Method for operating a tank device for storing gaseous fuel, and tank device for storing gaseous fuel

Abstract

[Solution] The present invention provides a method for operating a tank device (1) for storing gas fuel for a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: measuring the temperature of the gas in each tank container (TB) by each temperature sensor at a specific point in time during the tank filling process or over a specific time (t); determining a temperature change and / or a temperature gradient with reference to the measured temperature; determining or providing an expected temperature change and / or an expected temperature gradient of the gas in each tank container for a specific point in time during the tank filling process or for a specific time (t) by a temperature model; comparing the temperature change and / or the temperature gradient with the expected temperature change and / or the expected temperature gradient of each tank container (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn) and validating the functional form of the temperature sensors based thereon.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a tank arrangement for storing gaseous fuel, and to a tank arrangement for storing gaseous fuel. [Background technology]

[0002] Known pressure storage tanks may be equipped with safety devices and / or valves. For this purpose, fuel cell systems are known that have tank arrangements or tanks for gaseous media. The pressure storage tanks may be equipped with, for example, valves to stabilize the pressure storage tank and prevent or at least reduce the escape of gas when the temperature of the storage medium rises or when a leak occurs. However, as a further consequence, it may also be desirable to have improved knowledge of the tank fill level of the tank arrangement in order to better operate the vehicle and its fuel supply when in operation.

[0003] In a typical H2 tank system with multiple gas tanks, each equipped with its own tank valve, not every tank is equipped with its own pressure sensor. It is desirable to determine the tank level in one tank and after pressure equilibrium is reached in the case of multiple tanks.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a tank having an armature and a valve, the valve being attached to the armature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Patent No. 112006003013B4 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a method for operating a tank arrangement for storing gaseous fuel as set forth in claim 1 and a tank arrangement for storing gaseous fuel as set forth in claim 5.

[0007] Preferred developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The idea behind the present invention is to provide a method for operating a tank device for storing gaseous fuel, and a tank device for storing gaseous fuel, in which the validation of temperature measurements can be improved.

[0009] According to the present invention, a method for operating a tank arrangement includes measuring the temperature of gas in each tank container by a respective temperature sensor at a specific time or over a specific period of time during a tank filling process; determining a temperature change and / or a temperature gradient with reference to the measured temperatures; determining or providing an expected temperature change and / or an expected temperature gradient of gas in each tank container for a specific time or period during the tank filling process by means of a temperature model; comparing the expected temperature change and / or the expected temperature gradient of each tank container with the temperature change and / or the temperature gradient and validating the functioning of the temperature sensor based thereon. To this end, the tank arrangement includes one or more tank containers; at least one valve device connecting each tank container to a gas piping system, the at least one valve device connected to each tank container and set up for introducing and / or removing gas fuel into and / or from each tank container and / or for separating tank contents of each tank container in the direction of the gas piping system; at least one temperature sensor in each tank container; and a control device connected to the temperature sensor and the valve device.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the validation is performed in such a way that a correct functioning of the respective temperature sensor is recognized if the temperature change and / or temperature gradient of the gas in the tank container at a specific point in time or over a specific period of time differs from the expected temperature change and / or expected temperature gradient by a difference that is smaller than a preset limit value, otherwise a faulty functioning of the temperature sensor device is recognized.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the expected temperature change and / or expected temperature gradient of the gas in each tank vessel is determined depending on the initial temperature and / or ambient temperature of the gas in each tank vessel when the respective tank vessel is filled.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the expected temperature change and / or expected temperature gradient of the gas in each tank vessel is determined depending on the initial and / or final pressure at the time of tank filling and / or the dimensions of each tank vessel.

[0013] According to the present invention, a tank apparatus for storing gas fuel for a vehicle comprises one or more tank containers; at least one valve device connecting each tank container with a gas piping system, at least one valve device connected to each tank container, each valve device set up for introducing and / or withdrawing gas fuel into each tank container and / or for separating tank contents of each tank container in the direction of the gas piping system; at least one temperature sensor in each tank container; and a control device connected to the temperature sensors and the valve devices and set up for performing the method according to the present invention.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the tank system, the control device is set up to recognize the tank filling process of the tank container, monitor the temperature progression in the tank container given a start temperature recognized by the temperature sensor that corresponds to the respective start temperature for the tank filling process, and estimate the informative capacity of the measured temperature value of the tank container by comparing it with a temperature model for each said tank container that is stored in or accessible by the control device.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the tank arrangement, the control device is connected to an outside air temperature sensor on or inside the vehicle so that the ambient temperature can be determined at the tank container during the tank filling process, and the control device is set up to take this ambient temperature into account in the temperature model for each relevant tank container.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the tank system, the control device is set up to take into account in the temperature model temperature progressions that are based on wall thickness and / or tank volume and / or material knowledge of the wall of the tank vessel.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the tank system, the tank system includes a plurality of tank vessels, each containing its own temperature sensor that can be read by a control device during tank filling, and the control device contains and / or is able to call up a unique temperature model for each tank vessel.

