Tank arrangement for storing a gaseous medium with a valve arrangement - Patent application

Abstract

A tank system (1) for storing a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, comprising a valve device (100) and a tank vessel (200), the valve device having a valve housing (102) in which a pilot valve element (24) is movable, the pilot valve element cooperating with a first sealing seat (18) to form a pilot valve (240), and the pilot valve element can be moved by an electromagnetic coil (32). Further, a main valve element (12) is arranged in the valve housing, the main valve element cooperating with a second sealing seat (6) to form a main valve (120), the second sealing seat being formed as a conical step (36) in the valve housing. Furthermore, the pilot valve element has a horizontal hole (241) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tank device (1), this horizontal hole of the pilot valve element (24) leads to a horizontal hole (121) of the main valve element arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank device, and the entrainment element (66) is arranged at least partially in the horizontal hole of the pilot valve element and in the horizontal hole of the main valve element.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank arrangement, in particular for storing hydrogen, which is provided with a valve arrangement, for use in vehicles, for example with a fuel cell drive or with a hydrogen combustion device as drive. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a tank system with at least one storage unit having a control valve and connected to an outlet pipe via a piping system, where at least one control valve of at least one storage unit is formed as a main valve and at least one control valve of at least one storage unit is formed as an auxiliary valve, the main valve and the auxiliary valve being formed differently.

[0003] The safety devices of such tank systems are standardized, in which case each tank system must have such a shut-off valve so that if damage to the tank system occurs, for example in the event of an accident on a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell drive system, or if a line in the tank system breaks, the shut-off valve can close the tank container so that gas cannot escape from the tank system.

[0004] Due to the high safety requirements imposed on the shut-off valve and the high system pressures, e.g. above 800 bar, such shut-off valves are very challenging in construction and have a large construction space, which also increases the total weight of the entire tank arrangement, which can lead to high acceleration forces in the event of an accident, e.g. of a vehicle with a fuel cell drive, possibly causing deformation of the valve arrangement or the tank arrangement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] DE 102018201055 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In contrast, a tank arrangement having the distinctive features of claim 1 according to the invention has the advantage that a tank arrangement with a compactly designed safety valve having a low opening force is provided in a structurally simple and cost-saving manner.

[0007] To this end, a tank arrangement for storing a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, comprises a valve arrangement and a tank container. The valve arrangement has a valve housing, in which a pilot valve element is arranged, which is movable along the longitudinal axis of the tank arrangement. The pilot valve element cooperates with a first sealing seat to open and close the through-opening, thereby forming a pilot valve. Furthermore, the valve arrangement comprises an electromagnetic coil, by means of which the pilot valve element can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the tank arrangement. A main valve element is arranged in the valve housing, which cooperates with a second sealing seat to open and close the through-opening, thereby forming a main valve, the second sealing seat being formed as a conical step in the valve housing. Furthermore, the pilot valve element has a transverse bore perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank arrangement. This transverse bore of the pilot valve element leads into a transverse bore of the main valve element, which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank arrangement. An entrainment element is further arranged at least partially in the transverse bore of the pilot valve element and in the transverse bore of the main valve element.

[0008] Thus, by minimizing the magnetic force required to open the valve gear, the efficiency and functionality of the valve gear can be easily optimized while saving costs. Furthermore, the magnetic circuit is improved by optimally designing the magnetic flux by optimizing the material selection, cross-sectional dimensioning, and surface structure morphology of the valve gear, thereby achieving a compact and inexpensive valve gear.

[0009] In a first advantageous development, the entrainment element is designed in the shape of a pin, the geometry of which is adapted accordingly to the required function, so that an optimal functionality of the entire valve gear is achieved.

[0010] In an advantageous development, a permanent magnet is arranged at one end of the pilot valve element, which is arranged in the valve device such that a positive pole element of the permanent magnet is arranged in the direction of the housing lid of the valve device and a negative pole element of the permanent magnet is arranged in the direction of the tank container, and furthermore, the permanent magnet is arranged in a positive pole area of ​​a permanent magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil when the electromagnetic coil is energized.

