PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pressure control device with a dome pressure reducer for very precise and reliable pressure adjustment.

[0002] DE 10 2019 210 220 A1 discloses a method for operating a fuel cell device with a membrane defect. To carry out this method, for example, it is advantageous to be able to control the pressure of the supplied gases in a particularly reliable, precise, and stable manner.

[0003] A pressure control device is known from DE 10 2009 057 029 A1.

[0004] A submarine is known from DE 103 05 780 A1.

[0005] The refueling of a submarine on the high seas is known from DE 100 2019 213 991 A1.

[0006] A gas valve arrangement is known from EP 2 073 090 A2.

[0007] A hydraulic regulation system is known from US 0 060 951 A.

[0008] GB 865 457 A discloses a pressure and temperature sensitive valve for a freezing unit.

[0009] For example, dome pressure reducers are used to regulate the pressure of gases supplied to a fuel cell device. Dome pressure reducers have a diaphragm to regulate the flow rate. A control gas is used on the side opposite the gas to be regulated, which uses the pressure of the control gas to adjust the pressure of the gas to be regulated.

[0010] One disadvantage of dome pressure regulators is that, for example, fluctuations in the ambient temperature can cause the pressure of the control gas to change, and with it the pressure of the gas to be regulated. To overcome this problem, active dome pressure regulators were developed. These have a pressure sensing device at the gas outlet for the gas to be regulated and an active supply and discharge of control gas to keep the pressure of the gas to be regulated constant. However, this solution also has technical disadvantages. Firstly, control gas is constantly being consumed and released into the environment. What normally seems uncritical leads to a problem when used in a submarine. Control gas is usually nitrogen. Firstly, the amount of control gas available in a submarine is limited. Secondly, the control gas is released into the interior of the boat, which continuously increases the air pressure for the crew and thus also leads to a problem.In addition to these practical problems, there is also a safety issue, particularly regarding hydrogen pressure reduction. The membrane in a dome-type pressure reducer can also fail. In this case, hydrogen leaks onto the control gas side and is released into the boat's interior along with the control gas. However, due to the active control system, this cannot be detected. This can lead to a very dangerous buildup of hydrogen inside a submarine.

[0011] There is therefore still a need for a pressure control device that enables very precise and reliable, but also safe, pressure regulation, for example for hydrogen and oxygen for an on-board fuel cell device.

[0012] The object of the invention is to use a pressure control device which is also suitable for carrying out a method, for example according to DE 10 2019 210 220 A1, particularly reliably, for example in a submarine.

[0013] This object is achieved by the pressure control device having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the following description and the drawing.

[0014] The pressure control device according to the invention is particularly suitable for a submarine. The pressure control device according to the invention has a first dome pressure reducer. The first dome pressure reducer has a first control gas opening, a first gas inlet, and a first gas outlet. The gas to be controlled enters through the first gas inlet, is adjusted to the controlled pressure in the first dome pressure reducer, and leaves the first dome pressure reducer through the first gas outlet. The control gas can be supplied to the dome through the first control gas opening, and the pressure in the dome can be adjusted. In this way, the pressure of the control gas can be increased or decreased, and the pressure of the gas to be controlled at the first gas outlet can be adjusted. The first gas outlet is connected to a first pressure detection device.With a dome pressure reducer, the pressure to be regulated at the gas outlet is adjusted by the controlled application of pressure to the control gas opening. Dome pressure reducers are known from the prior art; a conventional dome pressure reducer can be used for the pressure control device according to the invention.