[0018] The gas line serves to supply gas fuel to the tank container and also serves to convey gas from the tank container to the vehicle's engine or fuel cell. The valve device may include a closable valve that can be electrically opened and closed.

[0019] The vehicle may be a fuel cell vehicle, in which case the gas fuel may be a gaseous gas for the operation of the fuel cell, such as hydrogen, or any other gas possible for this purpose, or alternatively the gas fuel may be a gas for gas-powered vehicles, such as CNG or LPG, which may also be a liquid gas.

[0020] In a vehicle with a fuel cell system, there may be tank containers filled with gaseous fuel, one or more of which may be under high pressure (up to approximately 700 bar nominal). During the downtime of a vehicle with an H2 storage system, different pressures may occur in the individual tanks. This is due to different temperature changes in the individual tanks, for example, due to different heating or cooling caused by different tank constructions or different environmental conditions in each tank. These differences or their effects on the individual tanks can be taken into account.

[0021] Compared to the prior art, the present invention allows for the validation of temperature sensor devices for piping and tank systems (high pressure systems) for gas fuels in high temperature ranges (e.g., above 50°C for temperature ranges above modern or typical ambient temperatures of the vehicle and / or tank container). The validation of the temperature sensor device in the low temperature range can be performed after a standstill period and can be a comparison of the ambient temperature with the individual temperature sensor values. For example, if the difference exceeds an applicable threshold, a false reading of the temperature sensor can be recognized. The tank device as a whole can also be a tank system for the tank container and for the vehicle with a fuel cell.

[0022] A tank-specific measured temperature change determination (gradient and numerical rise / decrease) can be made during the tank filling process. Furthermore, a determination of the expected temperature change for a specific vehicle system can be made using the known temperature behavior (e.g., temperature model) stored for the tank filling process, taking into account, for example, tank filling parameters (pressure gradient, final pressure after the rest time or after operation or after the tank process, ambient temperature, etc.). Advantageously, the expected temperature behavior may depend on the tank geometry, the thermal conductivity of the tank, the mounting situation, etc., and can be taken into account in the validation and / or in the determination of the expected temperature change, which may be known from the tank filling in the tank system, for example, from a temperature model.

[0023] Expected temperature changes can be compared and validated with measured temperature changes.

[0024] The tank device can be characterized by the features and advantages listed in connection with the method, and vice versa.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the schematic diagrams of the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tank apparatus for storing gas fuel for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like or functionally similar parts.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a tank apparatus for storing gas fuel for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] A tank apparatus 1 for storing gas fuel for a vehicle includes one or more tank containers (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn); at least one valve device 2 connecting each tank container (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn) with a gas piping system GL, at least one valve device 2 connected to each tank container (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn), each valve device 2 set up for introducing and / or discharging gas fuel into each tank container (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn) and / or separating the tank contents of each tank container (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn) in the direction of the gas piping system; and a control device connected to a temperature sensor and the valve devices 2 and set up for carrying out the method according to the present invention. The method comprises measuring the temperature of the gas in each tank container by a respective temperature sensor at a specific time or over a specific period of time during the tank filling process; determining a temperature change and / or a temperature gradient with reference to the measured temperature; determining or providing an expected temperature change and / or an expected temperature gradient of the gas in each tank container for a specific time or for a specific period of time during the tank filling process by means of a temperature model; comparing the expected temperature change and / or the expected temperature gradient of each tank container with the temperature change and / or the expected temperature gradient and validating the functional form of the temperature sensors based thereon.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a system consisting of a hydrogen storage tank arrangement 1 and a fuel cell device BZE.

