arrangement of the cryogenic valves takes place in the filler neck or in a space accessible via the filler neck and arranged before or after the filler neck in the refueling direction or on or in the vehicle-side refueling coupling. The problem is further solved by the preferential use of cryogenic check valves and optionally a cryogenic internal tank pressure control valve instead of cryogenic electromechanical, cryogenic electropneumatic or cryogenic electrohydraulic shut-off valves.

[0008] The cryogenic tank's filler neck is a tubular component whose outer tank end is welded to the outer tank, and whose inner tank end is welded to the filling line and, if present, to the vapor return line. The vehicle-side refueling coupling is attached to the outer tank end of the filler neck and extends through the tubular middle section of the filler neck to the inner tank end of the filler neck, with the corresponding lines connecting at the inner tank end of the filler neck. The vehicle-side refueling coupling accommodates the gas station-side refueling coupling during refueling and includes valves for refueling. The tubular middle section of the refueling coupling has a thin wall to prevent condensation or liquefaction.

[0009] The cryogenic valves are preferably combined into a compact valve block, with the valve block preferably forming the housing for all switching valves, and with holes in the valve block preferably replacing the state-of-the-art welded lines and connecting the individual switching components. Due to the design, a line welded to the valve block and the inner tank preferably connects the valve block to the inner tank. The remaining corresponding lines between the valve block and the inner tank are each connected by a plug-in or screw system and arranged within the welded line.

[0010] Optionally, lines of the pressure maintenance system for the inner tank and / or lines of the pressure relief system for the inner tank are also arranged within the welded line.

[0011] The shut-off valve to the consumer is located either on the valve block or in the filler neck.

[0012] The valves for limiting the internal tank pressure are arranged either on the valve block or in the filler neck.

[0013] The valves for maintaining the internal tank pressure are arranged either on the valve block or in the filler neck.

[0014] The heat exchanger for heating the fuel for the consumer can be arranged either on the valve block or in the filler neck.

[0015] The valve block or the filler neck optionally includes all the necessary valves of the cryogenic tank and optionally accommodates the heat exchanger for heating the fuel as well as the vehicle-side refueling coupling.

[0016] The cryogenic valves form a manageable assembly thanks to their compact design and arrangement, simplifying assembly and preliminary testing.

[0017] By arranging the cryogenic switching elements in a space accessible via the filler neck, each valve seat can be replaced if necessary.

[0018] By arranging the cryogenic switching elements in a space accessible via the filler neck, there is no need to weld the housings for the switching elements into the outer tank and to test the weld seams.

[0019] By arranging the cryogenic switching elements in a space accessible via the filler neck, individual connecting lines between the components as well as welding and testing of the weld seams are eliminated.

[0020] By arranging the cryogenic switching elements in a space accessible via the filler neck, the risk of a reduction in insulation quality due to leaky connection points is reduced.

[0021] By arranging the cryogenic switching elements in a space accessible via the filler neck, the insulation is not disturbed and the insulation effect is improved.

[0022] By eliminating the housings for the individual cryogenic valves, the weight of the cryogenic tank is reduced.

[0023] By arranging the cryogenic switching elements in a space accessible via the filler neck, the risk of icing is reduced.

[0024] By arranging the cryogenic switching elements in a space accessible via the filler neck, a significant cost reduction is achieved by eliminating components and by eliminating work and testing processes.

[0025] By using check valves and pressure switches instead of cryogenic electromechanical, electropneumatic or electrohydraulic shut-off valves, only one, preferably electromechanical shut-off valve is required in the flow direction downstream of the heat exchanger in the entire cryogenic fuel supply system. Character description

[0026] The cryogenic tank according to the invention as well as alternative embodiments are explained below with reference to the figures. Figure 1 shows a cryogenic tank according to the invention in a preferred embodiment for single-flow refueling with a check valve. Figure 2 shows the cryogenic tank according to the invention in an alternative embodiment for single-flow refueling with a check valve and an internal tank pressure control valve. Figure 3 shows a further alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank according to the invention for dual-flow refueling with a check valve and with a pilot-operated check valve. Figure 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank according to the invention for dual-flow refueling with a check valve, a pilot-operated check valve and an internal tank pressure control valve.