[0015] According to the invention, the pressure control device comprises a first piston accumulator. The first piston accumulator has a first gas side and a first fluid side. The first gas side and the first fluid side are preferably separated by a piston movable within the piston accumulator, wherein the piston, for example and preferably, has at least one seal. The piston is freely movable, so that the pressure on the first gas side and the first fluid side are equal (or, in the case of a piston guide rod, in a fixed ratio of the pressurized surfaces of the piston). The first gas side of the first piston accumulator is connected in a gas-conducting manner to the first control gas opening of the first dome pressure reducer.The control gas is thus located in the area of ​​the dome pressure reducer adjacent to the first control gas opening, in the first gas side of the first piston accumulator, and in the connection between the first control gas opening and the first gas side of the first piston accumulator. The control gas is therefore located in a closed space. The first piston accumulator therefore has two openings: a first opening on the first gas side that is connected to the first control gas opening. The second opening is arranged on the first fluid side to remove the liquid from the first fluid side or to introduce it into it. Since a liquid is, to a first approximation, incompressible, a change in the pressure of the control gas can only be achieved by moving the piston and thus changing the volume of the entire area in which the control gas is located, which in turn can only be achieved by changing the amount of liquid in the first fluid side.This means that only the liquid is pumped for the control, eliminating the gas discharge and thus the consumption of compressed air that was previously necessary when reducing the pressure, which is particularly advantageous in smaller devices or devices in a confined environment, for example in a submarine.

[0016] The first gas side therefore has only a single opening. Through this first opening, the first gas side is connected to the first control gas opening and thus forms a closed volume for the control gas. The control gas is therefore not released into the environment during switching operations and is therefore not lost. It is of course advantageous if the closed volume of the control gas has another access, for example to fill it for the first time or to be able to remove the control gas during maintenance or repair work. However, such a maintenance access is closed during operation, so that a closed volume exists during operation and such a maintenance access does not represent an expansion of the term closed volume within the meaning of the invention.

[0017] The first fluid side thus also has an opening. This second opening allows the supply or removal of fluid, which in turn represents the only way to change the pressure of the control gas in the first gas side and thus in the first dome pressure reducer.

[0018] The use of the first piston accumulator according to the invention has two advantages. Firstly, the control gas is located in a limited and enclosed volume in the dome pressure reducer, the first gas side of the first piston accumulator and the connection between them. The dome pressure reducer, the first gas side and the connection between them thus form a closed gas space. If, for example, hydrogen, the gas to be controlled, were to enter the control gas in the event of a diaphragm failure in the dome pressure reducer, the hydrogen would remain in this closed volume. Secondly, the control pressure is set and adjusted by supplying and removing liquid on the fluid side. The piston accumulator can be designed such that it reacts only slowly to pressure fluctuations on one of the two sides.This or other measures significantly reduce overshoots or pressure fluctuations in the control gas compared to the direct supply of control gas to a dome pressure reducer, which in turn leads to a more constant pressure at the first gas outlet. The pressure control device according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for use on board a submarine and also for use in a fuel cell device with a membrane defect. The latter further increases the safety of a submarine because even if damage occurs, energy can continue to be provided, for example, for surfacing.

