Pressurized gas storage containers and vehicles

Abstract

A pressurized gas storage vessel (7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F) for pressurizing and storing a gas (H2), in particular hydrogen, is provided, the pressurized gas storage vessel comprising a wall (9) surrounding a receiving area (10) for receiving the gas (H2), and a gas guiding device (22) for guiding at least a portion of the gas (H2) along an inner surface of the wall (9) during filling of the receiving area (10) with the gas (H2), the wall (9) functioning as a heat exchanger for extracting heat (Q) from the gas (H2) during filling of the receiving area (10) with the gas (H2) and releasing the heat (Q) to the surroundings (4) of the pressurized gas storage vessel (7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressurized gas storage container for storing gas under pressure, and to a vehicle equipped with such a pressurized gas storage container. [Background technology]

[0002] For storage and transportation, hydrogen can be stored in gaseous form under an overpressure of several hundred bar in pressurized gas storage vessels or in liquid form at cryogenic temperatures. For use in or on vehicles, in particular in or on passenger cars, it is advantageous, for space reasons, to store hydrogen in gaseous form in such pressurized gas storage vessels. (Prior art document) (Patent document) (Patent Document 1) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0041065 (Patent Document 2) International Publication No. 2019 / 096582 (Patent Document 3) International Publication No. 2016 / 004033 (Patent Document 4) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-298051 (Patent Document 5) Patent No. 4474868

[0003] During filling of such a pressurized gas storage container, hydrogen expands into the pressurized gas storage container under high pressure, which causes the hydrogen to heat up and expand, making further filling difficult and consequently requiring that the filling time of the pressurized gas storage container be selected long enough to compensate for the uneven temperature distribution within the pressurized gas storage container and to dissipate the heat around the pressurized gas storage container. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved pressurized gas storage vessel.

[0005] Therefore, a pressurized gas storage vessel for storing gas, in particular hydrogen, under pressure is proposed, which comprises a wall surrounding a receiving area for receiving the gas and a gas guiding device for guiding at least a portion of the gas along an inner surface of the wall during filling of the receiving area with the gas, the wall acting as a heat exchanger for extracting heat from the gas during filling of the receiving area with the gas and releasing the heat to the surroundings of the pressurized gas storage vessel.

[0006] The gas guiding device advantageously allows heat to be dissipated to the surroundings during filling of the receiving area, as the walls act as heat exchangers, thereby reducing the heat entering the gas stored in the receiving area and thus reducing the time required to fill the receiving area.

[0007] The pressurized gas storage container may also be called a pressurized gas tank, a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen storage container, etc. Specifically, the pressurized gas storage container is suitable for storing or transporting hydrogen. However, any other gas may be stored in the pressurized gas storage container. In the following, the gas is assumed to be hydrogen. Therefore, the terms "gas" and "hydrogen" can be used interchangeably. It is also possible to guide the entire gas filling the receiving area along the inside of the wall.

[0008] In this case, the term "pressurized gas storage vessel" means that the gas can be pressurized and stored in a gaseous mass in the pressurized gas storage vessel. For example, the gas can be pressurized to a pressure of 800-1,000 bar. No liquefaction of the gas occurs here. The gas is introduced or injected in gaseous form into the receiving area.

[0009] The pressurized gas storage container is preferably part of a vehicle. A vehicle may be equipped with several such pressurized gas storage containers. The pressurized gas storage container may be suitable for supplying gas to a load of the vehicle, in particular a fuel cell, at a suitable supply pressure and a suitable supply temperature. The pressurized gas storage container may be part of the gas supply system of the load or of the hydrogen supply system. However, the pressurized gas storage container can also be used for stationary applications, for example in building services. In particular, the pressurized gas storage container can be used in the field of heating of buildings or for combined heat and power plants.

[0010] The wall preferably comprises a load-bearing jacket, at least a portion of which is made of a fiber-composite plastic. The jacket surrounds the liner. The liner is disposed inside the jacket. The jacket therefore completely encloses the liner. The liner is preferably airtight. The liner may also be referred to as a backing material. The liner may comprise a plastic material, a metal material, and / or a fiber-composite plastic.

