Connection device between a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen storage unit and a hydrogen supply arrangement of a vehicle

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device between a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen-consuming unit mounted on board a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising: a first plate comprising a first connection interface delimiting a first conduit fluidly connected to the hydrogen storage system; a second plate comprising a second connection interface delimiting a second conduit fluidly connected to the hydrogen consuming unit.

[0002] The first plate and the second plate are movable relative to each other between a connection position and a disconnection position of the connection device.

[0003] In the connection position, the first connection interface is connected to the second connection interface, allowing hydrogen to flow between the first conduit and the second conduit.

[0004] In the disconnected position, the first connection interface is separated from the second connection interface.

[0005] The connection device also includes a unit for locking the connection device in the connection position.

[0006] In hydrogen-powered rail vehicles, a hydrogen reserve is usually connected in a removable manner to supply hydrogen to the vehicle.

[0007] The hydrogen tank and the vehicle are connected to each other by a plurality of connections, including for example a hydrogen supply line, a hydraulic connection and an electrical connection.

[0008] When replacing an empty reserve with a full one, each of these connections must be connected or disconnected sequentially and independently.

[0009] However, such a setup is not entirely satisfactory, as a connection may be faulty or forgotten. In this case, there are risks, particularly of hydrogen leaks.

[0010] Furthermore, such a system is time-consuming, especially given the high frequency of reserve replacement. For example, the hydrogen reserve must be replaced before each trip.

[0011] Documents CN 214 171 950 U and US 2010 / 307636 A1 describe known examples of connection devices between a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen consuming unit.

[0012] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks and, in particular, to provide a connection device between a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen consuming unit that secures the connection and disconnection.

[0013] Thus, the invention relates to a connection device according to claim 1.

[0014] Thanks to the control unit, a poor locking of the plate or a hydrogen leak is detected and therefore a faulty connection is identified, which helps to reduce the risks, in particular of hydrogen leaks.

[0015] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the connection device has one or more of the optional features of claims 2 to 7, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination.

[0016] The invention also relates to a hydrogen fueling system for a vehicle according to claim 8 or 9.

[0017] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which: [Fig 1 ] there Figure 1 is a schematic view of a hydrogen fueling system for a vehicle according to the invention, comprising a connection device; [ Fig 2 ] there Figure 2 is a schematic view of the connection device of the Figure 1 , the first plate being in the disconnect position; and [ Fig 3 ] there Figure 3 is a schematic view of the connection device of the Figure 1 the first plate being in the connection position.

[0018] There Figure 1 illustrates a hydrogen fueling system 10 of a vehicle.

[0019] The power assembly 10 includes a hydrogen storage system 12, a hydrogen consuming unit 14, a connection device 16, and a control unit 18.

[0020] The powered vehicle is, for example, a railway vehicle, such as a locomotive, a coupled locomotive and tender, or a complete train.

[0021] The hydrogen-consuming unit 14 is, for example, a fuel cell electrically powering an electric traction motor of the vehicle, notably propelling a traction locomotive in the case of a railway vehicle.

[0022] In particular, hydrogen-consuming unit 14 uses hydrogen as a source of electrical energy.

[0023] For this purpose, the hydrogen consuming unit 14 includes, for example, a hydrogen supply conduit 20.

[0024] Furthermore, the hydrogen-consuming unit 14 advantageously also includes at least one connection conduit for secondary means 22.

[0025] More specifically, the secondary means are chosen from a heat transfer fluid, an electric current and an earth connection.

[0026] For example, as illustrated on the Figure 1 , the hydrogen consuming unit 14 includes three connection conduits for secondary means 22.

[0027] The hydrogen storage system 12 is for example a suitable tank for storing hydrogen, including hydrogen in solid, liquid or gaseous form and delivering hydrogen in gaseous form, for example at a pressure of 10 bar.

[0028] As illustrated on the Figure 1 , the hydrogen storage system 12 includes a hydrogen delivery conduit 24 intended to be connected to the hydrogen supply conduit 20 of the hydrogen consuming unit 14 in order to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 from the storage system 12.

[0029] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage system 12 advantageously also includes at least one connecting conduit for secondary means 26, and for example three conduits 26 as illustrated in the Figure 1 .

