Cryogenic fluid tank
By mounting liquid level and temperature sensors on the filling pipe of cryogenic fluid tanks, the challenges of probe installation and assembly are addressed, resulting in a more efficient, reliable, and space-saving instrumentation solution.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023013494
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-12-04
AI Technical Summary
The installation of temperature and level probes in cryogenic fluid tanks, such as those for liquefied hydrogen, is often problematic due to the need for delicate positioning and the separate installation of these probes, which can complicate assembly and increase weight and space requirements.
The liquid level sensor and temperature sensors are mounted directly on the filling pipe of the tank, allowing for a single measuring rod and facilitating assembly while enabling continuous temperature gradient measurement along the filling conduit.
This configuration reduces internal components, simplifies assembly, saves weight and space, and allows for continuous temperature gradient measurement, improving the efficiency and reliability of cryogenic fluid tank instrumentation.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Cryogenic fluid reservoir
[0001] The invention relates to a cryogenic fluid reservoir.
[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a tank of cryogenic fluid, for example liquefied hydrogen, comprising a casing delimiting a storage volume, the tank comprising a filling conduit having one end extending into the storage volume, the tank further comprising a liquid level sensor and a set of temperature sensor(s).
[0003] In order to measure the internal physical parameters of on-board liquid hydrogen tanks, it is necessary to place temperature sensors and level probes immersed in the liquid inside the internal tank. The installation of these probes / sensors is often problematic and their positioning is delicate (bulk, passage of measuring wires, etc.).
[0004] Most often, the temperature and level probes are placed along the wall or on an instrumentation rod with a dedicated support. In practice, the temperature measuring rod is generally separate from the level measuring rod.
[0005] An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.
[0006] To this end, the tank according to the invention, moreover conforming to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the liquid level sensor and the set of temperature sensor(s) are mounted on the filling pipe.
[0007] The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims.
[0008] Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, given with reference to the figures in which: Brief description of the figures
[0009] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
[0010] [Fig.l] is a schematic and partial vertical sectional view of an example of a possible embodiment of a tank according to the invention. Detailed description
[0011] In all the figures, the same references refer to the same elements.
[0012] In this detailed description, the following embodiments are examples. that the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not mean that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.
[0013] The illustrated example of a cryogenic fluid tank comprises a casing 2 delimiting a storage volume. For example, the tank may be double-walled with a thermally insulated vacuum space between an inner casing and an outer casing.
[0014] The tank 1 comprises a filling conduit 3 having one end extending into the storage volume, for example from top to bottom. The tank 1 further comprises a liquid level sensor 4 and a set of temperature sensor(s) 5.
[0015] As illustrated, the liquid level sensor 4 and the set of temperature sensors 5 are advantageously mounted on the filling conduit 3.
[0016] That is to say that the temperature and level probes are placed directly and for example glued to the filling pipe 3. Thus, there is a single measuring rod, allowing the level sensor 4 and the temperature sensors 5 to be held fixed.
[0017] This provides advantages in terms of weight and space saving. This makes it possible to limit the internal components and facilitates assembly.
[0018] The temperature sensors 5 installed on the filling conduit 3 make it possible to measure the temperature gradient in the stored fluid while other known solutions carry out point (local) measurements. These temperature sensors 5 can be distributed at equal distances along the filling conduit 3. Of course, other measurement needs may impose different positions.
[0019] In the example illustrated, the sensors 4, 5 are mounted on a vertical portion of the filling conduit 3 (perpendicular to the horizontal). When the tank 1 is installed at an angle in a vehicle or support, it is also possible to install the sensors 4, 5 at a corrective angle, to ensure continuous measurement (sensors inclined relative to the filling conduit, for example).
[0020] As illustrated above, the instrumentation can therefore be integral with the filling conduit 3 and at least partly in direct contact with the latter.
Claims
Claims
1. Tank for cryogenic fluid, for example liquefied hydrogen, comprising a casing (2) delimiting a storage volume, the tank (1) comprising a filling conduit (3) having one end extending into the storage volume, the tank (1) further comprising a liquid level sensor (4) and a set of temperature sensor(s) (5), characterized in that the liquid level sensor (4) and the set of temperature sensor(s) (5) are mounted on the filling conduit (3).