[0011] The pressurized gas storage vessel, and therefore also the wall, is preferably conical. The pressurized gas storage vessel or wall is assigned to a symmetry or central axis, about which the pressurized gas storage vessel or wall is rotationally symmetric. The wall preferably comprises a hollow cylindrical or tubular base, the two sides of which are closed by cap- or dome-shaped wall ends. The jacket and liner are arranged both in the region of the base and in the region of the wall ends.

[0012] When a wall "encloses" or "confines" a receiving area, it specifically means that the wall defines the shape or boundary of the receiving area. The gas is therefore contained within the wall of the receiving area. Specifically, the receiving area is a cavity surrounded by the wall. The receiving area has a cylindrical shape. The receiving area is airtightly sealed off from the surroundings by the wall.

[0013] The gas guiding device may also be referred to as a gas redirector. The gas guiding device may comprise any number of internal devices, components, holes, channels, cooling passages, redirecting elements, fins, plates, heat dissipation elements, etc. In particular, the gas guiding device itself may be suitable for extracting heat from the gas received in the receiving area and dissipating it to the surroundings. Therefore, the gas guiding device may also be referred to as a gas guide and cooling device.

[0014] The gas guiding device can cool the gas actively or passively. "Passive" may specifically mean that no additional working medium, such as a coolant or refrigerant, and / or external energy is used to dissipate the heat. In particular, in passive cooling, the heat is preferably dissipated by thermal conduction and thermal radiation. In this case, "cooling" is generally understood to mean that the heat is dissipated.

[0015] In contrast to this, in an "active" cooling process, heat is dissipated by an additional working medium, for example in the form of a coolant or refrigerant. For this purpose, a coolant or refrigerant circuit with a pump can be provided. However, an "active" cooling process may also be understood to mean that the gas contained in the receiving area itself is used to flow through any cooling channels of the pressurized gas storage vessel.

[0016] In this case, "inside" means facing the receiving area, which means that during filling of the receiving area with gas, the gas guiding device removes part of the gas filled in the receiving area and preferably guides it along the wall in the form of a gas flow against the wall from the first wall end towards the second wall end.

[0017] In particular, the wall is directly adjacent to the surroundings. In order for the wall to be able to function as a heat exchanger, it can, for example, comprise a material with good thermal conductivity, in particular a metallic material. The gas guiding device and the wall functionally interact with each other, such that the gas guiding device guides the gas as closely and as long as possible along the wall, while the wall itself absorbs heat from the gas by feeding the gas directly along the wall. This heat is preferably transferred from the wall to the surroundings by thermal conduction.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the wall is associated with a central axis, and the gas guiding device guides gas along the center from a first wall end of the wall toward a second wall end of the wall opposite the first wall end during filling of the receiving chamber.

[0019] As mentioned above, the wall or pressurized gas storage container is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis. The wall preferably has a circular or hollow cylindrical cross section. However, this does not exclude the possibility that the wall has an at least partially elliptical cross section. Preferably, the gas guiding device guides the gas along the central axis or along the longitudinal direction of the pressurized gas storage container away from the first wall end in the direction of the second wall end.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the gas guiding device comprises a first gas guiding element arranged inside the receiving area, the first gas guiding element being fitted or attached to an inlet nozzle for supplying gas into the receiving area, the inlet nozzle opening into the first wall end.

[0021] The first gas guide element can also be generally referred to as a gas guide element or a gas redirection element. The inlet nozzle is also referred to as an injection nozzle. Specifically, the inlet nozzle is part of the pressurized gas storage container. The inlet nozzle allows the receiving area to be filled with gas. The gas guide device can include any number of different gas guide elements. The inlet nozzle is preferably arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the pressurized gas storage container. Specifically, this means that the inlet nozzle is preferably arranged in the center of the first wall end. The inlet nozzle can be guided from the periphery to the receiving area through both the jacket and the liner. The first gas guide element can at least partially protrude into the inlet nozzle. This means that the first gas guide element, specifically the tip of the first gas guide element, is at least partially arranged within the inlet nozzle. Alternatively, the first gas guide element can be arranged at a distance from the inlet nozzle when viewed along the longitudinal direction, which is oriented from the first wall end to the second wall end.