[0019] The fluid side preferably carries a liquid that is incompressible or difficult to compress. In particular, this can be water or hydraulic oil. However, the fluid on the fluid side can also be a gas, such as compressed air, nitrogen, or a noble gas such as argon.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pressure control device comprises a control unit. The control unit is connected to a first pressure detection device for forwarding the detected pressure. The first pressure detection device detects the pressure of the gas to be regulated downstream of the first gas outlet, i.e., the pressure that is subsequently made available, for example, to a fuel cell device. The control unit can thus compare the actual pressure with a predetermined pressure and, if necessary, readjust the first dome pressure reducer. The control unit is therefore preferably designed to readjust by supplying or removing fluid from the first fluid side of the first piston accumulator.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first fluid side of the first piston accumulator is connected to a first pump. If a tightly closing first pump is used, it can directly convey a liquid into or out of the first fluid side of the first piston accumulator. This direct design is preferred when the pressure regulating device has only a single dome pressure reducer. If the pressure regulating device has multiple dome pressure reducers, an indirect connection is preferred, as described further below.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first fluid side of the first piston accumulator is filled with liquid.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first piston accumulator has a first piston position detection device. The first piston position detection device is designed to detect the position of the first piston in the first piston accumulator. The piston position detection device is not necessary for the actual pressure control, but is advantageous for the reliability of the pressure control device. If the diaphragm of the dome pressure reducer is defective, such that control gas escapes or the gas to be controlled enters the control gas, this can be detected via the position of the piston. This is particularly possible when two or more piston accumulators and dome pressure reducers are present. If a parallel change in the piston is observed in all piston accumulators, this is probably due to an ambient condition, in particular temperature.However, if the piston position changes only in one piston accumulator, this is a clear indication that the diaphragm of the dome pressure reducer connected to this piston accumulator is defective.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first piston position detection device is designed as a transit time measurement on the first gas side. Light, sound, or radar is preferably used for this purpose, particularly preferably sound. This enables simple, compact, and contactless integration.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first fluid side of the first piston accumulator is connected to a fluid circuit. The fluid circuit has a fluid accumulator, a first pump, and a fluid pressure accumulator. The first pump is arranged such that it pumps fluid from the fluid accumulator into the fluid pressure accumulator. The fluid pressure accumulator is connected to the first fluid side of the first piston accumulator via a first connection. The first connection has a first valve. The first fluid side of the first piston accumulator is connected to the fluid accumulator via a second connection. The second connection has a second valve. This increased complexity is particularly preferred when two or more piston accumulators and dome pressure reducers are to be controlled.Furthermore, it is advantageous because the valves allow for very quick and easy adjustment. In particular, this allows the pump to be limited to times when noise generation is not detrimental, which in turn is beneficial for the acoustic signature of a submarine.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the liquid pressure accumulator is connected to a compressed gas accumulator. This means that the pressure does not have to be generated by the first pump, but is imposed by the compressed gas accumulator. In particular, this allows the pressure to be maintained independently of the fill level of the liquid pressure accumulator. If the liquid pressure accumulator were closed, the first pump would generate the pressure, and the pressure would be directly dependent on the fill level and thus on the volume available to the gas in the liquid pressure accumulator, which is not occupied by the liquid, and would therefore fluctuate greatly.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the first connection is at least 10 times smaller, preferably at least 100 times smaller, than the inner diameter of the first piston accumulator. This small inner diameter limits the inflow velocity of liquid and thus reduces the movement of the piston due to the larger inner diameter, so that the change in the pressure of the control gas on the first gas side does not occur suddenly, as can be the case, for example, with the direct supply of control gas from a compressed gas accumulator. This prevents overshoots during the control process, which in turn evens out the pressure at the first gas outlet.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the second first connection is at least 10 times smaller, preferably at least 100 times smaller, than the inner diameter of the first piston accumulator. This small inner diameter limits the outflow velocity of fluid and thus reduces the movement of the piston due to the larger inner diameter, so that the change in the pressure of the control gas on the first gas side does not occur suddenly, as can be the case, for example, with the direct release of control gas to the environment. This prevents overshoots during the control process, which in turn evens out the pressure at the first gas outlet.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the liquid pressure accumulator is connected to a liquid pressure sensing device.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pressure control device comprises a second dome pressure reducer. The second dome pressure reducer has a second control gas opening, a second gas inlet, and a second gas outlet. The second gas outlet is connected to a second pressure sensing device. The pressure control device comprises a second piston accumulator. The second piston accumulator has a second gas side and a second fluid side. The second gas side of the second piston accumulator is connected in a gas-conducting manner to the second control gas opening of the second dome pressure reducer.

[0031] For example, and in particular, the first dome pressure reducer serves to regulate the pressure of hydrogen for a fuel cell device and the second dome pressure reducer serves to regulate the pressure of oxygen for the same fuel cell device.

[0032] The further embodiments of the first piston accumulator described above also apply analogously to the second piston accumulator. Preferably, the first piston accumulator and the second piston accumulator are of identical design.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid pressure accumulator is connected to the second fluid side of the second piston accumulator via a first second connection. The first second connection has a first second valve. The second fluid side of the second piston accumulator is connected to the fluid accumulator via a second second connection. The second second connection has a second second valve. With two dome pressure reducers, the use of a common fluid circuit is advantageous. On the one hand, for example, only one pump is required, and on the other hand, the additional valves can be used to achieve very simple, quick and reliable pressure adjustment. The more dome pressure reducers there are, the more this effect scales.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pressure control device comprises a third dome pressure reducer. The third dome pressure reducer has a third control gas opening, a third gas inlet, and a third gas outlet. The third gas outlet is connected to a third pressure sensing device. The pressure control device comprises a third piston accumulator. The third piston accumulator has a third gas side and a third fluid side. The third gas side of the third piston accumulator is connected in a gas-conducting manner to the third control gas opening of the third dome pressure reducer.