[0030] In particular, each of the conduits 26 of the hydrogen storage system 12 is intended to be connected to one of the conduits 22 of the hydrogen consuming unit 14 so as to permit a connection of the corresponding secondary means between the hydrogen consuming unit 14 and the storage system 12.

[0031] The control unit 18 is configured to control the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 by the storage system 12.

[0032] In particular, the control unit 18 is configured to control the switching on or off of the hydrogen supply.

[0033] Preferably, the control unit 18 is also configured to control an operational communication of each of the secondary means between the hydrogen consuming unit 14 and the storage system 12.

[0034] The connection device 16 is intended to connect the hydrogen storage system 12 and the hydrogen consuming unit 14, and in particular the hydrogen supply conduit 20 of the consuming unit 14 with the hydrogen delivery conduit 24 of the storage system 12, and also advantageously each of the secondary means connection conduits 22 of the consuming unit 14 with the corresponding secondary means connection conduit 26 of the storage system 12.

[0035] As can be seen on the Figures 2 And 3 , the connection device 16 comprises a first plate 28 and a second plate 30, the first plate 28 and the second plate 30 being movable relative to each other between a connection position and a disconnection position of the connection device 16.

[0036] The connection device 16 further includes a locking unit 32 for the connection device 16 in the connection position and a control unit 34.

[0037] The first plate 28 includes a first connection interface 36 delimiting a first conduit 38 fluidly connected to the hydrogen storage system 12.

[0038] More specifically, the first conduit 38 of the first plate 28 is connected or merged with the hydrogen delivery conduit 24 of the storage system 12.

[0039] Preferably, the first plate 28 includes at least one first secondary connection interface 40 delimiting a first secondary conduit 42.

[0040] For example, as illustrated on the Figure 1 , the first plate 28 includes three first secondary connection interfaces 40 each delimiting a first secondary conduit 42 connected or merged with one of the conduits 26 of the hydrogen storage system 12.

[0041] Preferably, the first plate 28 is linked to the hydrogen storage system 12, and is preferably integral with the hydrogen storage system 12.

[0042] The second plate 30 includes a second connection interface 44 delimiting a second conduit 46 fluidically connected to the hydrogen consuming unit 14.

[0043] Advantageously, the shape of the second connection interface 44 is complementary to that of the first connection interface 36. For example, the second connection interface 44 is able to fit inside the first connection interface 36.

[0044] More specifically, the second conduit 46 of the second plate 30 is connected or coincides with the hydrogen supply conduit 20 of the hydrogen consuming unit 14.

[0045] Preferably, the second plate 30 includes at least one second secondary connection interface 48 delimiting a second secondary conduit 50.

[0046] For example, as illustrated on the Figure 1 , the second plate 30 includes three second secondary connection interfaces 48 each delimiting a second secondary conduit 50 connected or merged with one of the conduits 22 of the hydrogen consuming unit 14.

[0047] Preferably, the second plate 30 is mechanically fixed to the hydrogen-consuming unit 14.

[0048] For example, the first plate 28 is movable relative to the second plate 30 between the connection position of the connecting device 16 illustrated on the Figure 3 and the disconnection position of the connection device 16 illustrated on the Figure 2 .

[0049] More specifically, the second plate 30 is for example fixed and the first plate 28 is mobile in translation along a translation axis TT' between the connection position of the connection device 16 in which the first plate 28 extends against the second plate 30 and the disconnection position of the connection device 16 in which the two plates 28, 30 are apart from each other.

[0050] Alternatively, the second plate 30 is for example movable in translation along a translation axis TT' between the connection position and the disconnection position of the connection device 16 and the first plate 28 is fixed.

[0051] As illustrated on the Figure 3 , in the connection position of the connection device 16, the first connection interface 36 is connected to the second connection interface 44, allowing a flow of hydrogen between the first conduit 38 and the second conduit 46 and thus a flow of hydrogen between the storage system 12 and the hydrogen consuming unit 14.