[0022] According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, a pressurized gas storage vessel for storing a gas, in particular hydrogen, under pressure is proposed. The pressurized gas storage vessel comprises a wall surrounding a receiving area for receiving the gas, an inlet nozzle opening into the receiving area for supplying the gas into the receiving area, and a gas guiding device for guiding at least a portion of the gas along the inner surface of the wall during filling of the receiving area with gas, the gas guiding device comprising a gas guiding element mounted in or on the inlet nozzle, the gas guiding element being configured to guide a portion of the gas guided along the inner surface radially outward from the inlet nozzle towards the wall, the wall functioning as a heat exchanger for extracting heat from the gas during filling of the receiving area with gas and releasing the heat to the surroundings of the pressurized gas storage vessel. The radial direction is preferably oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the wall. This radial direction is a direction away from the central axis towards the inner surface of the wall facing the receiving area.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the first gas guiding element is at least partially conical, the cross section of the first gas guiding element widening in the direction from the inlet nozzle to the second wall end.

[0024] Specifically, the cross section of the first gas guide element expands in the direction from the first wall end to the second wall end. In this case, "expanding" specifically means that the cross section or cross-sectional area of ​​the first gas guide element continuously increases in the direction from the inlet nozzle to the second wall end. The gas guide element is preferably rotationally symmetrical about its axis of symmetry or central axis. The central axis of this first gas guide element is preferably arranged coaxially with the central axis of the pressurized gas storage container. The first gas guide element may be conical or frustoconical in shape. However, in principle, the first gas guide element may have other shapes. If the gas guide element is conical or frustoconical, it may have a tapered tip facing the inlet nozzle and an end face opposite the inlet nozzle. When the gas is received in the receiving area, it impinges on the conical or frustoconical jacket surface, which redirects the gas radially outward from the axis of symmetry of the pressurized gas storage container toward the wall and guides it along the wall from the first wall end to the second wall end. The jacket surface extends from the tip to the end face of the first gas guide element. Specifically, gas is vented into the center of the tip of the first gas guide element.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the first gas guiding element at least partially covers the inlet nozzle.

[0026] In particular, the first gas guiding element covers the inlet nozzle when viewed from the end face of the first gas guiding element. The first gas guiding element may only partially or at least partially cover the inlet nozzle, in which case the first gas guiding element only partially protrudes into the gas flow generated by the inlet nozzle.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the first gas guiding element is mounted centrally or eccentrically in or on the inlet nozzle.

[0028] "Centrally aligned" in this case means that the central axis of the first gas guiding element and the central axis of the pressurized gas storage container or wall are arranged coaxially with each other. "Eccentrically" in this case means that the central axis of the first gas guiding element and the central axis of the pressurized gas storage container or wall are not arranged coaxially with each other. In particular, it means that the aforementioned central axes are spaced apart or offset from each other.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the gas guiding device comprises a second gas guiding element different from the first gas guiding element, the second gas guiding element being attached to the second wall end.

[0030] The second gas guide element being "different" from the first gas guide element specifically means that the first and second gas guide elements are two separate components or parts and are not identical to each other. The first gas guide element is preferably located at the first wall end. The second gas guide element is therefore preferably located at the second wall end. This means that the first and second gas guide elements are arranged at the maximum distance from each other in the longitudinal direction. Like the first gas guide element, the second gas guide element is also preferably arranged in the receiving area.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the second gas guiding element is configured to guide a portion of the gas guided along the inner surface of the wall back along the central axis towards the first gas guiding element.

[0032] When filling the receiving area, the wall region farthest from the inlet nozzle is preferably heated the most. In this case, this is the second wall end. The second gas guiding element allows heat to be dissipated from the second wall end using the gas deflected by the second gas guiding element. In this way, the first gas guiding element generates a jacket-like gas flow along the wall from the first wall end to the second wall end, while the second gas guiding element redirects the gas flow and supplies it as a counter-flow gas flow back toward the first wall end. In this way, the second gas guiding element generates a counter-flow gas flow that flows in the opposite direction to the gas flow generated by the first gas guiding element. The counter-flow gas flow preferably flows within the gas flow generated by the first gas guiding element. The first gas flow is thus jacket-shaped and circulates around the counter-flow gas flow. However, this is optional.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the second gas guiding element is at least partially conical.