[0035] For example and in particular, the first dome pressure reducer serves to regulate the pressure of hydrogen for a fuel cell device, the second dome pressure reducer serves to regulate the pressure of oxygen for the same fuel cell device and the third dome pressure reducer serves to regulate the pressure of an inert gas, for example nitrogen, for the same fuel cell device.

[0036] The further embodiments of the first piston accumulator described above also apply analogously to the third piston accumulator. Preferably, the first piston accumulator, the second piston accumulator, and the third piston accumulator are of identical design.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid pressure accumulator is connected to the third fluid side of the third piston accumulator via a first third connection. The first third connection has a first third valve. The third fluid side of the third piston accumulator is connected to the fluid accumulator via a second third connection. The second third connection has a second third valve.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the valves are solenoid valves. Solenoid valves allow for particularly fast and precise control and are particularly well suited for automation.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pressure control device has a control unit. The control unit is connected to each pressure sensing device and each valve. For example, based on the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensing device as a function of a first predetermined pressure, the control unit determines whether the first valve or the second valve needs to be opened (or later closed) in order to reach the first predetermined pressure. Analogously, based on the pressure sensed by the second pressure sensing device as a function of a second predetermined pressure, the control unit determines whether the first valve or the second valve needs to be opened (or later closed) in order to reach the second predetermined pressure.Furthermore, the pressure in the liquid pressure accumulator can be monitored with a liquid pressure sensing device and can be reset to a preset value, for example by the first pump, by supplying gas from a pressurized gas accumulator or by releasing gas to the environment (for example during or after the first pump is running).

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is connected to the first pump. In particular, the control unit can switch the first pump on and off.

[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid is water. Other hydraulic fluids can, of course, also be used instead of water. Oils, in particular, can offer advantages, for example, in terms of corrosion resistance and lubricating properties in piston accumulators. On the other hand, water does not interact with oxygen, should a diaphragm in a dome pressure reducer leak, where oxygen is the gas to be regulated.

[0042] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a submarine with a pressure control device according to the invention. The pressure control device according to the invention is particularly well suited for the comparatively critical use in a submarine. Thus, a submarine with a pressure control device according to the invention is characterized by particularly high safety for the crew.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, the submarine has a fuel cell device. The first gas outlet is connected to the fuel cell device. Preferably, the second gas outlet is also connected to the fuel cell device. More preferably, the third gas outlet is also connected to the fuel cell device. Thus, in particular, hydrogen, oxygen, and inert gas can be made available to the fuel cell device in a particularly controlled manner, which in turn increases the service life of the fuel cell membrane and additionally simplifies operation in the event of a defective fuel cell membrane. Particular reference is made here to the method disclosed in DE 10 2019 210 220 A1.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the submarine has a reaction water tank for the water generated in the fuel cell device. The reaction water tank forms the liquid storage. This allows the use of an existing component, making the pressure control device very compact.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the invention, the submarine has a cooling water system. The cooling water system can, for example, and preferably, be used to cool a fuel cell device. The cooling water system has a pressure equalization tank. This is common and serves to keep the pressure in the cooling water system as constant as possible. The pressure equalization tank is usually closed and can itself lead to pressure fluctuations in the cooling water system, for example due to changes in the ambient temperature and thus the gas pressure inside. The pressure control device has a fourth piston accumulator. The fourth piston accumulator has a fourth gas side and a fourth fluid side. The fourth gas side of the fourth piston accumulator is connected to the pressure equalization tank in a gas-conducting manner. This allows the pressure in the cooling water system to be kept constant in a simple and synergistic manner.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pressure control device has a first backup piston accumulator. The first embodiment has a first backup gas side and a first backup fluid side. The first backup gas side and the first backup fluid side are preferably separated by a backup piston movable in the backup piston accumulator, wherein the backup piston, for example and preferably, has at least one seal. The first backup gas side of the first piston accumulator conducts gas and is connected to the first control gas opening of the first dome pressure reducer by a backup valve. If the first piston accumulator fails, the backup valve can be opened and the first backup piston accumulator can take over the function of the first piston accumulator.If the pressure control device has multiple piston accumulators and multiple dome pressure reducers, in one embodiment the first backup piston accumulator is connected to each dome pressure reducer via a backup valve. If any piston accumulator fails, the corresponding backup valve is opened, and the first backup piston accumulator can take over its function. This way, only one backup piston accumulator is required.