[0052] Preferably, in the connection position of the connection device 16, each of the first secondary connection interfaces 40 is connected to one of the second secondary connection interfaces 48 allowing a circulation of secondary means between the first conduit 42 and the second secondary conduit 50 and thus a circulation of secondary means, such as a heat transfer fluid for example, between the storage system 12 and the hydrogen consuming unit 14.

[0053] As illustrated on the Figure 2 In the disconnected position, the first connection interface 36 is moved away from the second connection interface 44.

[0054] Similarly, each of the first secondary connection interfaces 40 is separated from the secondary connection interfaces 48.

[0055] More specifically, in the disconnected position, there is no flow of hydrogen between the storage system 12 and the hydrogen consuming unit 14, nor any flow of secondary means.

[0056] Preferably, the connecting device 16 includes at least one retaining system 52, such as a spring, configured to compensate for the mass of the first plate 28 or the second plate 30.

[0057] For example, as illustrated on the Figures 2 And 3, the connection device 16 includes two retaining systems 52 fixed on the first plate 28 to compensate for the mass of the first plate 28 during translation between the two positions and thus facilitate the mobility of the first plate 28.

[0058] In particular, in the embodiment where the retaining systems 52 are springs, each of the springs is in the rest position when the connecting device 16 is in the disconnection position and in the working position when the connecting device 16 is in the connection position.

[0059] Advantageously, one of the first plate 28 and the second plate 30 includes at least one centering pin 54 configured to cooperate with a centering hole 56 provided in the other of the first plate 28 and the second plate 30.

[0060] For example, as illustrated on the figure 3 in the connection position, the first plate 28 includes two centering pins 54 each cooperating with a centering hole 56 provided in the second plate 30.

[0061] This cooperation between at least one centering pin 54 and a centering orifice 56 makes it easier to position the first plate 28 relative to the second plate 30 in order to move the connection device 16 into its connection position.

[0062] The locking unit 32 of the connection device 16 in the connection position includes, for example, at least one arm 58 fixed on the first plate 28 or the second plate 30 in a movable manner between a free position and a clamping and locking position, in which the connection device 16 is held in the connection position.

[0063] Preferably, as illustrated on the figures 2 And 3, the locking unit 32 comprises two arms 58 each fixed to one of the lateral ends of the second plate 30, in particular by an articulated link.

[0064] More specifically, each of the arms 58 includes a lug 60, which in the clamping position is capable of pressing and then locking the first plate 28 against the second plate 30, as illustrated in the Figure 3 .

[0065] The control unit 34 is configured to detect improper locking of the connection device 16 in the connection position and to detect a hydrogen leak affecting the first connection interface 36 or the second connection interface 44.

[0066] More specifically, the control unit 34 includes at least one position and locking sensor 62 configured to detect the position of the first plate 28 relative to the second plate 30 and the satisfactory locking of the locking unit 32.

[0067] For example, the position and locking sensor 62 is configured to check if the first plate 28 is correctly pressing the second plate 30.

[0068] Preferably, the control unit 34 includes at least one detection sensor 64 configured to detect the presence of hydrogen between the first plate 28 and the second plate 30 for the purpose of detecting a hydrogen leak.

[0069] In particular, the detection sensor 64 is designed to measure the hydrogen concentration between the first plate 28 and the second plate 30 and to detect an abnormal concentration.

[0070] Preferably, the control unit 34 of the connection device 16 is configured to send a control signal to the control unit 18 in case of detection of a poor locking of the connection device 16 in the connection position or of a hydrogen leak so as to block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming unit 14 from the storage system 12.

[0071] A method for replacing storage system 12 will now be described.

[0072] A first storage system 12 is connected to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 via the connection device 16 locked in the connection position and supplies hydrogen to said hydrogen consuming unit 14.

[0073] Control unit 18 commands a shutdown of the hydrogen supply.

[0074] The connection device 16 is moved to the disconnection position, for example by moving each of the arms 58 of the locking unit 32 to the free position.

[0075] The connection device 16 has thus moved into the disconnection position, and in particular with or without external intervention via a recall device and / or the retention systems 52 causing a movement of the first plate 28.

[0076] The first storage system 12 is thus disconnected and set aside, preferably with the first plate 28 which is attached to the first storage system 12.

[0077] A second storage system 12 is then provided.