[0034] In particular, the second gas guide element is rotationally symmetric about an axis of symmetry or a central axis, which is preferably arranged coaxially with the central axis of the pressurized gas storage vessel or the wall. For example, the second gas guide element can be attached to a second wall end of the wall.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the gas guiding device comprises at least one gas guiding rib arranged in the receiving area and extending along the central axis.

[0036] When the gas guide tube is provided, the gas guide tube may be supported by one or more gas guide ribs and held in the center of the receiving area. For example, four gas guide ribs may be provided, dividing the gas guide channel provided between the gas guide tube and the wall into four gas guide channels. The gas guide ribs extend from the first wall end toward the second wall end.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the gas guiding device comprises a gas guiding tube arranged in the receiving area and coaxial with the wall, and at least one gas guiding channel is provided between the gas guiding tube and the wall.

[0038] The gas guide channel is hollow cylindrical and extends completely around the circumference of the gas guide tube. Preferably, gas flows in the gas guide channel between the gas guide tube and the wall from the first wall end to the second wall end. From the second wall end, the gas can be guided back to the first wall end of the gas guide tube, for example, by the above-mentioned second gas guide element. The gas flow direction in the gas guide tube is therefore directed in the opposite direction to the gas flow direction in the gas guide channel.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the gas guiding device itself forms a thermal bridge between the receiving area and the surroundings, extracting heat from the gas and releasing it to the surroundings.

[0040] The gas guiding device may be provided with a heat dissipation element for this purpose. The heat dissipation element may be a lance or the like that protrudes into the receiving area. The heat dissipation element may also protrude at least partially from the pressurized gas storage container to the surroundings, thereby dissipating heat to the surroundings. The heat dissipation element may penetrate the wall for this purpose. The heat dissipation element may be a so-called heat pipe. In this case, a "heat pipe" is a heat exchanger that allows a high heat flow density by utilizing the evaporation enthalpy of the working medium. For this purpose, the heat dissipation element has a heating zone that protrudes into the receiving area. In the heating zone, the working medium contained in the heat dissipation element evaporates and is conducted to the surroundings inside the heat dissipation element. The working medium condenses again in the cooling zone of the heat dissipation element that protrudes to the surroundings, thereby dissipating heat to the surroundings. In this case, the "thermal bridge" function means that the gas guiding device is suitable for removing heat from the receiving area and dissipating it to the surroundings.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the gas guiding device includes cooling channels provided in or on the wall, through which at least a portion of the gas can flow while the receiving area is filled with gas.

[0042] This advantageously eliminates the need for an additional medium for cooling the pressurized gas storage container. The cooling channel can extend spirally around the wall, preferably from the first wall end to the second wall end. For example, the cooling channel extends spirally around the wall. Any number of cooling channels can be provided. The cooling channel can be directly integrated into the wall. Alternatively, the cooling channel can be attached to the inside or outside of the wall. In this case, "inside" means that the cooling channel protrudes into the receiving area. "outside" means that the cooling channel protrudes to the periphery. The cooling channel can also be provided in the wall jacket and / or the wall liner. Instead of flowing the gas contained in the receiving area through the cooling channel, any other coolant or refrigerant can also be used. In this case, the gas guide device preferably comprises a cooling channel provided in or on the wall, through which the coolant or refrigerant flows during filling of the receiving area. For example, the cooling channel is part of a refrigerant circuit, which in particular includes a thermomodule, a cooling channel, and a supply and / or discharge line. The supply and / or discharge lines are preferably in fluid communication with the cooling flow passages. The thermoelectric module may be, or may be referred to as, a vehicle air conditioning system or an automatic air conditioning system. For example, R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) or R744 (carbon dioxide) can be used as the refrigerant supplied through the cooling flow passages. Alternatively, R290 (propane) can be used. The thermoelectric module is preferably configured to provide air conditioning for the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, the thermoelectric module can also dissipate heat from a pressurized gas storage container. Thus, the thermoelectric module has a dual function. The thermoelectric module or the refrigerant circuit can include a compressor for compressing the refrigerant. As the refrigerant flows through the cooling flow passages, it extracts heat from the receiving area. The refrigerant can evaporate at least partially in the process. Thus, the cooling flow passages themselves or the walls of the pressurized gas storage container can function as an evaporator for the refrigerant circuit. The thermoelectric module or the refrigerant circuit can include a condenser for condensing the refrigerant.The condenser is adapted to dissipate heat. For example, the condenser can dissipate heat to the surroundings or the passenger compartment. The thermo-module can include a heat pump. For example, water, specifically cooling water, glycol, or various salt solutions can be used as a coolant. In this case, the cooling channels can be part of a cooling circuit. In addition to the cooling channels, the cooling circuit can also include a pump, specifically a water pump. For example, cooling water can flow through the cooling channels to cool or dissipate heat. For example, cooling water can be pumped through the cooling channels.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the cooling channels are configured to expand a portion of the gas passing through the cooling channels into the receiving area.