[0047] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for detecting a defect in a diaphragm in a dome pressure reducer. For this purpose, the first piston accumulator has a first piston position detection device. The first piston position detection device is designed to detect the position of the first piston in the first piston accumulator. The piston position detection device is not necessary for the actual pressure control, but is advantageous for the safety of the pressure control device. If the diaphragm of the dome pressure reducer is defective, this is determined via the position of the piston. This is particularly possible when two or more piston accumulators and dome pressure reducers are present. If a parallel change in the piston is observed in all piston accumulators, this is presumably attributed to an ambient condition, in particular temperature.However, if the piston position changes only in one piston accumulator, it is concluded that the diaphragm of the dome pressure reducer connected to this piston accumulator is defective.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the invention, a first limit value is defined for the position of the first piston in the first piston accumulator. When the first limit value is reached or exceeded, control gas is introduced into the connection between the first control gas opening and the first gas side of the first piston accumulator. The first limit value is preferably defined for a very small or no longer existing residual volume of the first gas side of the first piston accumulator. In the event of a leak in the connection between the first control gas opening and the first gas side of the first piston accumulator, countermeasures can thus be taken, at least temporarily.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, a second limit value is defined for the position of the first piston in the first piston accumulator. When the second limit value is reached or exceeded, control gas is withdrawn from the connection between the first control gas opening and the first gas side of the first piston accumulator. The second limit value is preferably defined for a very small or no longer existing residual volume of the first fluid side of the first piston accumulator. In the event of a leak in the diaphragm in the dome pressure reducer, countermeasures can thus be taken, at least temporarily.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control gas contains a detection gas. A detection gas is a gas that is not normally present in the vicinity of the dome pressure reducer or is not a component of the gases to be regulated. The detection gas is preferably non-toxic and non-reactive. Such a gas can be, for example, helium, in particular 3<He, hydrogen, or another noble gas. Alternatively, the detection gas can be a component that produces a strong odor, such as that added to natural gas for human detection of leaks. Furthermore, a sensor suitable for detecting the control gas, in particular the detection gas contained in the control gas, can be arranged in the vicinity of the dome pressure sensor or at the outlet of the dome pressure reducer. The pressure control device according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. Fig. 1 Pressure control device

[0051] Solid connecting lines indicate fluid-carrying connections (gas or liquid). Dashed connecting lines indicate control and regulation connections and are, for example, and preferably, designed as electronic connections.

[0052] In Fig. 1 An exemplary pressure control device for three gases to be controlled, for example, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen for a fuel cell device, is shown. For example, hydrogen is controlled by the first dome pressure reducer 21, oxygen by the second dome pressure reducer 22, and nitrogen by the third dome pressure reducer 23.

[0053] The hydrogen is supplied through the first gas inlet 41, and the hydrogen pressure is adjusted in the first dome pressure reducer 21 via the control gas pressure. The control gas is supplied and discharged through the first control gas opening 31. The hydrogen then leaves the first dome pressure reducer 21 via the first gas outlet 51. The adjusted hydrogen pressure is measured by the first pressure sensing device 61 and fed to the control unit 180.

[0054] The oxygen is supplied through the second gas inlet 42, and the oxygen pressure is adjusted in the second dome pressure reducer 22 via the control gas pressure. The control gas is supplied and discharged through the second control gas opening 32. The oxygen then leaves the second dome pressure reducer 22 via the second gas outlet 52. The adjusted oxygen pressure is measured by the second pressure sensing device 62 and transmitted to the control unit 180.

[0055] The nitrogen is supplied through the third gas inlet 43, and the nitrogen pressure is adjusted in the third dome pressure reducer 23 via the control gas pressure. The control gas is supplied and discharged through the third control gas opening 33. The nitrogen then leaves the third dome pressure reducer 23 via the third gas outlet 53. The adjusted nitrogen pressure is measured by the third pressure sensing device 63 and transmitted to the control unit 180.

