Connection device between a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen-consuming unit, and hydrogen supply assembly for a vehicle
The connection device with a control unit for detecting poor locking and leaks addresses the issues of defective connections and leaks in hydrogen systems, enhancing safety and efficiency in railway vehicles.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022010412
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-11
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-10-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing connection systems between hydrogen storage systems and consuming units in railway vehicles are prone to defective connections, leading to hydrogen leaks and are time-consuming due to the high frequency of reserve replacements.
A connection device with a control unit that detects poor locking and hydrogen leaks, ensuring secure connection and disconnection by using sensors to monitor the position and integrity of the connection interfaces, and a locking mechanism to prevent hydrogen leaks.
The solution effectively reduces the risk of hydrogen leaks and simplifies the connection process by detecting and preventing defective connections, allowing for efficient and safe hydrogen supply.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Connection device between a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen consuming unit and hydrogen supply assembly for a vehicle
[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:
[0002] - a first plate comprising a first connection interface delimiting a first conduit fluidly connected to the hydrogen storage system;
[0003] - a second plate comprising a second connection interface delimiting a second conduit fluidly connected to the hydrogen consuming unit.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] In the disconnected position, the first connection interface is spaced from the second connection interface.
[0007] The connection device further comprises a unit for locking the connection device in the connection position.
[0008] In hydrogen-powered rolling railway vehicles, a hydrogen reserve is generally removably connected in order to supply the vehicle with hydrogen.
[0009] The hydrogen reserve 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.
[0010] When replacing the empty reserve with a full reserve, each of these connections must be connected or disconnected sequentially and independently.
[0011] However, such an assembly is not entirely satisfactory, in that it may happen that a connection is defective or forgotten. In this case there are risks, in particular of hydrogen leaks.
[0012] In addition, such an assembly is time-consuming, especially since the reserve needs to be replaced frequently. For example, the hydrogen reserve must be replaced before each journey.
[0013] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks and, in particular, to propose a connection device between a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen consuming unit securing the connection and disconnection.
[0014] Thus, the subject of the invention is a connection device as described previously comprising a control unit configured to detect poor locking of the connection device in the connection position and to detect a hydrogen leak affecting the first connection interface or the second connection interface.
[0015] Thanks to the control unit, a poor locking of the plate or a hydrogen leak is detected and therefore a defective connection is identified, which makes it possible to reduce the risks, in particular of hydrogen leaks.
[0016] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the connection device has one or more of the following optional characteristics, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:
[0017] - The control unit comprises at least one detection sensor configured to detect the presence of hydrogen from a leak between the first plate and the second plate.
[0018] - The control unit comprises at least one position and locking sensor configured to detect the position of the first plate relative to the second plate and the satisfactory locking of the locking unit.
[0019] - The first plate comprises at least one first connection interface secondary delimiting a first secondary conduit, the second plate comprising at least one second secondary connection interface delimiting a second secondary conduit,
[0020] in the connection position of the connection device, each of the first secondary connection interfaces being connected to one of the second secondary connection interfaces allowing circulation of secondary means between the first conduit and the second secondary conduit.
[0021] - The secondary means are chosen from a heat transfer fluid, a current electrical, a ground.
[0022] - The locking unit comprises at least one arm fixed on the first plate or the second plate movably between a free position and a clamping and locking position, in which the connection device is held in the connection position.
[0023] - One of the first plate and the second plate comprises at least one pin centering configured to cooperate with a centering hole provided in the other of the first plate and the second plate.
[0024] - The connection device comprises at least one configured retention system to compensate for the mass of the first plate or the second plate.
[0025] The invention also relates to a hydrogen supply assembly for a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, the assembly comprising:
[0026] - a hydrogen storage system,
[0027] - a hydrogen consuming unit,
[0028] - a connection device as described above, and
[0029] - a control unit configured to control the hydrogen supply of the hydrogen consuming unit by the storage system.
[0030] In a particular embodiment, the control unit of the connection device is configured to send a control signal to the control unit in the event of detection of poor locking of the connection device in the connection position or of a hydrogen leak so as to block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit by the storage system.
[0031] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, among which:
[0032] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a power supply assembly in hydrogen of a vehicle according to the invention comprising a connection device;
[0033] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the connection device of [Fig.l], the first plate being in the disconnected position; and
[0034] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the connection device of [Fig.l], the first plate being in the connection position.
[0035] [Fig.l] illustrates a hydrogen supply assembly 10 of a vehicle.
[0036] The power supply assembly 10 comprises a hydrogen storage system 12, a hydrogen consuming unit 14, a connection device 16, and a control unit 18.
[0037] The powered vehicle is for example a railway vehicle, such as a locomotive, a coupled locomotive and tender, or a complete train.
[0038] The hydrogen consuming unit 14 is for example a fuel cell electrically powering an electric traction motor of the vehicle, in particular propelling a traction locomotive in the case of a railway vehicle.
