A method for inspecting a tank system and a tank system with multiple high-pressure tanks by temporarily withdrawing gas from just one tank container.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2026507256
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-14
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-03
Smart Images
Figure 2026529907000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for inspecting a tank system, in particular a method for inspecting temperature sensors in a tank system comprising a plurality of high-pressure tanks and the switching states of respective tank valves, and to a tank system. [Background Art]
[0002] High-pressure tank systems, particularly in the field of vehicles, often include a plurality of high-pressure tanks for storing a fluid such as hydrogen, for example. For safety reasons, each of these high-pressure tanks is provided with a temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the high-pressure tank.
[0003] Due to thermal stress and / or mechanical stress, the temperature sensor may provide incorrect values, which can cause errors based on the incorrect values in subsequent processing. [Summary of the Invention]
[0004] Within the scope of the present invention introduced, a method for inspecting a tank system including a plurality of high-pressure tanks and a tank system are presented. Further constituent features and details of the present invention are apparent from the respective dependent claims, the present description and the drawings. It should be noted that the constituent features and details described in connection with the method according to the present invention are of course also applicable in connection with the tank system according to the present invention, and vice versa in each case, with the result that the disclosures relating to individual aspects of the invention are always or may be cross-referenced with each other.
[0005] The present invention introduced is used in particular for checking the validity of temperature values detected by a temperature sensor in a tank system, or for identifying a faulty temperature sensor, and for checking the validity of the switching state of each tank valve, or for determining said switching state.
[0006] Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention presented hereby, a method for inspecting a tank system comprising multiple high-pressure tanks is provided, and in particular a method for inspecting the temperature sensors of the tank system and the switching status of each tank valve is provided.
[0007] The presented method includes activating a fluid consumption device for the fluid stored in the high-pressure tank, storing the pressure value detected by a system pressure sensor in the high-pressure system of the tank system, closing the tank valves of all high-pressure tanks except the tank valve of the first high-pressure tank, detecting temperature values by each temperature sensor in the tank system, opening other tank valves attached to all other high-pressure tanks, thereby refilling the first high-pressure tank, detecting temperature values by each temperature sensor in the tank system, and checking the validity of the temperature sensor immediately or after the pressure equilibrium occurring in the high-pressure system of the tank system is detected by the system pressure sensor in place.
[0008] The validation check involves comparing a first temperature value detected by a first temperature sensor attached to the first high-pressure tank with a predetermined first reference value, where the first temperature value is detected from the start point when the tank valve of the high-pressure tank is closed until the end point when the pressure difference is less than or equal to the initial validation threshold; and comparing another temperature value detected by another temperature sensor attached to another high-pressure tank with a predetermined other reference value, where the other temperature value is detected from the start point when the tank valve is opened until the end point when the value detected by the system pressure sensor first indicates pressure equilibrium. In other words, it includes detecting the pressure difference until the end point when the pressure difference is initially or for the first time below a validity check threshold, outputting a message characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as valid in cases where the first temperature difference between the first temperature value and the first reference value is less than or equal to the first diagnostic threshold, or outputting a message characterizing the respective values detected by the other temperature sensor as valid in cases where the other temperature difference between another temperature value detected by another temperature sensor and the other reference value is less than or equal to another diagnostic threshold.
[0009] In the context of the present invention described here, outputting a message should be understood as the process of displaying a message, such as text or a so-called "flag," on an output unit, such as a display, and / or storing it in memory, such as fault memory or working memory. Correspondingly, by outputting a message characterizing the value detected by the temperature sensor as valid, another function or external function can obtain recognition as to whether the value detected by the temperature sensor is valid and should be processed further, or excluded from further processing.
[0010] The method described herein is performed 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.
[0011] To check the validity of each value detected by the temperature sensor, it is considered to first empty, at least partially, the high-pressure tank attached to the temperature sensor under inspection. For this purpose, gas or fluid is guided from the high-pressure tank to the respective pipes or high-pressure areas of the tank system. At this time, all other high-pressure tanks are closed, resulting in a pressure difference between the first high-pressure tank and the other high-pressure tanks.
[0012] As soon as the differential pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, or as soon as it reaches the high-pressure range (at which point the system pressure applied behind the high-pressure tank in the flow direction in the piping system corresponds to the pressure inside the open first high-pressure tank), the temperature value is detected by the temperature sensors attached to each high-pressure tank.
[0013] Next, all tank valves in all high-pressure tanks are opened, thereby initiating passive gas refilling into the first high-pressure tank from another high-pressure tank that was not previously open, due to the resulting pressure level difference.