[0027] Fig. 1shows a section of a cryogenic tank 100 for single-flow refueling without vapor recirculation to the filling station, comprising an inner tank 1 for holding the cryogenic fuel at a specific pressure or at a specific temperature, an outer tank 2 for defining the insulation space 3 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2 with insulation 4 for reducing the heat input to the inner tank 1, and a filler neck 5 of Johnson-Cox design for receiving the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. A check valve 7 is arranged in the filler neck 5, which opens during refueling due to the refueling flow, closes the inner tank 1 when the vehicle is in operation, and enables pressure equalization in the inner tank 1.The inlet of the check valve 7 is connected to the filling line 8 of the vehicle-mounted refueling coupling 6, and the outlet of the check valve 7 is connected to a refueling and withdrawal line 9 ending in the inner tank 1 for filling and withdrawal, as well as to a withdrawal line 10 to the heat exchanger 11 for heating the cryogenic fuel and subsequently to an electromagnetic shut-off valve 12 for closing the withdrawal line when the vehicle is stationary. The cryogenic valve can preferably be designed as a cryogenic check valve 7 or a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve. Furthermore, the cryogenic valve can be designed to be opened by the fuel flow during refueling.

[0028] During refueling, the cryogenic fuel flows into the inner tank 1 via the check valve 7, which is pushed into the open position, due to a pressure gradient between the filling station and the inner tank 1. After refueling is complete, the check valve 7 closes automatically. During withdrawal, the cryogenic fuel flows out of the inner tank 1 via the heat exchanger 11 and the shut-off valve 12, which is opened by energizing, due to a pressure gradient between the inner tank 1 and the consumer, and is heated in the heat exchanger 11. The check valve 7 is closed during withdrawal. The shut-off valve 12 is only open when the consumer is supplied with fuel.

[0029] The refueling path for filling the inner tank 1 between the vehicle-side filling coupling 6 and the inner tank 1 includes a cryogenic switching component, the cryogenic check valve 7. The removal path for emptying the inner tank 1 between the inner tank 1 and the supply line to the consumer includes a non-cryogenic switching component, the electromagnetic shut-off valve 12.

[0030] The cryogenic tank 100 can be filled with cryogenic supercritical fuel, i.e. fuel in a supercritical state, or with cryogenic liquid fuel, whereby no cryogenic gaseous fuel flows back to the filling station. If the refueling and withdrawal line 9 ends at the bottom 13 of the inner tank 1, cryogenic supercritical and / or cryogenic liquid fuel will be withdrawn after supercritical refueling, depending on the thermal output of an inner tank heat exchanger. If the refueling and withdrawal line 9 ends at the bottom 13 of the inner tank 1, predominantly cryogenic liquid fuel will be withdrawn after subcritical refueling. If the refueling and withdrawal line 9 ends at the top 14 of the inner tank 1, cryogenic supercritical and / or cryogenic gaseous fuel will be withdrawn after supercritical refueling, depending on the thermal output of the inner tank heat exchanger.If the refueling and withdrawal line 9 ends at the top 14 of the inner tank 1, cryogenic gaseous fuel is withdrawn during subcritical refueling.

[0031] Preferably, the check valve 7 is arranged at the inner tank-side end of the filler neck 5 and is accessible after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7 is arranged in a space connected to the filler neck 5 after the inner tank-side end of the filler neck 5 in the refueling direction and is accessible via the filler neck 5 after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7 is arranged in a space connected to the filler neck 5 after the inner tank-side end of the filler neck 5 in the refueling direction or on or in the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6 and is accessible after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7 is arranged in a separate, heat-insulated tubular part that is connected to the outer tank and is accessible via the tubular part.

[0032] Preferably, the withdrawal takes place via the refueling and withdrawal line 9 and the withdrawal line 10. Alternatively, the withdrawal takes place via a separate withdrawal line between the inner tank 1 and the outlet of the check valve 7 or a separate withdrawal line between the inner tank 1 and the heat exchanger 11.

