Method for inspecting tank systems and tank systems with multiple high-pressure tanks.

Abstract

Determine the validity of the temperature sensor readings within the tank system. [Solution] In a method for inspecting a tank system, a consuming device that consumes fluid in a high-pressure tank is activated, the tank valves of all high-pressure tanks except the first high-pressure tank associated with a first temperature sensor are closed, a first difference is determined between the reading of the first temperature sensor and the reading of a reference temperature sensor located after the pressure regulator of the tank system, the tank valves of other high-pressure tanks associated with other temperature sensors are opened, the tank valve of the first high-pressure tank is closed, another difference is determined between the readings of the other temperature sensors and the reading of the reference temperature sensor, and the validity of the reading of the first temperature sensor is determined based on the deviation of the first difference from the temperature characteristic value calculated from the obtained difference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention as presented relates to a method and a tank system for checking particularly temperature sensors in a tank system having a plurality of high-pressure tanks.

Background Art

[0002] High-pressure tank systems often include a plurality of high-pressure tanks for storing fluids such as hydrogen, particularly in the field of vehicles. At that time, for safety reasons, each of these high-pressure tanks is equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the high-pressure tank.

[0003] Due to thermal stress and / or mechanical stress, the temperature sensor may send incorrect values, which may lead to failures if the next process is performed based on the incorrect values.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Within the scope of the present invention as presented, a method and a tank system for checking a tank system having a plurality of high-pressure tanks are presented. Further configuration requirements and details of the present invention are apparent from the respective dependent claims, this description, and the drawings. It should be noted that the configuration requirements and details described in relation to the method according to the present invention are, of course, also applicable in relation to the tank system according to the present invention, and vice versa for each. As a result, the disclosure of the individual aspects of the present invention is always mutually related or may be related.

[0005] The present invention as presented is particularly used for determining the validity of temperature values detected by a temperature sensor in a tank system or for detecting a defective temperature sensor.

[0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention as presented, a method for checking a tank system having a plurality of high-pressure tanks, particularly for checking the temperature sensors of the tank system, is presented.

[0007] The presented method involves activating a consumption device for the fluid stored in a high-pressure tank, closing the tank valves of all high-pressure tanks except the tank valve of the high-pressure tank associated with a first temperature sensor, determining a first difference between the value detected by the first temperature sensor and the value detected by a reference temperature sensor located after the pressure regulator of the tank system in the intermediate pressure region, opening the tank valve of another high-pressure tank associated with another temperature sensor, closing the tank valve of the high-pressure tank associated with the first temperature sensor, and the other temperature sensor detecting This includes determining other differences between the calculated value and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor, calculating a temperature characteristic value from all the calculated differences, comparing the first difference with the temperature characteristic value, and outputting a report characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as invalid if the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, or outputting a report characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as valid if the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount less than or equal to the temperature threshold.

[0008] Outputting a report, in the context of the present invention, should be understood as the process of displaying a report, such as text or so-called "flags," on an output unit, such as a display, and / or the process of filing it in memory, such as fault memory or working memory. Correspondingly, by outputting a report characterizing multiple values ​​detected by a single temperature sensor as valid, a further function or external function can be obtained: knowledge about whether the multiple values ​​detected by the temperature sensor are valid and whether these values ​​should be processed further or excluded from further processing.

[0009] The method presented here is performed, for example, while a consuming device such as a fuel cell system is in operation, resulting in the continuous discharge or removal of fluid from the high-pressure tank of the tank system.

[0010] Each step of the method presented here may be performed in any order that is technically meaningful. In particular, to avoid interrupting the fuel supply to the consuming equipment, other high-pressure tanks may be opened before closing the high-pressure tank that was previously open.

[0011] To determine the validity of each value detected by the temperature sensor, the system is designed to compare the values ​​detected by the temperature sensor with those detected by the reference temperature sensor by calculating the difference between the detected values ​​and those detected by the reference temperature sensor.

[0012] Because the reference temperature sensor is located behind the tank system's pressure regulator in the direction of fluid flow through the tank system in the intermediate pressure region, the thermal and mechanical stresses it experiences are significantly lower than those of temperature sensors located in the high-pressure region of the tank system or within each high-pressure tank. Since the reference temperature sensor is used merely as a general reference and not as a validity criterion itself, the validity of the values ​​detected by each temperature sensor can still be determined even if the reference temperature sensor fails.

[0013] Rather, a predetermined temperature threshold is used as the criterion for validity. The temperature threshold represents the maximum allowable deviation of each value detected by the temperature sensor. In this case, the deviation is dynamically calculated based on the difference from the temperature characteristic value.