[0014] After opening the tank valves of all high-pressure tanks, as soon as a quasi-steady state is reached where the pressure value detected by the system pressure sensor is constant or the pressure is in equilibrium, a new temperature value is detected by the temperature sensor attached to each high-pressure tank. Optionally, at this time, the pressure value is detected by the pressure sensor attached to each high-pressure tank.
[0015] Next, the temperature sensor's validity is checked using the detected temperature and / or pressure values as clues. For this purpose, a reference value is selected to compare with the detected temperature value. During the comparison, if the temperature difference between the temperature value detected by each separate temperature sensor and its corresponding reference value is smaller than or equal to the diagnostic threshold, a message is output characterizing each value detected by the temperature sensor as valid.
[0016] Correspondingly, during the matching process, if the temperature difference between the temperature values detected by each separate temperature sensor and their corresponding reference values is greater than the diagnostic threshold, a message is output characterizing each of the values detected by the temperature sensors as invalid or unvalid.
[0017] It may be considered to select a first reference value depending on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, and in particular depending on the pressure value detected by the first pressure sensor attached to the first high-pressure tank.
[0018] Each validation check is performed by comparing the measured temperature change with, for example, a temperature change stored in memory, a calculated temperature change, or an expected temperature change. For this purpose, the corresponding reference values are stored, for example, in the form of an assignment pattern for each pressure change, or in the form of an assignment pattern for pressure, ambient temperature, and gas temperature. Alternatively, the temperature drops in each tank within the closed tanks during the implementation of this method are compared with each other from the point when all tank valves are opened until pressure equilibrium is reached.
[0019] Furthermore, it may be considered to select a different reference value depending on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, and in particular depending on the pressure value detected by another pressure sensor attached to each separate high-pressure tank.
[0020] The specific reference values stored for each high-pressure tank allow for particularly precise testing of the corresponding temperature sensor.
[0021] Furthermore, it may be considered to select a first reference value and another reference value depending on the type of high-pressure tank.
[0022] When considering the type of high-pressure tank, its characteristics, such as its thermal conductivity, can be taken into account when checking the validity of the respective temperature sensor or the corresponding temperature value.
[0023] Furthermore, it may be considered that the transition of temperature values detected by each respective different temperature sensor is compared with a plurality of diagnostic values, and in this case, the plurality of diagnostic values are detected based on different temperature values detected by all other different temperature sensors.
[0024] By comparing each temperature value detected by each temperature sensor with a diagnostic value detected based on different temperature values detected by all other different temperature sensors, each temperature sensor or the temperature value detected by said temperature sensor can be validated based on all other different temperature sensors or all other temperature sensors. Correspondingly, different temperature sensors are used as reference standards or validity check standards for each temperature sensor to be validated.
[0025] Furthermore, it may be considered that the plurality of diagnostic values correspond to an average value of different temperature values detected by all other different temperature sensors.
[0026] In particular, temperature values detected by different temperature sensors can be converted into diagnostic values using a mathematical method, such as for example forming an average value.
[0027] Furthermore, for cases where a difference between a transition of temperature values detected by each different temperature sensor and the plurality of diagnostic values is larger than a diagnostic threshold, it may be considered that a characteristic curve stored in a memory and assigned to said different temperature sensor is adapted such that the difference between the transition of temperature values detected by each different temperature sensor and the plurality of diagnostic values is smaller than or equal to the diagnostic threshold.
[0028] For example, by adapting a characteristic curve stored in a memory of a controller and assigned to each temperature sensor, even if there is a failure of the temperature sensor, for example due to sensor drift, this can be corrected, with the result that the temperature sensor again provides valid temperature values.
[0029] Furthermore, for cases where after all other high-pressure tanks have been opened, the temperature value detected by at least one temperature sensor, particularly a temperature sensor located in the region downstream of the high-pressure tank in the flow direction, decreases, it may be considered to output a message characterizing that the corresponding tank valve of the high-pressure tank is open.
[0030] Discharging fluid from each high-pressure tank into the high-pressure region causes a temperature drop within the respective high-pressure tank. Therefore, for cases where such a temperature drop is detected, it may be assumed that the high-pressure tank or its tank valve is open. Correspondingly, the opening of the tank valve or the validity of the open state of the tank valve can be checked based on the temperature drop within the high-pressure tank.
[0031] According to a second aspect, the present invention introduced relates to a tank system for storing fluid.
[0032] The disclosed tank system comprises a first high-pressure tank, a plurality of further high-pressure tanks, a high-pressure system, a system pressure sensor arranged in said high-pressure system, a first temperature sensor configured for measuring the temperature in said first high-pressure tank, a plurality of further temperature sensors each configured for measuring the temperature in each of the further high-pressure tanks, and an arithmetic unit.