[0033] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve replaces the check valve 7 .

[0034] Preferably, the shut-off valve 12 is arranged after the heat exchanger; optionally, the shut-off valve 12 is arranged before the heat exchanger, preferably in the area of ​​the cryogenic valves.

[0035] Refueling is preferably carried out with cryogenic supercritical fuel, alternatively refueling is carried out with cryogenic liquid fuel.

[0036] Fig. 2shows an alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank 100 according to the invention with a section of a cryogenic tank 100 for single-flow refueling without vapor recirculation to the filling station, comprising an inner tank 1 for holding the cryogenic fuel at a specific pressure or a specific temperature, an outer tank 2 for delimiting the insulation space 3 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2 with insulation 4 for reducing the heat input to the inner tank 1 and a filler neck 5 in Johnson-Cox design for receiving the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. A check valve 7 is arranged in the filler neck 5, which opens during refueling due to the refueling flow, closes the inner tank 1 when the vehicle is in operation and enables pressure equalization to the inner tank 1.The inlet of the check valve 7 is connected to the filling line 8 of the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6, and the outlet of the check valve 7 is connected to a refueling and withdrawal line 9 for filling and withdrawal, which ends in the inner tank 1. Furthermore, an inner tank pressure control valve 15 for withdrawal is arranged in the filler neck 5 and is connected on the inlet side to the refueling and withdrawal line 9 and a withdrawal line 16 ending in the inner tank 1, and on the outlet side to the withdrawal line 10 to the heat exchanger 11. The refueling and withdrawal line 9 for withdrawing cryogenic liquid fuel ends at the bottom 13 of the inner tank 1 or has a corresponding bore, and the withdrawal line 16 ends at the top 14 of the inner tank 1. The heat exchanger 11 heats the cryogenic fuel and the downstream electromagnetic shut-off valve 12 closes the extraction line 10 when the engine is at a standstill.

[0037] The internal tank pressure control valve 15 is a switching device known from LNG tanks and enables the removal of cryogenic gaseous or cryogenic supercritical fuel at internal tank pressures above a specified switching pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve 15 and the removal of cryogenic liquid or cryogenic supercritical fuel at internal tank pressures below a specified switching pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve 15.

[0038] During refueling, the cryogenic fuel flows into the inner tank 1 via the open check valve 7 due to a pressure gradient between the filling station and the inner tank 1. When refueling is complete, the check valve 7 closes automatically. During withdrawal, the cryogenic fuel flows out of the inner tank 1 via the filling and withdrawal line 9 or the withdrawal line 16, the inner tank pressure regulating valve 15, the heat exchanger 11 and the open shut-off valve 12 due to a pressure gradient between the inner tank 1 and the consumer, depending on the pressure in the inner tank 1, and is heated in the heat exchanger 11. The check valve 7 is closed during withdrawal. The shut-off valve 12 is only open when the consumer is supplied with fuel.

[0039] The refueling path for filling the inner tank 1 between the vehicle-side filling coupling 6 and the inner tank 1 comprises a cryogenic switching component, the cryogenic check valve 7. The removal path for emptying the inner tank 1 between the inner tank 1 and the supply line to the consumer comprises a cryogenic switching component, the cryogenic inner tank pressure control valve 15, and a non-cryogenic switching component, the electromagnetic shut-off valve 12.

[0040] The cryogenic tank 1 can be filled with cryogenic supercritical fuel or with cryogenic liquid fuel, whereby no cryogenic gaseous fuel flows back to the filling station.

[0041] After supercritical refueling, depending on the thermal output of the internal tank heat exchanger, cryogenic supercritical and / or cryogenic liquid fuel is withdrawn at internal tank pressures below the switchover point of the internal tank pressure control valve 15. After supercritical refueling, cryogenic gaseous fuel is withdrawn at internal tank pressures above the switchover point of the internal tank pressure control valve 15. After subcritical refueling, cryogenic liquid fuel is withdrawn at internal tank pressures below the switchover point of the internal tank pressure control valve 15. After subcritical refueling, cryogenic gaseous fuel is withdrawn at internal tank pressures above the switchover point of the internal tank pressure control valve 15.