[0044] For this purpose, nozzles, valves or the like can be provided, for example the cooling channels opening directly into the receiving area.

[0045] Furthermore, there is provided a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one such pressurized gas storage vessel.

[0046] A vehicle may be equipped with several pressurized gas storage containers of this type. The pressurized gas storage containers may be arranged, for example, in the area of ​​the vehicle's bottom. The vehicle may include a consumer load, in particular a fuel cell, to which gas is supplied using the pressurized gas storage container. In particular, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. However, the vehicle may also be equipped with an internal combustion engine. The vehicle may also be a commercial vehicle, for example a truck. Furthermore, the vehicle may be an aircraft, a jet ski, or a rail vehicle. The vehicle is particularly preferably a passenger car. The vehicle may be equipped with a thermoelectric module or a refrigerant circuit as described above. The thermoelectric module may be part of the vehicle's air conditioning system, in particular an automatic air conditioning system. Furthermore, the thermoelectric module itself may be the vehicle's air conditioning system or the automatic air conditioning system. The thermoelectric module is particularly suitable for air conditioning the passenger compartment.

[0047] The embodiments and features described for the proposed pressurized gas storage container apply mutatis mutandis to the proposed vehicle and vice versa.

[0048] In this context, "one" should not be understood as necessarily limited to exactly one element. Rather, two, three, or more elements may be provided. Also, other numerical terms used herein should not be understood to imply a precise limitation to a particular number of elements. Rather, unless otherwise specified, numerical deviations upward or downward are possible.

[0049] Other possible implementations of the pressurized gas storage container and / or vehicle also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to example embodiments not explicitly mentioned. In this context, a person skilled in the art will also be able to add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the pressurized gas storage container and / or vehicle.

[0050] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the pressurized gas storage container and / or vehicle are the subject of the dependent claims and of the embodiments of the pressurized gas storage container and / or vehicle described below. Furthermore, the pressurized gas storage container and / or vehicle are described in more detail by preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a vehicle. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a pressurized gas storage container for the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage vessel taken along section line III-III of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] Detail IV of FIG. 2. [Figure 5]3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a gas guiding device for a pressurized gas storage container according to FIG. 2; [Figure 6] 6 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the gas guiding device according to FIG. 5; FIG. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the pressurized gas storage container for the vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage vessel taken along section line IIX-IIX in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the pressurized gas storage container for the vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage vessel taken along section line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the pressurized gas storage container for the vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a further schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage vessel taken along section line XII-XII of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the pressurized gas storage container for the vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a further schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage vessel taken along section line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the pressurized gas storage container for the vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage vessel taken along section line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15.

[0052] In the drawings, identical or functionally similar elements are designated by the same reference numbers unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is a motor vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. However, the vehicle 1 can also be powered by an internal combustion engine. The vehicle 1 can also be a commercial vehicle, such as a truck, a harvesting machine, or a construction machine. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 can also be a military vehicle. The vehicle 1 can also be an aircraft, a seaplane, or a rail vehicle. However, in the following, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car.