[0078] Preferably, a new first plate 28 is linked to the second storage system 12 and is identical to the first plate 28 attached to the first storage system 12.

[0079] The connection device 16 is then moved into the connection position and then locked in that position by the locking unit 32.

[0080] Next, the control unit 18 commands a hydrogen supply from the second storage system 12 to the consuming unit 14.

[0081] If the control unit detects a faulty lock or a hydrogen leak, it sends a control signal to the control unit 18 to block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming unit 14 from the storage system 12 and thus reduce the risk of hydrogen leakage.

[0082] For example, the control unit 18 controls a valve configured to allow or block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming unit 14 from the storage system 12. In the event of receiving a control signal indicating a poor lock or a hydrogen leak, the control unit 18 controls a closure of said valve to block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming unit 14 from the storage system 12.

[0083] Thanks to the control unit, poor locking of the first plate 28 or a hydrogen leak is quickly and easily detected, which helps to reduce risks, including hydrogen leaks.

[0084] Moreover, such a connection device 16 facilitates the replacement of the storage system 12. Indeed, this connection of the storage system 12 to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 is done in a single step by a simultaneous connection of the hydrogen and the secondary means.

Claims

1. A connection device (16) between a hydrogen storage system (12) and a hydrogen-consuming unit (14) mounted on-board a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, comprising: - a first plate (28) comprising a first connection interface (36) delimiting a first duct (38) fluidically connected to the hydrogen storage system (12); - a second plate (30) comprising a second connection interface (44) delimiting a second duct (46) fluidically connected to the hydrogen-consuming unit (14); the first plate (28) and the second plate (30) being movable relative to each other between a connection position and a disconnection position of the connection device (16), in the connection position, the first connection interface (36) is connected to the second connection interface (44), allowing a hydrogen flow between the first duct (38) and the second duct (46), in the disconnected position, the first connection interface (36) being spaced apart from the second connection interface (44), the connection device (16) further comprising a locking unit (32) of the connection device (16) in the connection position, characterised in that the connection device (16) comprises a control unit (34) configured to detect poor locking of the connection device (16) in the connected position and to identify a hydrogen leak affecting the first connection interface (36) or the second connection interface (44), the connection device (16) comprising at least one retention system (52) configured to compensate for the mass of the first plate (28) or the second plate (30).

2. The connection device (16) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (34) comprises at least one detection sensor (64) configured to detect the presence of hydrogen from a leak between the first plate (28) and the second plate (30).

3. The connection device (16) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (34) comprises at least one position and locking sensor (62) configured to detect the position of the first plate (28) relative to the second plate (30) and satisfactory locking of the locking unit (32).

4. The connection device (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plate (28) comprises at least one first secondary connection interface (40) delimiting a first secondary duct (42), the second plate (30) comprising at least one second secondary connection interface (48) delimiting a second secondary duct (50), in the connection position of the connection device (16), each of the first secondary connection interfaces (40) being connected to one of the second secondary connection interfaces (48) allowing a flow of secondary utilities between the first duct (42) and the second secondary duct (50).

5. The connection device (16) according to claim 4, wherein the secondary utilities are chosen from a heat transfer fluid, an electric current, grounding.

6. The connection device (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking unit (32) comprises at least one arm (58) movably attached to the first plate (28) or the second plate (30) between a free position and a clamping and locking position, wherein the connection device (16) is held in the connection position.

7. The connection device (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first plate (28) or the second plate (30) comprises at least one centring pin (54) configured to cooperate with a centring hole (56) arranged in the other of the first plate (28) or the second plate (30).

8. An assembly (10) for supplying hydrogen to a vehicle, particularly a railway vehicle, the assembly (10) comprising: - a hydrogen storage system (12), - a hydrogen-consuming unit (14), - a connection device (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, and - a control unit (18) configured to control the hydrogen supply to the hydrogen-consuming unit (14) by the storage system (12).

9. The assembly (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (34) of the connection device (16) is configured to send a control signal to the control unit (18) in the event of detection of poor locking of the connection device (16) in the connection position or a hydrogen leak, so as to lock the hydrogen supply to the hydrogen-consuming unit (14) by the storage system (12).