[0033] The arithmetic unit is configured to implement possible embodiments of the method presented.
[0034] It may be considered as follows. That is, while the arithmetic unit operates the consumption device for the fluid stored in the high-pressure tanks, - to close the tank valves of all high-pressure tanks except the tank valve of the first high-pressure tank, - to detect temperature values by means of each temperature sensor of the tank system, - to open the further tank valves associated with all other high-pressure tanks, thereby refilling the first high-pressure tank, - When pressure equilibrium occurring within the high-pressure system of the tank system is detected by a system pressure sensor located within the high-pressure system of the tank system, or immediately after detection, especially if the detected pressure value is constant, the validity of the temperature values to be newly detected by each temperature sensor of the tank system is checked. Consists of, In this case, the validation check is, - The first temperature value detected by the first temperature sensor attached to the first high-pressure tank is compared with a predetermined first reference value, and in this process, the first temperature value is detected starting from the point when the tank valve of the high-pressure tank is closed, and continuing until the point when the value detected by the system pressure sensor first indicates pressure equilibrium, in particular, when it is constant. - A different temperature value detected by a separate temperature sensor attached to a separate high-pressure tank is compared with a predetermined separate reference value, and in this process, the separate temperature value is detected starting from the point when the tank valve of the high-pressure tank is opened, and continuing until the end point when the value detected by the system pressure sensor first indicates pressure equilibrium, in particular, is constant. - For cases where the first temperature difference between the first temperature value and the first reference value is less than or equal to the first diagnostic threshold, a message is output characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor as valid. - For cases where the temperature difference between a different temperature value detected by a different temperature sensor and a different reference value is less than or equal to a different diagnostic threshold, output a message characterizing each value detected by the different temperature sensor as valid. It may be considered that it includes [this].
[0035] It may be further considered that the calculation unit is configured to continuously inspect each temperature sensor in the tank system as a first temperature sensor.
[0036] In the context of the present invention, an arithmetic unit should be understood as a computer, processor, subprocessor, controller, or any other programmable circuit.
[0037] The advantages described in detail for a method of inspecting a tank system according to the first aspect of the present invention also apply to a tank system for storing fluids according to the second aspect of the present invention.
[0038] Further advantages, constituent elements, and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which details embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. The constituent elements described in the claims and this description may be important to the present invention individually or in any combination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0039] [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. [Figure 3] This is a pressure / temperature / time graph, with time on the horizontal axis and pressure and temperature on the vertical axis. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0040] Figure 1 illustrates a method 100 for inspecting a tank system equipped with multiple high-pressure tanks.
[0041] The method 100 includes an activation step 101 for activating a fluid consumption device stored in a plurality of high-pressure tanks, or an activation step 101 for requesting such activation.
[0042] Furthermore, the method 100 includes a valve-closing step 103 which closes the tank valves of all high-pressure tanks except for the tank valve of the first high-pressure tank; a first detection step 105 which detects a temperature value using each temperature sensor in the tank system after the valve-closing step 103; a valve-opening step 107 which opens other tank valves attached to all other high-pressure tanks, thereby refilling the first high-pressure tank; and a second detection step 109 which detects a temperature value using each temperature sensor in the tank system.
[0043] Furthermore, the method 100 includes a validation step 111 in which, as soon as the pressure value detected by the system pressure sensor located in the high-pressure system of the tank system indicates pressure equilibrium, the temperature sensor or the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor is validated.
[0044] The validation check step 111 includes a first comparison step 113 which compares a first temperature value detected by a first temperature sensor attached to a first high-pressure tank with a predetermined first reference value, in which case the first temperature value is detected or has been detected from a starting point when multiple tank valves of multiple high-pressure tanks are closed until a ending point when the value detected by the system pressure sensor indicates pressure equilibrium (in particular, is constant for the first time).
[0045] Furthermore, the validation check step 111 includes a second matching step 115 which compares a different temperature value detected by a different temperature sensor attached to another high-pressure tank with a predetermined different reference value, wherein the different temperature value is detected or has been detected, starting from a starting point when multiple tank valves of multiple high-pressure tanks are opened, up to a ending point when the value detected by the system pressure sensor first indicates pressure equilibrium (in particular, is constant).
[0046] Furthermore, the validity check step 111 includes a first output step 117 that outputs a message characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor 213 as valid in cases where the first temperature difference between the first temperature value and the first reference value is less than or equal to the first diagnostic threshold.