[0042] Preferably, the check valve 7 and the internal tank pressure regulating valve 15 are arranged at the internal tank end of the filler neck 5 and are accessible after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7 and the internal tank pressure regulating valve 15 are arranged in a space connected to the filler neck 5 after the internal tank end of the filler neck 5 in the refueling direction and are accessible via the filler neck 5 after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7 and the internal tank pressure regulating valve 15 are arranged in a space upstream of the internal tank end of the filler neck 5 in the refueling direction or on the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6 and are accessible after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6.Optionally, the check valve 7 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are arranged in a separate heat-insulated tubular part connected to the outer tank and are accessible via the tubular part.

[0043] Preferably, the internal tank pressure control valve 15 is connected to the refueling and withdrawal line 9. Optionally, the internal tank pressure control valve 15 is connected to a separate withdrawal line from the internal tank 1.

[0044] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve replaces the check valve 7, with the extraction line 10 being arranged before or after the electromechanical shut-off valve in the refueling direction.

[0045] Optionally, an electromechanical 2 / 2-way valve replaces the mechanical internal tank pressure control valve 15.

[0046] Optionally, an electromechanical 3 / 2-way valve or an electromechanical 3 / 3-way valve replaces the check valve 7 and the internal tank pressure control valve 15, with the extraction line 10 branching off in the refueling direction before or after the directional valve.

[0047] Preferably, the shut-off valve 12 is arranged after the heat exchanger; optionally, the shut-off valve 12 is arranged before the heat exchanger, preferably in the area of ​​the cryogenic valves.

[0048] Refueling is preferably carried out with cryogenic supercritical fuel, alternatively refueling is carried out with cryogenic liquid fuel.

[0049] Fig. 3shows an alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank 100 according to the invention with a section of a cryogenic tank 100 for dual-flow refueling with vapor recirculation to the filling station, comprising an inner tank 1 for holding the cryogenic fuel at a specific pressure or temperature, an outer tank 2 for defining the insulation space 3 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2 with insulation 4 for reducing the heat input to the inner tank 1, and a filler neck 5 of Johnson-Cox design for receiving the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. A check valve 7 is arranged in the filler neck 5, which check valve opens during refueling due to the refueling flow, closes the inner tank 1 when the vehicle is in operation, and enables pressure equalization to the inner tank 1.The inlet of the check valve 7 is connected to the filling line 8 of the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6, and the outlet of the check valve 7 is connected to a refueling and withdrawal line 9 for filling and withdrawing liquid, which ends in the inner tank 1. Furthermore, a releasable check valve 17 is arranged in the filler neck 5. This check valve opens during refueling due to the pressure in the refueling line or, due to a mechanical coupling with the check valve 7, opens due to the opening movement of the sealing element in the check valve 7, thereby enabling the return flow of gas from the inner tank 1 to the filling station, closing the inner tank 1 during driving, and enabling pressure equalization from the filler neck 5 to the inner tank 1.The inlet of the pilot-operated check valve 17 is connected to the return gas line 18 of the vehicle-mounted refueling coupling 6, and the outlet of the pilot-operated check valve 17 is connected to a gas extraction line 16 ending in the inner tank 1. Furthermore, a extraction line 10 to the heat exchanger 11 is provided, which connects the outlet of the check valve 7 to the inlet of the heat exchanger 11 for liquid extraction. The heat exchanger 11 heats the cryogenic fuel, and the downstream electromagnetic shut-off valve 12 closes the extraction line 10 when the vehicle is at a standstill.