[0011] Therefore, an optimal formation of the magnetic flux can be easily achieved. Furthermore, the two-stage opening process requires only a small magnetic force to open the valve device, which results in low power and energy consumption and therefore a positive energy balance.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the valve device can be opened in the direction of the tank container when the electromagnetic coil is energized. This results in a structurally simple and inexpensive tank device. Furthermore, this embodiment makes it possible to remove the electrically operated parts and the magnet from the area exposed to the medium without the need for complex sealing concepts.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that a throttle passage is formed between the valve housing and an integral part of the main valve element which cooperates with the second sealing seat to open and close the through opening, the throttle passage having a conical widening in the direction opposite to the direction of the second sealing seat, whereby a throttling effect is formed.

[0014] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the through-opening is formed in the valve housing at the level of the throttle passage and leads into the throttle passage. Advantageously, a chamber is formed in the valve housing, which is connected to the throttle passage by the through-opening. This facilitates the opening process of the valve device in a structurally simple manner.

[0015] An advantageous development of the invention provides that the valve device is arranged in the neck region of the tank arrangement and is pressed against the tank bottom in the neck region. A smaller pressure acting surface is achieved by the structural design of the valve device in the neck region, which results in smaller axial pressures. In the case of high pressures, the smaller pressure acting surface provides a significant relief in terms of loads on the components, which is reflected in less deformation of the tank arrangement as a whole and of the valve device, less wear and less influence on the sealing properties, as well as a longer service life.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the tank bottom is provided with an outlet opening which fluidically connects the tank container interior space and the chamber, so that the interior of the valve device can be connected in a structurally simple manner with the tank interior space of the tank device.

[0017] An advantageous development of the invention provides for the pilot valve element to have a step, on which a spring is supported and which exerts a force on the pilot valve element in the direction of one end of the pilot valve element.

[0018] An advantageous development of the invention provides that a force is applied to the main valve element by a spring in the direction of the tank container interior space, whereby a force is applied to the main valve element in the direction of the first sealing seat and in a direction opposite to the direction of the second sealing seat.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates that an interior space is defined within the valve housing, the interior space being divided into a first partial interior space and a second partial interior space by a main valve element.

[0020] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the first partial internal space is connected by a control passage formed in the valve housing with a supply pipe, which supply pipe is connectable with a supply area of ​​the energy consumer system.

[0021] This facilitates the opening process of the valve device, which requires only small magnetic forces, since due to the structural design of the valve device the opening process is assisted by air pressure.

[0022] The tank arrangement described above is suitable in a fuel cell system, in particular for storing hydrogen for the operation of the fuel cell.

[0023] The above-described tank arrangement for storing hydrogen for fuel cell operation is furthermore advantageously suitable for vehicles operated with a fuel cell.

[0024] The above-described device for storing hydrogen is furthermore advantageously suitable for vehicles that run on hydrogen, i.e. vehicles that are equipped with a hydrogen combustion device as drive unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through an embodiment of a tank arrangement according to the invention, which is provided with a valve arrangement; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] An embodiment of a tank arrangement according to the invention for storing a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, is shown in the drawing.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows in a longitudinal section and in a simplified diagram an embodiment of a tank arrangement 1 according to the invention with a longitudinal axis 48 about which the tank arrangement 1 is formed rotationally symmetrically.

[0028] The tank arrangement 1 comprises a tank container 200 and a valve arrangement 100, the valve arrangement 100 being partially housed within the tank container 200. The tank container 200 comprises a tank container housing 202 in which a tank container interior space 201 is formed.

[0029] Furthermore, the tank container 200 has a neck region 203 in which the valve device 100 is partially accommodated. The valve device 100 is supported on the tank bottom 140, which is arranged between the neck region 203 and the tank container interior space 201, thereby separating the tank container interior space 201 from the neck region 203.

[0030] The valve device 100 has a valve housing 102 in which an electromagnetic coil 32 is arranged, and the electromagnetic coil can be supplied with an electric current via an electrical connection 30. In this case, a magnetizable housing lid 28 is formed with a through-hole for the electrical connection 30.

[0031] At one end 42 of the pilot valve element 24, a permanent magnet 17 is arranged having a positive pole element 170 and a negative pole element 171, where the positive pole element 170 of the permanent magnet 17 points towards the housing lid 28 of the valve arrangement 100, and the negative pole element 171 of the permanent magnet 17 is arranged towards the tank vessel 200. Furthermore, the permanent magnet 17 is arranged in the valve arrangement 100 such that, when the electromagnetic coil 32 is energized, the permanent magnet 17 is located in the positive pole region 51 of the permanent magnetic field 52 generated by the electromagnetic coil 32.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to direct the magnetic force field, and thus the direction of movement of the pilot valve element 24, towards the tank vessel interior space 201 upon energisation of the electromagnetic coil 32, the housing lid 28 is here manufactured from a non-magnetic material.