[0054] Vehicle 1 includes a body 2 that encloses a passenger compartment or cabin 3 of vehicle 1. Cabin 3 accommodates a driver and passengers. Body 2 separates cabin 3 from a perimeter 4 of vehicle 1. Cabin 3 is accessible from perimeter 4 by a door.

[0055] The vehicle 1 comprises a chassis with several wheels 5, 6. The number of wheels 5, 6 is basically arbitrary. Preferably, the vehicle 1 comprises four wheels 5, 6. However, the vehicle 1 may also comprise, for example, six wheels 5, 6. The wheels 5, 6 are part of the chassis of the vehicle 1. Only two wheels 5, 6 can be driven. However, all wheels 5, 6 can also be driven. In this case, the vehicle 1 is a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0056] The vehicle 1 comprises a pressurized gas storage vessel 7 for storing gas, in particular hydrogen, under pressure. The pressurized gas storage vessel 7 is preferably arranged in the bottom region or on or in the floor structure of the vehicle 1. The pressurized gas storage vessel 7 may also be arranged outside the vehicle body 2. The vehicle 1 may also comprise a plurality of pressurized gas storage vessels 7.

[0057] In principle, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7 is not only suitable for use in the vehicle 1 but can also be used, for example, in other applications. For example, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7 can also be used in stationary applications, in particular in building technology or emergency power supplies. Furthermore, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7 can also be used in the heating sector of buildings or in combined heat and power plants. In the following, however, it is assumed that the pressurized gas storage vessel 7 is used in mobile applications, i.e. in or on the vehicle 1.

[0058] The pressurized gas storage container 7 can be used to supply the gas stored therein to a consumer load 8 of the vehicle 1 at an appropriate supply pressure and an appropriate supply temperature. The consumer load 8 is preferably a fuel cell. In this case, a "fuel cell" is understood to be a galvanic cell that converts the energy of a chemical reaction between a continuously supplied fuel (hydrogen in this case) and an oxidant (oxygen in this case) into electrical energy. The obtained electrical energy can be used, for example, to drive an electric motor (not shown) to drive the wheels 5, 6 or at least two of the wheels 5, 6.

[0059] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the above-mentioned pressurized gas storage container 7A. Fig. 3 is a further schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage container 7A taken along the section line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a detailed view IV of Fig. 2. In the following, Figs. 2 to 4 will be simultaneously referred to.

[0060] The pressurized gas storage vessel 7A is suitable for storing a gas, here hydrogen H2, in gaseous form under high pressure and releasing it again when necessary. For example, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A is operated under a pressure of several hundred bar, for example 800 bar to 1,000 bar. The pressurized gas storage vessel 7A may also be called a pressurized gas storage tank, a hydrogen pressurized gas storage vessel, a hydrogen pressurized gas storage tank, or a hydrogen storage vessel.

[0061] In principle, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A is suitable for holding or storing any gas. However, in the following, the gas will be referred to as hydrogen H2. Therefore, the terms "gas" and "hydrogen" can be used interchangeably. As mentioned above, the hydrogen H2 is stored in the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A in a gaseous mass state. Therefore, the hydrogen H2 is single-phase. Therefore, preferably, there is no liquid phase, i.e., no phase boundary, within the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A.

[0062] The pressurized gas storage vessel 7A includes a vessel wall or wall 9 that encloses a receiving area 10 for receiving hydrogen H2. The gaseous hydrogen H2 is contained in the receiving area 10. The receiving area 10 is cylindrical. The shape or spatial extent of the receiving area 10 is defined or limited by the wall 9. The receiving area 10 is a cavity that is completely enclosed by the wall 9. As will be explained below, the wall 9 has a multi-layer or laminate structure. This means that different materials form the layered wall 9.

[0063] The pressurized gas storage container 7A is assigned a coordinate system with a length direction or x-direction x, a height direction or y-direction y, and a depth direction or z-direction z. The directions x, y, and z are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal direction L of the pressurized gas storage container 7A extends along the x-direction x, which means that the longitudinal direction L and the x-direction x are identical. The direction of gravity g is oriented in the opposite direction to the y-direction y and is parallel to the y-direction y.