[0014] The temperature characteristic value provided according to the present invention is determined based on a number of differences between the values ​​detected by each temperature sensor and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor. In other words, the first difference is determined from the value detected by the first temperature sensor and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor, and the second difference is determined from the value detected by the second temperature sensor and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor. In this case, the number of differences may correspond to the number of temperature sensors in the tank system, or it may include the number of selected temperature sensors in the tank system.

[0015] When calculating the difference between each temperature sensor, only the one high-pressure tank associated with each temperature sensor is opened, and all other high-pressure tanks or their tank valves are closed, so that the influence of the physical conditions in the other high-pressure tanks on each temperature sensor is minimized.

[0016] If there are many differences between the values ​​detected by multiple temperature sensors and the values ​​detected by multiple reference temperature sensors, the temperature characteristic value can be immediately determined from all the differences. Therefore, the temperature characteristic value is an objective quantity of the validity of the values ​​detected by each temperature sensor, dynamically formed based on the values ​​detected by multiple temperature sensors.

[0017] Correspondingly, in cases where the difference between the value detected by the reference temperature sensor and the values ​​detected by each temperature sensor deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, a report is output characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as invalid.

[0018] The system outputs a report characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as valid only in cases where the difference between the value detected by each temperature sensor and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount smaller than or equal to the temperature threshold.

[0019] Furthermore, in cases where the report characterizes the value detected by the first temperature sensor as valid, it may be assumed that the tank valve of the high-pressure tank associated with the first temperature sensor is functioning normally, and as a result, a corresponding validity confirmation report for the tank valve or the open state of the tank valve can be output.

[0020] It may be considered to calculate other differences for each of the other high-pressure tanks in the tank system.

[0021] By calculating the differences for each of the other high-pressure tanks in the tank system, the temperature characteristics of each temperature sensor in the tank system are taken into account when determining the temperature characteristics. Moreover, the validity of the values ​​of each temperature sensor is also determined in this way.

[0022] Furthermore, it may be considered to calculate the temperature characteristic value by the average value of all detected differences.

[0023] In general, any mathematical relationship between the differences is suitable for determining temperature characteristics. The mean value has proven to be a simple and reliable measure for determining temperature characteristics.

[0024] Furthermore, it may be considered to determine a temperature characteristic value based on the difference obtained for all high-pressure tanks in the tank system, and then, using the temperature characteristic value obtained from the difference obtained for all high-pressure tanks in the tank system as a clue, to characterize the value detected by the first temperature sensor, determining whether it is valid or invalid.

[0025] By pre-determining the temperature characteristic value, multiple differences calculated for each individual temperature sensor are compared with the same temperature characteristic value. As a result, each temperature sensor influences the temperature characteristic value with the same weighting.

[0026] Furthermore, for cases where a report is output characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as invalid, it may be considered to align the characteristic curve filed in the memory and associated with the first temperature sensor such that the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount less than or equal to the temperature threshold.

[0027] By aligning the characteristic curve of the temperature sensor, for example, sensor drift can be corrected, and as a result, the temperature sensor provides a valid value again.

[0028] Furthermore, for cases where a report is output characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as invalid, it may be considered to perform error detection on the first temperature sensor.

[0029] In the case of an invalid value, since there is a very high possibility that the corresponding temperature sensor is malfunctioning, a report characterizing the value detected by the temperature sensor as invalid can be used as a trigger or activation signal for fault detection or fault diagnosis. As a result, when the temperature sensor provides an invalid value, fault detection can be automatically started.

[0030] Furthermore, for cases where a report is output characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as invalid, it may be considered to output a fault report for the first temperature sensor.

[0031] In the case of an invalid value, since there is a very high possibility that the corresponding temperature sensor is malfunctioning, a fault report for this temperature sensor can be output, for example, to block subsequent processing of the value detected by this temperature sensor.

[0032] Furthermore, it may be considered to associate each high-pressure tank with a respective temperature sensor and sequentially inspect each temperature sensor of the tank system as the first temperature sensor.

[0033] By inspecting each temperature sensor sequentially, that is, by inspecting them continuously, it is possible to inspect each temperature sensor in a time-separated inspection step or to determine its validity.

[0034] The present invention, as presented, relates to a tank system for storing fluids, according to a second aspect.

[0035] The presented tank system includes a first high-pressure tank, a plurality of other high-pressure tanks, a piping system, a pressure regulator located within the piping system that separates the high-pressure region from the intermediate-pressure region, a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the first high-pressure tank, a plurality of other temperature sensors each configured to measure the temperature inside each of the other high-pressure tanks, and a calculation unit, in which case the calculation unit is configured to carry out possible configurations of the presented method.

[0036] In the context of the present invention, a calculation unit should be understood as a computer, processor, subprocessor, or any other programmable circuit.