[0047] Furthermore, the validity check step 111 includes a second output step 119 that outputs a message characterizing each value detected by the other temperature sensors as valid in cases where the temperature difference between a different temperature value detected by each of the other temperature sensors and a different reference value is less than or equal to a different diagnostic threshold.
[0048] Figure 2 illustrates a tank system 200. The tank system 200 includes a first high-pressure tank 201, a plurality of other high-pressure tanks 203, a high-pressure system 205, a system pressure sensor 209 located within the high-pressure system 205, 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, and a calculation unit 211, in which case the calculation unit 211 is configured to carry out the method 100 shown in Figure 1.
[0049] The calculation unit 211 is configured, in particular, to control, i.e., to open and close, another tank valve 217 of another high-pressure tank 203 and the first tank valve 219 of the first high-pressure tank 201.
[0050] Figure 3 shows a graph 300 with time on the horizontal axis and pressure and temperature on the vertical axis.
[0051] The transition 301 corresponds to the pressure in all high-pressure tanks from the starting point T0 to time T1, and gas is extracted from all high-pressure tanks up to T1. After time T1, gas is extracted only from the first high-pressure tank 201, resulting in a first transition 303 of the pressure in the first high-pressure tank and another transition 305 of the pressure in another high-pressure tank.
[0052] At time T2, another high-pressure tank opens, causing the other transition 305 and the first transition 303 to approach each other, and they transition to an equilibrium state at time T3. Correspondingly, the first transition 303 rises after time T2, and the other transition 305 falls after time T2. This is because gas flows from the other high-pressure tank into the first high-pressure tank, refilling it.
[0053] The value 307 corresponds to the first temperature value detected by the temperature sensor attached to the first high-pressure tank.
[0054] Transitions 309 and 311 correspond to different temperature values detected by different temperature sensors attached to different high-pressure tanks, respectively.
[0055] At time point T1, the gas is discharged only from the first high-pressure tank, and as a result a corresponding pressure drop occurs inside the first high-pressure tank, causing the temperature inside the first high-pressure tank to decrease, as can be seen in transition 307.
[0056] Upon refilling at time T2, the gas returns to the first high-pressure tank, causing the temperature in the first high-pressure tank to rise again, while the temperature in the other high-pressure tank decreases, as observed in transitions 309 and 311.
[0057] Transitions 307, 309, and 311 approach each other until an equilibrium pressure state is achieved at time T3.
[0058] Correspondingly, the characteristic transition 307 allows for the inspection of the temperature sensor attached to the first high-pressure tank, or the validity of the temperature value detected by this temperature sensor to be checked. For this reason, for example, the transition 307 or its value may be stored in the controller's memory as a reference value. By comparing the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor with the reference value, the deviation between the detected temperature value and the reference value can be determined or quantified. For this reason, for example, an average difference between the detected temperature value and the reference value may be formed. In cases where the deviation between the detected temperature value and the reference value is greater than a diagnostic threshold, the judgment that the detected temperature value is invalid may be started. Correspondingly, a message characterizing the detected temperature value and / or the corresponding temperature sensor as invalid may be output. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0059] 100 books method 101 Operation Step 103 Valve closing step 105 First detection step 107 Valve opening step 109 Second detection step 111 Validity Check Steps 113 First matching step 115 Second matching step 200 Tank System 201 First high-pressure tank 203 Another high-pressure tank 205 High-voltage system 209 System Pressure Sensor 211 arithmetic units 213 First temperature sensor 215 Another temperature sensor 217 Another tank valve 219 First tank valve 307, 309, 311 Progress of this method
Claims
1. A method (100) for inspecting a tank system (200) comprising multiple high-pressure tanks (201, 203), wherein the method (100) is: - Activating the fluid consumption device (101) stored in the high-pressure tanks (201, 203), - Close (103) the tank valves (217) of all high-pressure tanks (203) except for the tank valve (219) of the first high-pressure tank (201). - The temperature value is detected (105) by the temperature sensors (213, 215) of the tank system (200), - Open (107) another tank valve (217) attached to all other high-pressure tanks (203), thereby refilling the first high-pressure tank (201), - The temperature values are detected by the temperature sensors (213, 215) of the tank system (200) (109), and the validity of the temperature sensors (213, 215) is checked immediately or after the pressure equilibrium occurring in the high-pressure system (205) of the tank system (200) is detected by the system pressure sensor (209) located therein (111). Includes, The aforementioned check of validity (111) - The first temperature value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) attached to the first high-pressure tank (201) is compared with a predetermined first reference value (113), and in this process, the first temperature value is detected starting from the start time (T1) when the tank valve (217) of the high-pressure tank (203) is closed, and continuing until the end time (T3) when the value detected by the system pressure sensor (209) first indicates pressure equilibrium. - Another temperature value detected by another temperature sensor (215) attached to the other high-pressure tank (203) is compared with a predetermined reference value (115), and in this process, the other temperature value is detected starting from the start time (T2) when the tank valve (217) of the high-pressure tank (203) is opened, and continuing until the end time when the value detected by the system pressure sensor (209) first indicates pressure equilibrium. - When the first temperature difference between the first temperature value and the first reference value is less than or equal to the first diagnostic threshold, a message is output (117) characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) as valid. - If the temperature difference between a different temperature value detected by each of the other temperature sensors (215) and the other reference value is less than or equal to a different diagnostic threshold, a message is output (119) characterizing each value detected by the other temperature sensor (215) as valid. A method (100) that includes the following:
2. The method according to claim 1 (100), characterized in that a first reference value is selected based on a pressure value detected by a pressure sensor (209).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 (100), characterized in that another reference value is selected based on a pressure value detected by a pressure sensor (209).