[0050] During refueling, the cryogenic liquid fuel flows into the inner tank 1 via the open check valve 7 due to a pressure gradient between the filling station and the inner tank 1, and the cryogenic gaseous fuel flows to the filling station via the unlocked and thus open pilot-operated check valve 17 due to a pressure gradient between the inner tank 1 and the filling station. When refueling is complete, the check valve 7 and thus also the pilot-operated check valve 17 close automatically. During withdrawal, the cryogenic liquid fuel flows out of the inner tank 1 via the heat exchanger 11 and the open shut-off valve 12 due to a pressure gradient between the inner tank 1 and the consumer, and is heated in the heat exchanger 11. The check valve 7 and the pilot-operated check valve 17 are closed during withdrawal. The shut-off valve 12 is only open when the consumer is supplied with fuel.

[0051] The refueling path for filling the inner tank 1 between the vehicle-side filling coupling 6 and the inner tank 1 comprises two cryogenic switching components: the cryogenic check valve 7 and the cryogenic pilot-operated check valve 17. The removal path for emptying the inner tank 1 between the inner tank 1 and the supply line to the consumer comprises a non-cryogenic switching component, the electromagnetic shut-off valve 12.

[0052] The cryogenic tank 1 can be filled with cryogenic liquid fuel, with cryogenic gaseous fuel flowing back to the filling station.

[0053] After refueling, depending on the thermal output of the internal tank heat exchanger, cryogenic liquid and subsequently cryogenic gaseous fuel is withdrawn.

[0054] Preferably, the check valve 7 and the pilot-operated check valve 17 are arranged at the inner-tank end of the filler neck 5 and are accessible after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7 and the pilot-operated check valve 17 are arranged in a space connected to the filler neck 5 after the inner-tank end of the filler neck 5 in the refueling direction and are accessible via the filler neck 5 after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7 and the pilot-operated check valve 17 are arranged in a space connected to the filler neck 5 after the inner-tank end of the filler neck 5 in the refueling direction or on or in the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6 and are accessible after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6.Optionally, the check valve 7 and the pilot-operated check valve 17 are arranged in a separate heat-insulated tubular part connected to the outer tank and are accessible via the tubular part.

[0055] Preferably, the withdrawal of cryogenic liquid fuel takes place via the refueling and withdrawal line 9. Alternatively, the withdrawal of cryogenic liquid fuel takes place via a separate withdrawal line between the inner tank 1 and the outlet of the check valve 7 or a separate withdrawal line between the inner tank 1 and the heat exchanger 11. Alternatively, the withdrawal of cryogenic gaseous fuel takes place via the withdrawal line 16 and the withdrawal line 10, for which purpose the withdrawal line 10 connects the inlet of the releasable check valve 17 to the inlet of the heat exchanger 11 instead of the outlet of the check valve 7. Alternatively, the withdrawal of cryogenic gaseous fuel takes place via a separate withdrawal line between the inner tank 1 and the inlet of the releasable check valve 17 or a separate withdrawal line between the inner tank 1 and the heat exchanger 11.

[0056] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve replaces the check valve 7.

[0057] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve replaces the pilot-operated check valve 17.

[0058] Optionally, a 4 / 3-way valve replaces the check valve 7 and the pilot-operated check valve 17.

[0059] Preferably, the shut-off valve 12 is arranged after the heat exchanger; optionally, the shut-off valve 12 is arranged before the heat exchanger, preferably in the area of ​​the cryogenic valves.

[0060] Refueling is preferably carried out with cryogenic liquid fuel; refueling is optionally carried out with cryogenic supercritical fuel. Thus, according to one embodiment, the cryogenic tank 100 comprises a cryogenic check valve for directing a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical state during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1, wherein the check valve 7 is open during refueling and wherein the check valve 7 is closed during withdrawal. Furthermore, the cryogenic tank 100 can comprise a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for directing a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical state during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1, wherein the cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve is open during refueling and optionally during withdrawal.