[0064] The pressurized gas storage vessel 7A or wall 9 is assigned an axis of symmetry or central axis 11, about which the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A or wall 9 is approximately rotationally symmetric. "Almost" rotationally symmetric includes an at least slightly elliptical cross section. The central axis 11 extends parallel to the x-direction x. The central axis 11 therefore also extends along the longitudinal direction L. A radial direction R of the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A or wall 9 is perpendicular to the central axis 11 and is directed away from the central axis 11 in the direction of the wall 9.

[0065] The wall 9 may also be referred to as a container wall, a shell, an envelope, or a barrier. The wall 9 is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis 11. Thus, in cross section, the wall 9 is preferably circular. However, the wall 9 may also be elliptical or slightly elliptical in cross section. The wall 9 comprises a tubular or hollow cylindrical base portion 12 that is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 11.

[0066] A first cover portion or first wall end portion 13 and a second cover portion or second wall end portion 14 are provided on each end face of the base portion 12, i.e., on the left and right sides in the orientation shown in FIG. 2. The wall ends 13, 14 are curved in the shape of a dome or are dome-shaped, and are each provided rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis 11. The wall ends 13, 14 can also be called cover portions. The wall ends 13, 14 are curved outward with respect to the receiving area 10. The base portion 12 and the wall ends 13, 14 are firmly, specifically non-detachably, connected to each other. The wall 9 has a cylindrical shape.

[0067] The wall 9 includes a load-bearing jacket 15 made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material or a fiber-composite plastic. The jacket 15 is on the outside and therefore faces the perimeter 4, i.e., the jacket 15 is adjacent to the perimeter 4. The jacket 15 being "load-bearing" specifically means that the jacket 15 absorbs all or at least most of the loads acting on the wall 9 or on the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A. The loads may be due to the pressurized hydrogen H2 itself and / or due to external loads, for example in the event of a traffic accident.

[0068] The jacket 15 may also be referred to as a sheath, coating, support layer, outer coating, or outer layer of the wall 9. The jacket 15 is preferably made of a fiber composite plastic in the form of a layer or sheet. However, this does not exclude the possibility that the jacket 15 may contain metal components. The jacket 15 includes an outer surface 16 facing the surroundings 4 and an inner surface 17 facing the receiving area 10 (FIG. 4).

[0069] Such fiber composite plastics include a plastic material, specifically a plastic matrix, in which fibers, such as natural fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, etc., are embedded. The plastic material may be a thermosetting resin, such as an epoxy resin or a vinyl ester-based resin. However, the plastic material may also be a thermoplastic. The fibers may also be long fibers.

[0070] The jacket 15 is preferably an integrated component, in particular a component of one piece of material. "Integrated" or "integral" here means that the jacket 15 forms a single component and is not made up of different parts or components that can be separated from one another again. "Integral" here means that the jacket 15 is made entirely from the same material, i.e., fiber composite plastic. The jacket 15 is provided on both the base part 12 and the two end wall parts 13, 14.

[0071] In addition to the jacket 15, the wall 9 includes a liner 18 that lines the jacket 15. The liner 18 can also be referred to as an inner coating or inner layer of the wall 9. The jacket 15 can be manufactured by wrapping the liner 18 around it or by wrapping it around a mold or mandrel (not shown). The liner 18 is airtight. The jacket 15 does not necessarily have to be airtight. The liner 18 can include a fiber composite plastic, various plastic materials, and / or a metal material. The liner 18 is also known as a lining material, or may be referred to as a lining material of the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A.

[0072] The liner 18 has a tubular or hollow cylindrical shape. The liner 18 is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 11. The liner 18 is provided on both the base portion 12 and both wall end portions 13, 14. The liner 18 can have a layered or layer-like structure. The jacket 15 completely surrounds or encloses the liner 18.

[0073] The liner 18 includes an outer surface 19 (FIG. 4) facing the inner surface 17 of the jacket 15 and an inner surface 20 facing the receiving area 10. The inner surface 20 is in contact with the hydrogen H2 held within the receiving area 10. The inner surface 20 can also be referred to as the inner surface of the wall 9 or the inner surface of the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A. The inner surface 20 completely surrounds the cylindrical receiving area 10, thus defining its spatial extent.