[0033] Additionally, valve housing 102 defines an interior space 45 in which pilot valve element 24 and main valve element 12 are disposed.

[0034] The pilot valve element 24 is arranged coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 48 and has a stepped cavity and a rounded step 43, which at its opposite end is formed as a step 430. The step 430 supports the spring 16, which is also supported by the tank bottom 140, and which is connected to the pilot valve element 24 in the direction of the electromagnetic coil 32. Figure 1 Now apply force upwards.

[0035] The main valve element 12 is arranged parallel to the pilot valve element 24 and is formed substantially L-shaped with the integral part 37. In addition to this, the main valve element 12 has a through opening 20 by which the first partial internal space 450 and the second partial internal space 451 can be fluidly connected. The internal space 45 is divided by the main valve element 12 into the first partial internal space 450 and the second partial internal space 451.

[0036] The main valve element 12 is biased by a spring 22 which presses against the rounded shoulder 43, with the spring 22 being supported in the valve housing 102. A first sealing seat 18 is thereby formed on the main valve element 12, which cooperates with the main valve element 12 to open and close the connection between the first partial internal space 450 and the second partial internal space 451 and thus to open and close the through opening 20, thereby forming the pilot valve 240.

[0037] The pilot valve element 24 exerts a force on the main valve element 12 against the force of the spring 22, so that the integral part 37 of the main valve element is pressed against the second sealing seat 6, which is conically formed in the valve housing 102. The closing force is then assisted by the pressure in the tank vessel interior space 201 and by the force of the spring 16. In the switched-off and de-energized state, the closing force ensures that the main valve element 12 is closed. The main valve element 12 thereby cooperates with the second sealing seat 6 to open and close the through opening 8 formed in the valve housing 102, thereby forming the main valve 120.

[0038] Between the valve housing 102 and the integral part 37 of the main valve element 12 a throttle passage 38 is formed which has a conical expansion in the direction opposite to the direction of the second sealing seat 6, thereby creating a throttling effect.

[0039] The through opening 8 is formed at the level of the throttle passage 38 and leads into the throttle passage 38. Furthermore, the through opening 8 leads into a chamber 35 formed in the valve housing 102, which chamber is connected to the tank container inner space 201 via the outlet opening 14 formed in the tank bottom 140.

[0040] The first partial internal space 450 is connected to a supply line 40 via a control passage 2 formed in the valve housing 102, which supply line can be connected to a supply area of ​​the energy consumer system. A system pressure p1 is formed in the control passage 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the pilot valve element 24 has a transverse bore 241 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 of the tank arrangement 1. The main valve element 12 also has a transverse bore 121 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48, which leads into the transverse bore 241 of the pilot valve element 24. In the transverse bore 241 of the pilot valve element 24 and in the transverse bore 121 of the main valve element 120, an entraining element 66 is arranged which is made in the shape of a pin. In addition to this, the entraining element 66 projects into the first partial internal space 450.

[0042] Other geometrical embodiments of the entrainment elements 66 are possible as well, apart from being pin-shaped, for example with an elliptical, cylindrical or polygonal cross section.

[0043] The operating principle of the tank device 1 is as follows: when the electromagnetic coil 32 is not energized, the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 are closed, so that the gaseous medium, here hydrogen, cannot flow from the tank vessel inner space 202 through the valve device 100 to the supply pipe 40, for example in the direction of a supply area of ​​an energy consumer system.

[0044] When the electromagnetic coil 32 is energized via the electrical connection 30, a permanent magnetic field 52 with a positive pole area 51 and a negative pole area 50 is generated. The permanent magnet 17 is then located in the positive pole area 51 of the permanent magnetic field 52 generated by the electromagnetic coil 32. Due to the repulsion of the magnetic forces of the permanent magnets 17 in the permanent magnetic field 52, the pilot valve element 24 moves away from the housing lid 28, whereby the spring 16 is compressed. Due to the longitudinal movement of the pilot valve element 24, it lifts off the first sealing seat 6, thereby freeing the opening cross-section from the second partial internal space 451 to the first partial internal space 450 and the through-opening 20.