[0061] Fig. 4shows an alternative embodiment of the cryogenic tank 100 according to the invention with a section of a cryogenic tank 100 for dual-flow refueling with vapor recirculation to the filling station, comprising an inner tank 1 for holding the cryogenic fuel at a specific pressure or at a specific temperature, an outer tank 2 for defining the insulation space 3 between the inner tank 1 and the outer tank 2 with insulation 4 for reducing the heat input to the inner tank 1, and a filler neck 5 of Johnson-Cox design for receiving the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. A check valve 7 is arranged in the filler neck 5, which check valve opens during refueling due to the refueling flow, closes the inner tank 1 when the vehicle is in operation, and enables pressure equalization to the inner tank 1.The inlet of the check valve 7 is connected to the filling line 8 of the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6, and the outlet of the check valve 7 is connected to a refueling and withdrawal line 9 for filling and withdrawing liquid, which ends in the inner tank 1. Furthermore, a releasable check valve 17 is arranged in the filler neck 5. This opens during refueling due to the pressure in the refueling line or, due to a mechanical coupling with the check valve 7, opens due to the opening movement of the sealing element in the check valve 7, thereby enabling the return flow of gas from the inner tank 1 to the filling station. It also closes the inner tank 1 during driving and enables pressure equalization from the filler neck 5 into the inner tank 1.The inlet of the pilot-operated check valve 17 is connected to the return gas line 18 of the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6, and the outlet of the pilot-operated check valve 17 is connected to a gas extraction line 16 ending in the inner tank 1. Furthermore, an inner tank pressure control valve 15 for extraction is arranged in the filler neck 5 and is connected on the inlet side to the refueling and extraction line 9 and a extraction line 18 ending in the inner tank 1, and on the outlet side to an extraction line 10 to the heat exchanger 11. The refueling and extraction line 9 ends at the bottom 13 of the inner tank 1 or has a corresponding bore, and the extraction line 18 ends at the top 14 of the inner tank 1. The heat exchanger 11 heats the cryogenic fuel and the downstream electromagnetic shut-off valve 12 closes the extraction line 10 when the engine is at a standstill.

[0062] The internal tank pressure control valve 15 is a switching device that is known from LNG tanks and enables the removal of gaseous fuel when the internal tank pressure is above a specified switching pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve 15 and the removal of liquid fuel when the internal tank pressure is below a specified switching pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve 15.

[0063] During refueling, the cryogenic liquid fuel flows into the inner tank 1 via the open check valve 7 due to a pressure gradient between the filling station and the inner tank 1, and the cryogenic gaseous fuel flows to the filling station via the unlocked and thus open check valve 17 due to a pressure gradient between the inner tank 1 and the filling station. When refueling is complete, the check valve 7 and thus also the check valve 17 closes automatically. During withdrawal, depending on the inner tank pressure, the cryogenic liquid or the cryogenic gaseous fuel flows out of the inner tank 1 via the filling and withdrawal line 9 or the withdrawal line 16, the inner tank pressure control valve 15, the heat exchanger 11 and the open shut-off valve 12 due to a pressure gradient between the inner tank 1 and the consumer, depending on the pressure in the inner tank 1, and is heated in the heat exchanger 11.The check valve 7 and the pilot-operated check valve 17 are closed during withdrawal. The shut-off valve 12 is only open when the consumer is supplied with fuel.

[0064] The refueling path for filling the inner tank 1 between the vehicle-side filling coupling 6 and the inner tank 1 comprises two cryogenic switching components: the cryogenic check valve 7 and the cryogenic pilot-operated check valve 17. The removal path for emptying the inner tank 1 between the inner tank 1 and the supply line to the consumer comprises a cryogenic switching component, the cryogenic inner tank pressure control valve 15, and a non-cryogenic switching component, the electromagnetic shut-off valve 12.

[0065] The cryogenic tank 1 can be filled with cryogenic liquid fuel, with cryogenic gaseous fuel flowing back to the filling station.

[0066] After refueling, liquid and subsequently gaseous fuel is removed depending on the heat output of the internal tank heat exchanger.