[0056] To avoid the problems mentioned above, the control gas is now not directly regulated. Rather, the control gas is only present in a closed volume and is adjusted via the piston accumulators 71, 72, and 73.

[0057] To regulate the first dome pressure reducer 21, it is connected to a first piston accumulator 71, specifically to the first gas side 81 of the first piston accumulator 71. In the first piston accumulator 71, a first piston 121 separates the first gas side 81 from the first fluid side 91. By supplying and discharging liquid to and from the first fluid side 91, the control gas pressure in the first dome pressure reducer 21 can now be set safely and reliably, and thus the hydrogen pressure at the first pressure detection device 61 can be set precisely and reliably.

[0058] To regulate the second dome pressure reducer 22, it is connected to a second piston accumulator 72, specifically to the second gas side 82 of the second piston accumulator 72. In the second piston accumulator 72, a second piston 122 separates the second gas side 82 from the second fluid side 92. By supplying and discharging liquid to the second fluid side 92, the control gas pressure in the second dome pressure reducer 22 can now be set safely and reliably, and thus the oxygen pressure at the second pressure detection device 62 can be set precisely and reliably.

[0059] To regulate the third dome pressure reducer 23, it is connected to a third piston accumulator 73, specifically to the third gas side 83 of the third piston accumulator 73. In the third piston accumulator 73, a third piston 123 separates the third gas side 83 from the third fluid side 93. By supplying and discharging liquid to the third fluid side 93, the control gas pressure in the third dome pressure reducer 23 can now be set safely and reliably, and thus the nitrogen pressure at the third pressure detection device 63 can be set precisely and reliably.

[0060] In order to detect diaphragm damage in a dome pressure reducer 21, 22, 23, the piston accumulators 71, 72, 73 have piston position detection devices 111, 112, 113. The first piston accumulator 71 has a first piston position detection device 111, which is arranged on the first gas side 81 and thus detects the position of the first piston 121. The first piston position detection device 111 is connected to the control unit 180. The second piston accumulator 72 has a second piston position detection device 112, which is arranged on the second gas side 82 and thus detects the position of the second piston 122. The second piston position detection device 112 is connected to the control unit 180. The third piston accumulator 73 has a third piston position detection device 113, which is arranged on the third gas side 83 and thus detects the position of the third piston 123.The third piston position detection device 113 is connected to the control unit 180. If all three pistons 121, 122, 123 change their position in a comparable manner, this is an indication of, for example, changed ambient conditions, in particular temperature. If only one piston 121, 122, 123 changes its position, this is an indication that the diaphragm of the dome pressure reducer 21, 22, 23 connected to the piston accumulator 71, 72, 73 of the respective piston 121, 122, 123 is defective. However, there may also be other reasons, for example, if oxygen from a liquid oxygen tank flows through one of the dome pressure reducers, and a significant change in the flow leads to a significant change in temperature. This then arises from the overall context.If only one piston 121, 122, 123 reaches an end position, this is a clear indication that the diaphragm of the dome pressure reducer 21, 22, 23 connected to the piston accumulator 71, 72, 73 of the piston 121, 122, 123 in question is defective or that there is another leak.

[0061] For simple control, the pressure control device 10 has a fluid circuit 130. The fluid circuit 130 initially has a fluid reservoir 140, in which the fluid is preferably depressurized (at ambient pressure). From the fluid reservoir 140, a first pump 100 pumps the fluid, which is preferably water, into a fluid pressure reservoir 150. The pressure in the fluid pressure reservoir 150 is preferably adjusted by means of a compressed gas reservoir 170 and a pressure valve 166. The control unit 180 preferably controls both the first pump 100 and the pressure valve 166 and is connected to the fluid pressure detection device 64 for this purpose.

[0062] Through the fluid circuit 130, fluid can be easily withdrawn from the fluid pressure accumulator 150 at the correct pressure and directed to the fluid sides 91, 92, 93 of the piston accumulators 71, 72, 73 or brought from the fluid sides 91, 92, 93 of the piston accumulators 71, 72, 73 back into the fluid accumulator 140.