[0045] Via the outlet opening 14, the chamber 35, the through opening 8 and the throttle passage 38, the second partial internal space 451 is fluidly connected with the tank vessel internal space 201, whereby the second partial internal space is filled with hydrogen. In response to a reduction in the medium, a compensating pressure level is created around the main valve element 12 by the pressure system, due to the outflow of hydrogen in the direction of the control passage 2 and thus into the supply pipe 40.

[0046] By constructing the throttle passage 38 as a throttle, more medium, here hydrogen, can flow out via the through-opening 20 during the opening process than flows in via the throttle passage 38. In this way, an additional opening force acts on the main valve element 12. In addition to this, the pressure in the second partial internal space 451 is reduced.

[0047] After a short opening time of the first sealing seat 18 , the pilot valve element 24 is pressure compensated, which results in pressure compensation of the main valve element 12 .

[0048] The force of the spring 22 presses the main valve element 12 with an opening force, which assists the opening of the second sealing seat 6, as the main valve element 12 lifts off the second sealing seat 6 and frees the opening cross-section between the through-opening 8 and the first partial internal space 450. Hydrogen thereby flows from the tank vessel internal space 201 via the through-opening 8 directly into the first partial internal space 450, in the direction of the control passage 2 and thus into the supply pipe 40.

[0049] The main valve element 12 is pulled in a time-shifted manner from the second sealing seat 6 via the pilot valve element 24 in a force-coupled manner using a mechanical entrainment element 66 in addition to the pneumatic pressure ratio.

[0050] Next, the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 are released and hydrogen flows through the two opening cross sections from the tank container inner space 201 through the valve device 1 into the supply pipe 40, for example in the direction of the supply area of ​​the energy consumer system.

[0051] If the opening cross-section at the first sealing seat 18 is smaller than the opening cross-section at the second sealing seat 6, then only a small magnetic force is required for the opening process of the pilot valve element 24 at the first sealing seat 18.

[0052] When the electromagnetic coil 32 is de-energized, the permanent magnetic field 52 and thus the repulsive magnetic force between the permanent magnet 17 and the permanent magnetic field 52 of the electromagnetic coil 32 are released and a closing force is introduced via the spring 16 to the pilot valve element 24 and the main valve element 12. Depending on the pressure p2 in the tank vessel inner space 201, e.g. 15-1000 bar, a closing force is introduced together with the pressure in the neck region 203 of the tank arrangement 1 via the pilot valve element 24 and the first sealing seat 18 towards the main valve element 12 with the second sealing seat 6.

[0053] Then not only the first sealing seat 18 but also the second sealing seat 6 are again blocked, so that hydrogen can no longer flow from the tank vessel interior space 201 through the valve arrangement 100, for example in the direction of the supply area of ​​the energy consumer system. This principle of automatic closing also works in the event of an emergency, when the power supply is interrupted. However, care must be taken in this case that the force of the spring 22 opposing the desired force flow must not be chosen too high, but must be adjusted accordingly. This ensures that hydrogen cannot escape from the tank arrangement 1 in the event of an emergency.

[0054] When refueling, the control passage 2 is supplied with pressure via a connected tank unit, e.g. a tank stand. The pressure in the control passage 2 is then greater than in the remaining valve arrangement 100. Due to the different pressure levels, the pressure ratio at the second sealing seat 6 is greater than in the remaining valve arrangement 100, so that the main valve element 12 pushes the pilot valve element 24 against the force of the spring 16 in the direction of the tank vessel inner space 201. The tank arrangement 1 can then be filled via the released second sealing seat 6 and the through opening 8 until the refueling process is completed. When the refueling process is over, it is no longer filled, whereby the pressure around the main valve element 12 is compensated. The force of the spring 16 together with the pressure difference resulting from p2>p1 again causes the first sealing seat 18 and the second sealing seat 6 to close.