[0039] In particular, the hydrogen consuming unit 14 uses hydrogen as a source of electrical energy.
[0040] For this purpose, the hydrogen consuming unit 14 comprises for example a hydrogen supply conduit 20.
[0041] Furthermore, the hydrogen consuming unit 14 advantageously also comprises at least one connection conduit for secondary means 22.
[0042] More particularly, the secondary means are chosen from a ca- fluid carrier, an electric current and an earth connection.
[0043] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the hydrogen consuming unit 14 comprises three connection conduits for secondary means 22.
[0044] The hydrogen storage system 12 is for example a tank suitable for storing hydrogen, in particular hydrogen in solid, liquid or gaseous form and delivering hydrogen in gaseous form, for example at a pressure of 10 bars.
[0045] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the hydrogen storage system 12 comprises 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 by the storage system 12.
[0046] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage system 12 advantageously also comprises at least one connection conduit for secondary means 26, and for example three conduits 26 as illustrated in [Fig.l].
[0047] 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 allow a connection of the corresponding secondary means between the hydrogen consuming unit 14 and the storage system 12.
[0048] The control unit 18 is configured to control the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 by the storage system 12.
[0049] In particular, the control unit 18 is configured to control a switching on or a switching off of the hydrogen supply.
[0050] Preferably, the control unit 18 is also configured to control operational communication of each of the secondary means between the hydrogen consuming unit 14 and the storage system 12.
[0051] The connection device 16 is intended to connect the hydrogen storage system 12 and the hydrogen consumer unit 14, and in particular the hydrogen supply conduit 20 of the consumer unit 14 with the hydrogen delivery conduit 24 of the storage system 12, and also advantageously each of the connection conduits for secondary means 22 of the consumer unit 14 with the corresponding connection conduit for secondary means 26 of the storage system 12.
[0052] As can be seen in 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.
[0053] The connection device 16 further comprises a locking unit 32 for the connection device 16 in the connection position and a control unit 34.
[0054] The first plate 28 comprises a first connection interface 36 delimiting a first conduit 38 fluidly connected to the hydrogen storage system 12.
[0055] More particularly, the first conduit 38 of the first plate 28 is connected or merged with the hydrogen delivery conduit 24 of the storage system 12.
[0056] Preferably, the first plate 28 comprises at least one first secondary connection interface 40 delimiting a first secondary conduit 42.
[0057] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the first plate 28 comprises three first secondary connection interfaces 40 each delimiting a first secondary conduit 42 connected to or merged with one of the conduits 26 of the hydrogen storage system 12.
[0058] Preferably, the first plate 28 is connected to the hydrogen storage system 12, and is preferably integral with the hydrogen storage system 12.
[0059] The second plate 30 comprises a second connection interface 44 delimiting a second conduit 46 fluidly connected to the hydrogen consuming unit 14.
[0060] 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 capable of fitting into the first connection interface 36.
[0061] More particularly, the second conduit 46 of the second plate 30 is connected or merged with the hydrogen supply conduit 20 of the hydrogen consuming unit 14.
[0062] Preferably, the second plate 30 comprises at least one second secondary connection interface 48 delimiting a second secondary conduit 50.
[0063] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the second plate 30 comprises three second secondary connection interfaces 48 each delimiting a second secondary conduit 50 connected to or merged with one of the conduits 22 of the hydrogen consuming unit 14.
[0064] Preferably, the second plate 30 is mechanically fixed to the hydrogen consuming unit 14.
[0065] For example, the first plate 28 is movable relative to the second plate 30 between the connection position of the connection device 16 illustrated in [Fig. 3] and the disconnection position of the connection device 16 illustrated in [Fig. 2].
[0066] More particularly, the second plate 30 is for example fixed and the first plate 28 is movable in translation along a translation axis T-T' 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.
[0067] As a variant, the second plate 30 is for example movable in translation along a translation axis T-T' between the connection position and the disconnection position of the connection device 16 and the first plate 28 is fixed.
[0068] As illustrated in [Fig. 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 circulation of hydrogen between the first conduit 38 and the second conduit 46 and thus a circulation of hydrogen between the storage system 12 and the hydrogen consuming unit 14.
[0069] 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 circulation of secondary means between the first conduit 42 and the second secondary conduit 50 and thus circulation of secondary means, such as a heat transfer fluid for example, between the storage system 12 and the hydrogen consuming unit 14.
[0070] As illustrated in [Fig.2], in the disconnected position, the first connection interface 36 is spaced from the second connection interface 44.
[0071] Similarly, each of the first secondary connection interfaces 40 is spaced from the secondary connection interfaces 48.
[0072] More particularly, in the disconnected position, there is no circulation of hydrogen between the storage system 12 and the hydrogen consuming unit 14, nor circulation of secondary means.
[0073] Preferably, the connection device 16 comprises at least one retaining system 52, such as for example a spring, configured to compensate for the mass of the first plate 28 or of the second plate 30.