[0032] Here, several tank vessels TB1, TB2, ... are symbolically represented as tanks, which may be connected to a safety valve SV, such as a TPRD, and a shut-off valve 2. A tank side TS (e.g., toward a tank station) may be connected to the tanks TB1, ... by a check valve RSV. The shut-off valve may be connected by a controller R, in particular via a gas line GL, to a fuel cell BZ of the fuel cell device BZE. The gas line GL itself may have a sensor Si on the high-pressure side, i.e., before the controller in the direction of flow, and also on the fuel cell side, i.e., after the controller R, such a pressure and / or temperature sensor Si. The fuel cell BZ may be connected to a fan GB and an exhaust gas area AB. The fuel cell may then supply an energy management system D, which may, for example, have a battery Batt, one or more capacitors C, and an associated control device D-SE, and may drive a motor M.

[0033] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto and can be modified in many ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1 Tank device 2 Valve Device TB1,TB2,...,TBn Tank containers SE Control Device Si sensor t time

Claims

1. A method of operating a tank device (1) for storing gas fuel for a vehicle, the tank device (1) comprising: one or more tank vessels (TB1, TB2, . . . , TBn); at least one valve device (2) connecting each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2; ...TBn) with a gas piping system (GL), wherein at least one of the valve devices (2) is connected to each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ...TBn), and each of the valve devices (2) is set up for introducing and / or withdrawing gas fuel into each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ...TBn) and / or for separating the tank contents of each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ...TBn) in the direction of the gas piping system; at least one temperature sensor in each tank vessel; and a control device connected to the temperature sensor and the valve device (2); The method comprises the steps of: - measuring the temperature of the gas in each of said tank vessels (TB) by each of said temperature sensors at a specific point in time during the tank filling process or over a specific time (t); - the temperature change and / or temperature gradient is determined with reference to the measured temperature; - for a specific point in time or a specific time (t) during the tank filling process, the expected temperature change and / or expected temperature gradient of the gas in each of said tank vessels is determined or provided by a temperature model; - comparing the temperature changes and / or temperature gradients with the expected temperature changes and / or expected temperature gradients of the respective tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn) and validating the functioning of the temperature sensors on the basis thereof, A method comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the validation is performed in such a way that the correct functioning of the respective temperature sensor is recognized if the temperature change and / or temperature gradient of the gas in the tank container (TB) at a specific point in time or over a specific time (t) differs from the expected temperature change and / or expected temperature gradient by a difference that is smaller than a preset limit value.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the expected temperature change and / or expected temperature gradient of the gas in each tank vessel (TB) is determined depending on the initial temperature and / or ambient temperature of the gas in each tank vessel (TB) when the respective tank vessel (TB) is filled.

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the expected temperature change and / or expected temperature gradient of the gas in each tank vessel (TB) is determined depending on the initial and / or final pressure at the time of tank filling and / or the dimensions of each tank vessel (TB).

5. A tank device (1) for storing gas fuel for a vehicle, one or more tank vessels (TB1, TB2, . . . , TBn); at least one valve device (2) connecting each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2; ...TBn) with a gas piping system (GL), wherein at least one of the valve devices (2) is connected to each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ...TBn), and each of the valve devices (2) is set up for introducing and / or withdrawing gas fuel into each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ...TBn) and / or for separating the tank contents of each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ...TBn) in the direction of the gas piping system; at least one temperature sensor in each tank vessel; and a control device connected to the temperature sensor and the valve device (2) and set up to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; , a tank device.

6. 6. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 5, wherein the control device (SE) is set up to recognize the tank filling process of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn), to monitor the temperature developments in the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn) given start temperatures recognized by the temperature sensors, which correspond to the respective start temperatures for the tank filling process, and to estimate the informative capacity of the measured temperature values ​​of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn) by comparing them with a temperature model for each respective tank vessel stored in or accessible by the control device.

7. 7. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control device is connected to an outside air temperature sensor on or inside the vehicle, so that the ambient temperature can be determined at the tank container during the tank filling process, and the control device is set up to take this ambient temperature into account in the temperature model for each said tank container.

8. 8. The tank arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control device (SE) is set up to take into account in the temperature model temperature trends based on wall thickness and / or tank volume and / or material knowledge of the wall of the tank vessel.

9. 9. A tank system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, comprising a plurality of tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn), each including its own temperature sensor that can be read by the control device during tank filling, the control device including and / or being able to call up a unique temperature model for each of the tank vessels (TB1, TB2, ..., TBn).

Images