4. The method according to claim 2 or 3 (100), characterized in that the first reference value and the other reference value are selected based on the type of each high-pressure tank (201, 203).
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (100), characterized in that the changes in temperature values (309, 311) detected by each separate temperature sensor are compared with a plurality of diagnostic values, and the plurality of diagnostic values are determined based on a separate temperature value detected by all the other temperature sensors (215).
6. The method according to claim 5 (100), characterized in that the plurality of diagnostic values correspond to the average value of other temperature values detected by all other temperature sensors (215).
7. The method according to claim 5 or 6 (100), characterized in that, in cases where the difference between the temperature trend (309, 311) detected by each of the other temperature sensors (215) and the plurality of diagnostic values is greater than the diagnostic threshold, the characteristic curve stored in memory and assigned to the other temperature sensor (215) is fitted as follows, that is, fitted so that the difference between the temperature trend (309, 311) detected by each of the other temperature sensors (215) and the plurality of diagnostic values is less than or equal to the diagnostic threshold.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 (100), characterized in that, after all other high-pressure tanks (203) have been opened, in the event that the temperature value detected by at least one temperature sensor (215) decreases, a message is output indicating that the corresponding tank valve (217) of the high-pressure tank (203) is open.
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), - High-voltage system (205), - A system pressure sensor (209) located within the high-pressure system (205), - A first temperature sensor (213) configured to measure the temperature inside the first high-pressure tank (201), - Multiple separate temperature sensors (215) each configured to measure the temperature inside each separate high-pressure tank (203), - Calculation unit (211), Includes, The calculation unit (211) is configured to carry out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Tank system (200).
10. The calculation unit (211) operates the consumption device for the fluid stored in the high-pressure tanks (201, 203) while, - In order to close the tank valves (217) of all high-pressure tanks (203) except for the tank valve (219) of the first high-pressure tank (201), - In order to detect the temperature value using the temperature sensors (213, 215) of the tank system (200), - Open the other tank valves (217) attached to all other high-pressure tanks (203), and as a result, in order to refill the first high-pressure tank (201), - Immediately after, or after, when the pressure equilibrium occurring in the high-pressure system (205) of the tank system (200) is detected by the system pressure sensor (209) located therein, the validity of the temperature values to be newly detected by each temperature sensor (213, 215) of the tank system (200) is checked. Consists of, The aforementioned validation check, - The first temperature value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) attached to the first high-pressure tank (201) is compared with a predetermined first reference value (113), and in this process, the first temperature value is detected starting from the start time (T1) when the tank valve (217) of the high-pressure tank (203) is closed, and continuing until the end time (T3) when the value detected by the system pressure sensor (209) first indicates pressure equilibrium. - Another temperature value detected by another temperature sensor (215) attached to the other high-pressure tank (203) is compared with a predetermined reference value (115), and in this process, the other temperature value is detected starting from the start time (T2) when the tank valve (217) of the high-pressure tank (203) is opened, and continuing until the end time when the value detected by the system pressure sensor (209) first indicates pressure equilibrium. - In cases where the first temperature difference between the first temperature value and the first reference value is less than or equal to the first diagnostic threshold, a message is output (117) characterizing the value detected by the first temperature sensor (213) as valid. - For cases where the temperature difference between a different temperature value detected by each of the other temperature sensors (215) and the other reference value is less than or equal to a different diagnostic threshold, a message is output (119) characterizing that each of the values detected by the other temperature sensors (215) is valid. The tank system (200) according to claim 9, characterized by including the following.
11. The tank system (200) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the calculation unit (211) is configured to continuously inspect each temperature sensor (213, 215) of the tank system (200) as a first temperature sensor.