[0074] For example, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the connection device 16 comprises two retaining systems 52 fixed to 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.
[0075] In particular, in the embodiment where the retaining systems 52 are springs, each of the springs is in the rest position when the connection device 16 is in the disconnection position and in the working position when the connection device 16 is in the connection position.
[0076] Advantageously, one of the first plate 28 and the second plate 30 comprises at least one centering pin 54 configured to cooperate with a centering orifice 56 provided in the other of the first plate 28 and the second plate 30.
[0077] For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 3] in the connection position, the first plate 28 comprises two centering pins 54 each cooperating with a centering orifice 56 provided in the second plate 30.
[0078] 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.
[0079] The locking unit 32 of the connection device 16 in the connection position comprises 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.
[0080] Preferably, as illustrated in 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, and in particular by an articulated connection.
[0081] More particularly, each of the arms 58 comprises 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 [Fig.3].
[0082] The control unit 34 is configured to detect poor 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.
[0083] More particularly, 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 the satisfactory locking of the locking unit 32.
[0084] For example, the position and locking sensor 62 is configured to check whether the first plate 28 correctly presses the second plate 30.
[0085] Preferably, the control unit 34 comprises 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.
[0086] In particular, the detection sensor 64 is capable of measuring the hydrogen concentration between the first plate 28 and the second plate 30 and of detecting an abnormal concentration.
[0087] Preferably, 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 of a hydrogen leak so as to block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 by the storage system 12.
[0088] A method of replacing the storage system 12 will now be described.
[0089] A first storage system 12 is connected to the consumer unit 14 hydrogen via the connection device 16 locked in the connection position and supplies hydrogen to said hydrogen consuming unit 14.
[0090] The control unit 18 commands a shutdown of the hydrogen supply.
[0091] The connection device 16 is moved into the disconnection position, for example by moving each of the arms 58 of the locking unit 32 into the free position.
[0092] The connection device 16 is thus moved into the disconnection position, and in particular with or without external intervention by means of a return device and / or retaining systems 52 causing a movement of the first plate 28.
[0093] The first storage system 12 is thus disconnected and set aside, preferably with the first plate 28 which is integral with the first storage system 12.
[0094] A second storage system 12 is then provided.
[0095] Preferably, a new first plate 28 is linked to the second storage system 12 and is identical to the first plate 28 secured to the first storage system 12.
[0096] The connection device 16 is then moved into the connection position and is then locked in this position by the locking unit 32.
[0097] Then, the control unit 18 controls a supply of hydrogen from the second storage system 12 to the consumer unit 14.
[0098] In the event of detection of poor locking or a hydrogen leak by the control unit, the latter sends a control signal to the control unit 18 to block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 by the storage system 12 and thus reduce the risks of hydrogen leakage.
[0099] For example, the control unit 18 controls a valve configured to authorize or block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 by the storage system 12. In the event of receiving a control signal indicating poor locking or a hydrogen leak, the control unit 18 controls a closing of said valve to block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit 14 by the storage system 12.
[0100] Thanks to the control unit, poor locking of the first plate 28 or a hydrogen leak is quickly and easily detected, which makes it possible to reduce the risks, in particular of hydrogen leaks.
[0101] Furthermore, 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
Claims
1. Connection device (16) between a hydrogen storage system (12) and a hydrogen consuming unit (14) mounted on board a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising: - a first plate (28) comprising a first connection interface (36) delimiting a first conduit (38) fluidly connected to the hydrogen storage system (12); - a second plate (30) comprising a second connection interface (44) delimiting a second conduit (46) fluidly 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) being connected to the second connection interface (44), allowing circulation of hydrogen between the first conduit (38) and the second conduit (46),in the disconnection position, the first connection interface (36) being spaced from the second connection interface (44), the connection device (16) further comprising a locking unit (32) for locking the connection device (16) in the connection position, characterized in that the connection device (16) comprises a control unit (34) configured to detect poor 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), the connection device (16) comprising at least one retaining system (52) configured to compensate for the mass of the first plate (28) or the second plate (30).,
2. 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. 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 the locking sa- satisfactory of the locking unit (32).
4. 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 conduit (42), the second plate (30) comprising at least one second secondary connection interface (48) delimiting a second secondary conduit (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 circulation of secondary means between the first conduit (42) and the second secondary conduit (50).
5. Connection device (16) according to claim 4, in which the secondary means are chosen from a heat transfer fluid, an electric current, an earthing.
6. A connection device (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking unit (32) comprises at least one arm (58) fixed to 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.
7. A connection device (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first plate (28) and the second plate (30) comprises at least one centering pin (54) configured to cooperate with a centering orifice (56) provided in the other of the first plate (28) and the second plate (30).
8. Assembly (10) for supplying hydrogen to a vehicle, in particular 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 supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit (14) by the storage system (12).
9. An 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 of a hydrogen leak so as to block the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming unit (14) by the storage system (12).