[0067] Preferably, the check valve 7, the pilot-operated check valve 17, and the internal tank pressure regulating valve 15 are arranged at the internal tank end of the filler neck 5 and are accessible after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7, the pilot-operated check valve 17, and the internal tank pressure regulating valve 15 are arranged in a space connected to the filler neck 5 after the internal tank end of the filler neck 5 in the refueling direction and are accessible via the filler neck 5 after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6. Optionally, the check valve 7, the pilot-operated check valve 17, and the internal tank pressure regulating valve 15 are arranged in a space connected to the filler neck 5 after the internal tank end of the filler neck 5 in the refueling direction or on or in the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6 and are accessible after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6.Optionally, the check valve 7, the pilot-operated check valve 17 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15 are arranged in a separate heat-insulated tubular part connected to the outer tank and are accessible via the tubular part.

[0068] Preferably, the withdrawal of cryogenic liquid fuel takes place via the refueling and withdrawal line 9. Alternatively, the withdrawal of cryogenic liquid fuel takes place via a separate withdrawal line between the inner tank 1 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15.

[0069] Preferably, the withdrawal of cryogenic gaseous fuel takes place via the withdrawal line 18. Alternatively, the withdrawal of cryogenic gaseous fuel takes place via a separate withdrawal line between the inner tank 1 and the inner tank pressure control valve 15.

[0070] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve replaces the check valve 7.

[0071] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve replaces the pilot-operated check valve 17.

[0072] Optionally, an electromechanical 2 / 2-way valve replaces the mechanical internal tank pressure control valve 15.

[0073] Preferably, the shut-off valve 12 is arranged after the heat exchanger; optionally, the shut-off valve 12 is arranged before the heat exchanger, preferably in the area of ​​the cryogenic valves.

[0074] Optionally, an electromechanical 5 / 3-way valve or 4 / 3-way valve replaces the check valve 7, the pilot-operated check valve 17 and the internal tank pressure control valve 15, with the extraction line 10 branching off in the refueling direction before or after the directional valve.

[0075] Optionally, an electromechanical shut-off valve for cryogenic liquid fuel replaces the check valve 7 and a further electromechanical shut-off valve for cryogenic gaseous fuel replaces the pilot-operated check valve 17 and a cryogenic check valve between the two electromechanical shut-off valves with a flow direction from the gas valve to the liquid valve replaces the internal tank pressure control valve 15 in order to prevent a backflow of cryogenic liquid fuel to the filling station during refueling, to enable withdrawal of cryogenic liquid fuel with the liquid valve open and the gas valve closed and to enable withdrawal of cryogenic gaseous fuel with the gas valve open and the liquid valve closed, and wherein the withdrawal line 10 branches off in the refueling direction upstream of the liquid valve.

[0076] Refueling is preferably carried out with cryogenic liquid fuel, alternatively refueling is carried out with cryogenic supercritical fuel.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the cryogenic tank comprises a cryogenic check valve 7 for directing a fuel flow during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1 and a cryogenic pilot-operated check valve 17 for directing a gaseous fuel flow during refueling from the inner tank 1 to the filling station, wherein the cryogenic pilot-operated check valve 17 opens as a result of a pressure upstream of the cryogenic check valve 7 or as a result of a mechanical coupling between the cryogenic check valve 7 and the pilot-operated cryogenic check valve 17 by opening a sealing element in the cryogenic check valve 7, wherein the cryogenic check valve 7 and the pilot-operated cryogenic check valve 17 are open during refueling and wherein the check valve 7 and the pilot-operated check valve 17 are closed during withdrawal.In addition, the cryogenic tank 100 can comprise a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for directing a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical state during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1, a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for directing a fuel flow in the gaseous state during refueling from the inner tank 1 to a filling station, wherein the cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valves are closed during refueling and wherein optionally a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve is open during withdrawal.

[0078] According to the invention, at least one cryogenic valve for directing the fuel flow during refueling and / or removal is arranged within the filler neck 5. This valve is preferably arranged in a space connected to the filler neck 5, or in a space arranged within the filler neck 5, and can be removed after removing the vehicle-side refueling coupling 6.The cryogenic valve in the filler neck can preferably be designed as a cryogenic check valve 7 or a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for directing a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical state of aggregation during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1: According to a preferred embodiment, the cryotank 100 thus comprises a cryogenic check valve 7 for directing a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical state of aggregation during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1, wherein the cryogenic check valve 7 is opened by the fuel flow during refueling, and wherein the cryogenic check valve 7 is closed during removal.In addition, the cryogenic tank 100 can comprise a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for directing a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical state during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1, wherein the cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve is open during refueling and optionally during removal.