[0037] The calculation unit operates during the operation of the consumption device for the fluid stored in the high-pressure tank. - In order to close all tank valves of high-pressure tanks except for the tank valve of the first high-pressure tank associated with the first temperature sensor, -In order to determine the first difference between the value detected by the first temperature sensor and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor, - To open the tank valve of another high-pressure tank associated with another temperature sensor, - In order to close the tank valve of the high-pressure tank associated with the first temperature sensor, -In order to determine the difference between the value obtained by the other temperature sensor and the value obtained by the reference temperature sensor, -In order to calculate the temperature characteristic value from all the differences obtained, -To compare the first difference with the temperature characteristic value, -In cases where the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, a report is output that characterizes the value detected by the first temperature sensor as invalid, or, -For cases where the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount equal to or less than the temperature threshold, in order to output a report characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as valid, It is acceptable to take into consideration that it is composed of such elements.

[0038] Each step of the method performed by the calculation unit presented may be performed in any order, as long as it is technically meaningful. In particular, in order to avoid interrupting the fuel supply to the consuming device, other high-pressure tanks may be opened before closing the high-pressure tank that was previously open.

[0039] Furthermore, it may be considered that the calculation unit is configured to sequentially check each temperature sensor in the tank system as a first temperature sensor.

[0040] Further advantages, constituent elements, and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which provides a detailed explanation of embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the constituent elements described in the claims and the following description may be important to the present invention, either individually or in any combination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This figure shows one possible configuration of the presented method. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing one possible configuration of the tank system presented. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates a method 100 for inspecting temperature sensors in a tank system comprising multiple high-pressure tanks.

[0043] In request step 101, a request is made to operate a consuming device, such as a fuel cell system, with fluid from the tank system. Next, in valve closing step 103, the tank valves of all high-pressure tanks in the tank system are closed, except for tank valves located on high-pressure tanks that contain temperature sensors to be inspected or validated.

[0044] After a predetermined waiting period during which only gas from the open high-pressure tank is present throughout the high-pressure and intermediate-pressure regions, the first detection step 105 involves using a temperature sensor under inspection to detect the temperature inside the open high-pressure tank, and using a reference temperature sensor located in the intermediate-pressure region to detect the temperature inside the intermediate-pressure region.

[0045] In the first calculation step 107, a first temperature difference is calculated between the value detected by the temperature sensor under inspection and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor. Subsequently, in the operation step 109, the other individually open high-pressure tanks of the tank system are activated, and the high-pressure tanks that were previously open are closed.

[0046] In the second detection step 111, a temperature value is detected using another temperature sensor associated with the other open high-pressure tank, and a temperature value in the intermediate pressure region is detected using a reference temperature sensor.

[0047] In the second calculation step 113, a second temperature difference is calculated between the value detected by the other temperature sensor being inspected and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor.

[0048] In continuation step 115, the method is continued using all temperature sensors in the tank system until, for example, all high-pressure tanks have been operated individually once.

[0049] In comparison step 117, the average temperature difference is calculated from the individual temperature differences of each temperature sensor, and the temperature differences are compared with those of different temperature sensors associated with each high-pressure tank. Values ​​where the magnitude of the deviation of the individual temperature differences from the average temperature difference is smaller than or equal to the acceptable threshold are characterized as valid in validation step 119.

[0050] Equally, values ​​where the magnitude of the deviation of individual temperature differences from the average temperature difference is greater than the acceptable threshold are characterized as invalid or invalid.

[0051] For values ​​characterized as invalid, an optional correction step 121 can be performed. This correction step modifies the characteristic curve of the corresponding temperature sensor filed in the controller, so that the temperature difference of this temperature sensor relative to the mean temperature difference becomes valid.

[0052] Alternatively, in diagnostic step 123, error detection can be triggered for the corresponding temperature sensor.

[0053] Next, normal operation 125 is performed on all pressure tanks in the tank system.

[0054] Figure 2 illustrates a tank system 200 for storing a fluid, such as hydrogen.

[0055] The tank system 200 includes a first high-pressure tank 201, a plurality of other high-pressure tanks 203, a piping system 205, a pressure regulator 207 located within the piping system 205 that separates the high-pressure region 209 from the intermediate-pressure region 211, a first temperature sensor 213 configured to measure the temperature inside the first high-pressure tank 201, a plurality of other temperature sensors 215 each configured to measure the temperature inside each of the other high-pressure tanks 203, a reference temperature sensor 217 located within the intermediate-pressure region 211, and a calculation unit 219.

[0056] The calculation unit 219 is configured to carry out the method 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0057] Correspondingly, the calculation unit 219 is configured to close all tank valves 221 of the high-pressure tank 203 except for the tank valve 223 of the first high-pressure tank 203 associated with the first temperature sensor 213, in order to detect a first difference between the value detected by the first temperature sensor 213 and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor 219.

[0058] Furthermore, the calculation unit 219 is configured to close the tank valve 223 again, open the tank valve 221 of another high-pressure tank 203 associated with the other temperature sensor 215, and detect other differences between the value detected by the other temperature sensor 215 and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor 217.