[0063] The liquid pressure accumulator 150 is connected to the first fluid side 91 of the first piston accumulator 71 via a first connection having a first valve 161. The first valve 161 can be opened and closed by the control unit 180, thus increasing the control gas pressure in the first dome pressure reducer 21 and thus increasing the hydrogen pressure at the first gas outlet 51. The liquid accumulator 140 is connected to the first fluid side 91 of the first piston accumulator 71 via a second connection having a second valve 162. The second valve 162 can be opened and closed by the control unit 180, thus reducing the control gas pressure in the first dome pressure reducer 21 and thus reducing the hydrogen pressure at the first gas outlet 51.

[0064] The liquid pressure accumulator 150 is connected to the second fluid side 92 of the second piston accumulator 72 via a first second connection, which has a first second valve 163. The first second valve 163 can be opened and closed by the control unit 180, thus increasing the control gas pressure in the second dome pressure reducer 22 and thus increasing the oxygen pressure at the second gas outlet 52. The liquid accumulator 140 is connected to the second fluid side 92 of the second piston accumulator 72 via a second second connection, which has a second second valve 164. The second second valve 164 can be opened and closed by the control unit 180, thus reducing the control gas pressure in the second dome pressure reducer 22 and thus reducing the oxygen pressure at the second gas outlet 52.

[0065] The liquid pressure accumulator 150 is connected to the third fluid side 93 of the third piston accumulator 73 via a first third connection, which has a first third valve 165. The first third valve 165 can be opened and closed by the control unit 180, thus increasing the control gas pressure in the third dome pressure reducer 23 and thus increasing the nitrogen pressure at the third gas outlet 53. The liquid accumulator 140 is connected to the third fluid side 93 of the third piston accumulator 73 via a second third connection, which has a second third valve 166. The second third valve 166 can be opened and closed by the control unit 180, thus reducing the control gas pressure in the third dome pressure reducer 23 and thus reducing the nitrogen pressure at the third gas outlet 53. Reference symbol

[0066] 10 Pressure control device 21 First dome pressure reducer 22 Second dome pressure reducer 23 Third dome pressure reducer 31 First control gas opening 32 Second control gas opening 33 Third control gas opening 41 First gas inlet 42 Second gas inlet 43 Third gas inlet 51 First gas outlet 52 Second gas outlet 53 Third gas outlet 61 First pressure sensing device 62 Second pressure sensing device 63 Third pressure sensing device 64 Liquid pressure sensing device 71 First piston accumulator 72 Second piston accumulator 73 Third piston accumulator 81 First gas side 82 Second gas side 83 Third gas side 91 First fluid side 92 Second fluid side 93 Third fluid side 100 First pump 111 First piston position sensing device 112 Second piston position sensing device 113 Third piston position detection device 121 First piston 122 Second piston 123 Third piston 130 Fluid circuit 140 Fluid accumulator 150 Fluid pressure accumulator 161 First valve 162 Second valve 163 First valve164second second valve 165first third valve 166second third valve 166pressure valve 170compressed gas reservoir 180control unit

Claims

1. A pressure control device (10), the pressure control device (10) comprising a first dome pressure reducer (21), the first dome pressure reducer (21) comprising a first control gas port (31), a first gas inlet (41) and a first gas outlet (51), the first gas outlet (51) being connected to a first pressure sensing device (61), characterized in that the pressure control device (10) has a first piston accumulator (71), the first piston accumulator (71) having a first gas side (81) and a first fluid side (91), the first gas side (81) of the first piston accumulator (71) being connected in a gas-conducting manner to the first control gas opening (31) of the first dome pressure reducer (21).

2. Pressure control device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure control device (10) has a control unit (180), the control unit (180) being connected to the first pressure detection device (61) for forwarding the detected pressure.

3. Pressure regulating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fluid side (91) of the first piston accumulator (71) is connected to a first pump (100).

4. Pressure regulating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fluid side (91) of the first piston accumulator (71) is filled with liquid.

5. Pressure control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first piston accumulator (71) comprises a first piston position detecting device (111), wherein the first piston position detecting device (111) is designed to detect the position of the first piston (121) in the first piston accumulator (71).

6. Pressure control device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first piston position detection device (111) is designed as a transit time measurement on the first gas side (81).