[0079] The cryogenic tank 100 thus comprises, according to one embodiment, a cryogenic check valve 7 for directing a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical state during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1 and a cryogenic releasable check valve 17 for directing a fuel flow in the gaseous state during refueling from the inner tank 1 to the filling station, wherein the cryogenic releasable check valve 17 opens by a pressure upstream of the cryogenic check valve 7 or as a result of a mechanical coupling between the cryogenic check valve 7 and the releasable cryogenic check valve 17 through the sealing element of the cryogenic check valve 7 or another part of the cryogenic check valve 7 suitable for component coupling, and wherein the cryogenic check valve 7 and the releasable cryogenic check valve 17 are open during refueling.and wherein the cryogenic check valve 7 and the releasable cryogenic check valve 17 are closed during removal. Furthermore, the cryogenic tank 100 can comprise a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for directing a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical state during refueling from a filling station into the inner tank 1 and a cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve for directing a fuel flow in the gaseous state during refueling from the inner tank 1 to the filling station, wherein the two cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valves are open during refueling and optionally one cryogenic electromechanical shut-off valve is open during removal. List of reference symbols

[0080] 1Inner tank 2Outer tank 3Insulation chamber 4Insulation 5Filler neck 6Vehicle-side refueling coupling 7Check valve 8Filling line of the refueling coupling 9Filling and withdrawal line 10Withdrawal line 11Heat exchanger 12Shut-off valve 13Bottom 14Top 15Inner tank pressure control valve 16Withdrawal line 17Releasable check valve 18Return gas line

Claims

1. Cryogenic tank (100) comprising an internal tank (1) for receiving a cryogenic fuel, an external tank (2) delimiting an insulation chamber (3) with an insulation (4) between the internal tank (1) and the external tank (2) to reduce the heat input into the internal tank (1) and a thermally insulated filler neck (5) for receiving a vehicle-side fueling coupling (6), characterized in that the cryogenic tank (100) comprises at least one cryogenic valve which is arranged within the filler neck (5) for guiding the fuel flow during fueling and / or retrieval, and which is arranged in a compartment accessible via the filler neck (5) and may be removed upon removal of the vehicle-side fueling coupling (6).

2. Cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cryogenic tank (100) comprises a cryogenic check valve (7) for guiding a liquid or supercritical fuel flow during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank (1), wherein the check valve (7) is open during fueling.

3. Cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cryogenic tank (100) comprises a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve for guiding a liquid or supercritical fuel flow during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank (1), wherein the cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve is open during fueling and optionally during retrieval.

4. Cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cryogenic tank (100) comprises a cryogenic check valve (7) for guiding a fuel flow during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank (1) and an unlockable cryogenic check valve (17) for guiding a gaseous fuel flow during fueling from the internal tank (1) to the filling station, wherein the unlockable cryogenic check valve (17) opens due to a pressure upstream of the cryogenic check valve (7) or as a result of a mechanical coupling between the cryogenic check valve (7) and the unlockable cryogenic check valve (17) due to the opening of a sealing element in the cryogenic check valve (7) and wherein the cryogenic check valve (7) and the unlockable cryogenic check valve (17) are open during fueling.

5. Cryogenic tank (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the cryogenic tank (100) comprises a cryogenic internal tank pressure control valve (15) for guiding the fuel flow from the internal tank (1) to a consumer, wherein the internal tank pressure control valve (15) enables retrieval of gaseous or supercritical fuel when the internal tank pressure is above a determined changeover pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve (15) and wherein the internal tank pressure control valve (7) enables retrieval of liquid or supercritical fuel when the internal tank pressure is below a determined changeover pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve (15).

6. Cryogenic tank (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the cryogenic check valve (7) is configured to be pushed into an open position during fueling of the cryogenic tank (100) due to a pressure difference between the filling station and the internal tank (1).