[0059] Furthermore, the calculation unit 219 calculates a temperature characteristic value from all detected differences, compares the first difference with this temperature characteristic value, and is configured to output a report characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor 213 as invalid if the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, or to output a report characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor 213 as valid if the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount less than or equal to the temperature threshold. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 100 books method 101 Request Step 103 Valve closing step 107 Calculation Step (Detection of the First Difference) 117 Comparison Steps 200 Tank System 201 First high-pressure tank 203 Other high-pressure tanks 209 High-voltage area 211 Medium pressure range 213 First temperature sensor 215 Other temperature sensors 217 Reference temperature sensor 219 calculation units 221 Tank valve 223 Tank valve of the first high-pressure tank

Claims

1. A method (100) for inspecting a tank system (200) comprising multiple high-pressure tanks (201, 203), The above method (100) - Activating the consumption device (101) for the fluid stored in the high-pressure tanks (201, 203), - Closing (103) the tank valves (221) of all high-pressure tanks (203) except for the tank valve (223) of the high-pressure tank (201) associated with the first temperature sensor (213), - To determine the first difference (107) between the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor (217) located after the pressure regulator of the tank system (200) in the intermediate pressure region (211), - Opening the tank valve (221) of another high-pressure tank (203) associated with another temperature sensor (215), - Closing the tank valve (223) of the high-pressure tank (201) associated with the first temperature sensor (213), - To determine the difference (113) between the value detected by the other temperature sensor (215) and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor (217), - Calculate the temperature characteristic value from all the differences obtained, -Compare the first difference with the temperature characteristic value (117), - In cases where the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, a report is output that characterizes the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) as invalid, or - In cases where the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount smaller than or equal to the temperature threshold, a report is output characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) as valid, A method (100) that includes the following:

2. The method according to claim 1 (100), characterized in that it determines other differences for each of the other temperature sensors (215) of the tank system (200).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 (100), characterized in that the temperature characteristic value is calculated using the average value of all detected differences.

4. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the temperature characteristic value is determined based on the difference obtained for all high-pressure tanks (201, 203) of the tank system (200), and then, using the temperature characteristic value obtained from the difference obtained for all high-pressure tanks (201, 203) of the tank system (200) as a clue, the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) is characterized as to whether it is valid or not.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (100), characterized in that, in cases where a report is output that characterizes the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) as invalid, the characteristic curve filed in memory and associated with the first temperature sensor (213) is aligned such that the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount smaller than or equal to the temperature threshold.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (100), characterized in that, in cases where a report is output that characterizes the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) as invalid, error detection is performed on the first temperature sensor (213).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (100), characterized in that, in cases where a report is output that characterizes the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) as invalid, a failure report for the first temperature sensor (213) is output.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 (100), characterized in that each high-pressure tank (201, 203) is associated with its respective temperature sensor (213, 215), and each temperature sensor (213, 215) of the tank system (200) is inspected sequentially.

9. In a tank system (200) for storing fluid, The tank system (200) - The first high-pressure tank (201), - Several other high-pressure tanks (203), - Piping system (205), - A pressure regulator (207) is located within the piping system (205) and separates the high-pressure region (209) from the medium-pressure region (211), - A first temperature sensor (213) configured to measure the temperature inside the first high-pressure tank (201), - Multiple other temperature sensors (215) configured to measure the temperature inside each of the other high-pressure tanks (203), - A reference temperature sensor (217) located within the intermediate pressure region (213), - Calculation unit (219), Includes, The calculation unit (219) is configured to carry out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The calculation unit (219) operates during the operation of the consumption device for the fluid stored in the high-pressure tanks (201, 203), - In order to close the tank valves (221) of all high-pressure tanks (203) except for the tank valve (223) of the first high-pressure tank (201) associated with the first temperature sensor (213), - In order to determine the first difference between the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) and the value detected by the reference temperature sensor (217), － - In order to open the tank valve (221) of another high-pressure tank (203) associated with another temperature sensor (215), - In order to close the tank valve (223) of the high-pressure tank (201) associated with the first temperature sensor (213), - In order to determine the difference between the value obtained by the other temperature sensor (215) and the value obtained by the reference temperature sensor (217), - In order to calculate the temperature characteristic value from all the differences obtained, - In order to compare the above-mentioned difference with the temperature characteristic value, - In cases where the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, in order to output a report characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) as invalid, - In cases where the first difference deviates from the temperature characteristic value by an amount smaller than or equal to the temperature threshold, in order to output a report characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as valid, The tank system (200) according to claim 9, characterized by being configured as follows.

11. The tank system (200) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the calculation unit (219) is configured to sequentially check each temperature sensor (213, 215) of the tank system (200) as a first temperature sensor.

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