[0055] The tank arrangement 1 for storing a gaseous medium can be used for storing hydrogen in vehicles operated with fuel cells as well as in vehicles which are equipped with, for example, a hydrogen combustion device as drive unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 Tank device 2 Control Corridor 6 Second seal seat 8 Through hole 12 Main valve element 14 Extraction opening 16 Spring 17 Permanent Magnets 18 First seal seat 20 Through hole 22 Spring 24 Pilot valve element 28 Housing lid 30 Connection 32 Electromagnetic Coil 35 rooms 36 Conical step 37 Integral molding 38 Aperture Passage 40 Supply pipe 42 edge 43 Step part 45 Interior Space 48 Longitudinal axis 51 Positive pole area 52 Permanent magnetic field 66 Entrainment Elements 100 Valve gear 102 Valve housing 104 Tank bottom 120 Main valve 121 Horizontal hole 140 Tank bottom 170 Positive Elements 171 Negative Elements 200 Tank container 201 Tank vessel internal space 202 Tank container housing 203 Neck area 240 Pilot valve 241 Horizontal hole 403 steps 450 First Partial Interior Space 451 Second Partial Interior Space

Claims

1. A tank arrangement (1) for storing a gaseous medium, comprising a valve arrangement (100) and a tank vessel (200), the valve arrangement (100) having a valve housing (102), in which a pilot valve element (24) movable along a longitudinal axis (48) of the tank arrangement (1) is arranged, the pilot valve element (24) cooperating with a first sealing seat (18) for opening and closing a through opening (20), thereby forming a pilot valve (240), the valve arrangement (100) comprising an electromagnetic coil (32) by means of which the pilot valve element (24) can be moved along the longitudinal axis (48), a main valve element (12) is arranged in the valve housing (102), the main valve element (12) is arranged in the valve housing (102), and the main valve element (12) is arranged in the valve housing (102). a tank arrangement in which a pilot valve element (24) cooperates with a second sealing seat (6) for opening and closing a through opening (8), thereby forming a main valve (120), the second sealing seat (6) being formed as a conical step (36) in the valve housing (102), the pilot valve element (24) has a transverse bore (241) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tank arrangement (1), the transverse bore (241) of the pilot valve element (24) leads into a transverse bore (121) of the main valve element (12) arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the tank arrangement (1), and an entrainment element (66) is arranged at least partially in the transverse bore (241) of the pilot valve element (24) and in the transverse bore (121) of the main valve element, a throttle passage (38) is formed between the valve housing (102) and an integral part (37) of the main valve element (12) which cooperates with the second sealing seat (6) to open and close the through opening (8), the throttle passage (38) having a conical expansion in a direction opposite to that of the second sealing seat (6), whereby a throttling effect is formed.

2. 2. A tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the entrainment element (66) is designed in the shape of a pin.

3. 3. The tank device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a permanent magnet (17) is arranged at one end (42) of the pilot valve element (24), the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in the valve device (100) such that a positive pole element (170) of the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in the direction of a housing lid (28) of the valve device (100) and a negative pole element (171) of the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in the direction of the tank container (200), and the permanent magnet (17) is arranged in a positive pole area (51) of a permanent magnetic field (52) generated by the electromagnetic coil (32) when the electromagnetic coil (32) is energized.

4. The tank arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the valve device (100) can be opened in the direction of the tank container (200) when an electromagnetic coil (32) is energized.

5. 5. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the through opening (8) is formed in the valve housing (102) at the height of the throttle passage (38) and leads into the throttle passage (38).

6. The tank device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a chamber (35) is formed in the valve housing (102), and the chamber (35) is connected to the throttle passage (38) by the through opening (8).

7. 7. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the valve device (100) is arranged in a neck region (203) of the tank arrangement (1) and is pressed against a tank bottom (140) in the neck region (203).

8. 8. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the tank bottom (140) is formed with an outlet opening (14) which fluidly connects the tank vessel interior space (201) and the chamber (35) with each other.

9. 4. The tank device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the pilot valve element (24) has a step (43), a spring (16) is supported on the step (43) and applies a force to the pilot valve element (24) in the direction of the one end (42) of the pilot valve element (24).

10. 9. The tank arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a force is applied to the main valve element (12) by a spring (22) in the direction towards the tank vessel interior space (201), whereby a force is applied to the main valve element (12) in the direction towards the first sealing seat (18) and in a direction opposite to the direction of the second sealing seat (6).

11. The tank arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an internal space (45) is formed in the valve housing (102), and the internal space (45) is divided by the main valve element (12) into a first partial internal space (450) and a second partial internal space (451).

12. The tank device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first partial internal space (450) is connected to a supply pipe (40) by a control passage (2) formed in the valve housing (102), the supply pipe (40) being connectable to a supply area of ​​an energy consumer system.

13. 13. The tank arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gaseous medium comprises hydrogen.

14. A fuel cell system comprising a tank arrangement (1) for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle operated with a fuel cell comprising a tank arrangement (1) for storing hydrogen for the operation of the fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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