7. Pressure regulating device (10) according to claim 3 or a claim referring back to claim 3, characterized in that the first fluid side (91) of the first piston accumulator (71) is connected to a fluid circuit (130), wherein the fluid circuit (130) comprises a fluid reservoir (140), the first pump (100) and a fluid pressure accumulator (150), wherein the first pump (100) is arranged to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir (140) into the fluid pressure accumulator (150), wherein the liquid pressure accumulator (150) is connected to the first fluid side (91) of the first piston accumulator (71) via a first connection, wherein the first connection comprises a first valve (161), wherein the first fluid side (91) of the first piston accumulator (71) is connected to the liquid accumulator (140) via a second connection, wherein the second connection comprises a second valve (162).

8. Pressure regulating device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the liquid pressure accumulator (150) is connected to a compressed gas accumulator (170).

9. Pressure regulating device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the inner diameter of the first connection is smaller than the inner diameter of the first piston accumulator (71) by at least a factor of 10, preferably by at least a factor of 100.

10. The pressure control device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the liquid pressure accumulator (150) is connected to a liquid pressure sensing device (64).

11. Pressure control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure control device (10) comprises a second dome pressure reducer (22), wherein the second dome pressure reducer (22) comprises a second control gas opening (32), a second gas inlet (42) and a second gas outlet (52), wherein the second gas outlet (52) is connected to a second pressure sensing device (62), wherein the pressure control device (10) has a second piston accumulator (72), wherein the second piston accumulator (72) has a second gas side (82) and a second fluid side (92), wherein the second gas side (82) of the second piston accumulator (72) is connected in a gas-conducting manner to the second control gas opening (32) of the second dome pressure reducer (22).

12. The pressure control device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10 in conjunction with claim 11, characterized in that the liquid pressure accumulator (150) is connected to the second fluid side (92) of the second piston accumulator (72) via a third connection, the third connection comprising a third valve (163), wherein the second fluid side (92) of the second piston accumulator (72) is connected to the liquid accumulator (140) via a fourth connection, the fourth connection comprising a fourth valve (164).

13. The pressure control device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the pressure control device (10) comprises a third dome pressure reducer (23), wherein the third dome pressure reducer (23) comprises a third control gas port (33), a third gas inlet (43) and a third gas outlet (53), wherein the third gas outlet (53) is connected to a third pressure sensing device (63), wherein the pressure control device (10) has a third piston accumulator (73), wherein the third piston accumulator (73) has a third gas side (83) and a third fluid side (93), wherein the third gas side (83) of the third piston accumulator (73) is connected in a gas-conducting manner to the third control gas opening (33) of the third dome pressure reducer (23).

14. The pressure control device (10) according to claim 12 in conjunction with claim 13, characterized in that the liquid pressure accumulator (150) is connected to the third fluid side (93) of the third piston accumulator (73) via a fifth connection, the fifth connection comprising a fifth valve (165), wherein the third fluid side (93) of the third piston accumulator (73) is connected to the liquid accumulator (140) via a sixth connection, the sixth connection comprising a sixth valve (166).

15. Pressure regulating device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the valves (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166) are solenoid valves.

16. Pressure control device (10) according to claim 2 or claim referring back to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit (180) is connected to each pressure sensing device (61, 62, 63, 64) and each valve (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166).

17. Pressure control device (10) according to claim 16 in conjunction with claim 3, characterized in that the control unit (180) is connected to the first pump (100).

18. A submarine comprising a pressure regulating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. The submarine according to claim 18, characterized in that the submarine comprises a fuel cell device, wherein the first gas outlet (51) is connected to the fuel cell device.

20. The submarine according to claim 19, characterized in that the submarine comprises a reaction water tank for the water produced in the fuel cell device, wherein the reaction water tank forms the liquid storage (140).

21. Submarine according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the submarine has a cooling water system, wherein the cooling water system has a pressure compensation tank, wherein the pressure control device (10) has a fourth piston accumulator, wherein the fourth piston accumulator has a fourth gas side and a fourth fluid side, wherein the fourth gas side of the fourth piston accumulator is connected to the pressure compensation tank in a gas-carrying manner.