[0074] The jacket 15 and the liner 18 are physically joined, specifically glued, to one another at the inner surface 17 of the jacket 15 and the outer surface 19 of the liner 18. In a physically bonded connection, the connected objects are held together by atomic or molecular forces. A physically bonded connection is an irremovable connection that can only be separated again by destroying the connecting means and / or the connected objects.

[0075] The pressurized gas storage vessel 7A further comprises an injection or inlet nozzle 21 for injecting or flowing hydrogen H2 into the receiving area 10. The inlet nozzle 21 is preferably provided at the first wall end 13 of the wall 9. Alternatively, the inlet nozzle 21 may be located at the second wall end 14. Preferably, the inlet nozzle 21 penetrates both the jacket 15 and the liner 18. The inlet nozzle 21 may be made of a metallic material.

[0076] The inlet nozzle 21 is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 11. In particular, the inlet nozzle 21 is arranged centered or at the center of the central axis 11. Alternatively, the inlet nozzle 21 may be arranged off-center, i.e., offset from the central axis 11. The inlet nozzle 21 is preferably tubular or hollow cylindrical, and in particular has a circular cross section. However, alternatively, the inlet nozzle 21 may have other cross sections.

[0077] The inlet nozzle 21 may comprise a number of lines, holes, nozzles, valves, switches and / or sensor technology devices that allow the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A to be replenished or filled with gaseous hydrogen H2. The inlet nozzle 21 may protrude beyond the inner surface 20 of the liner 18 in the region of the first wall end 13 and thus into the receiving area 10. The inlet nozzle 21 is configured to admit or inject hydrogen H2 into the receiving area 10 parallel to the central axis 11 or along the longitudinal direction L or along the x-direction x.

[0078] The pressurized gas storage vessel 7A further comprises a gas guiding device 22 configured to direct at least a portion of the hydrogen H2 along the inner surface of the wall 9 during filling of the receiving area 10 with hydrogen H2. This means that the gas guiding device 22 guides the hydrogen H2 at least partially radially outward in the radial direction R from the central axis 11 towards the inner surface 20 of the wall 9.

[0079] In this case, the gas guiding device 22 guides the hydrogen H2 along the central axis 11 from the first wall end 13 towards the second wall end 14 during filling of the receiving area 10. The gas guiding device 22 may also be called a gas directing device or a gas guide and gas cooling device.

[0080] The gas guiding device 22 redirects or diverts at least a portion of the hydrogen H2 being filled into the receiving area 10 so as to guide it along the inner surface of the wall 9 during filling, "inner surface" in this case meaning facing the receiving area 10. Specifically, the hydrogen H2 is guided along the inner surface 20 of the liner 18.

[0081] When the hydrogen H2 flows along the wall 9, the hydrogen H2 releases heat Q to the wall 9, or the wall 9 can extract heat Q from the hydrogen H2. The wall 9 then releases the heat Q to the surroundings 4. For this purpose, the wall 9 functions as a heat transferor or heat exchanger for transferring the heat Q from the hydrogen H2 to the surroundings 4. Within the wall 9, the heat Q is preferably transferred by thermal conduction.

[0082] As will be described below, the gas guiding device 22 may be comprised of multiple internal parts and / or components that may be located at least partially inside the receiving area 10 and / or at least partially outside the receiving area 10. The internal parts and / or components may comprise, for example, fins with guide ribs, guide plates, fins, agitators and / or louvers, volutes, struts, agitators, straighteners, nubs, or similar devices for increasing heat transfer and / or heat transfer surface. However, the internal parts may also include tubes, pipes, ducts, various gas guiding elements, guide tubes, heat pipes, conduits, cooling channels, cooling lines, etc.

[0083] The gas guiding device 22 may comprise a first gas guiding element 23. The first gas guiding element 23 may also be called a gas guiding cone or a gas guiding taper. Furthermore, the first gas guiding element 23 may also be called a first gas redirecting element. The first gas guiding element 23 is arranged completely inside the receiving area 10. The first gas guiding element 23 is thereby arranged in or on the inlet nozzle 21, which opens into the first wall end 13. "In or on" specifically means that the first gas guiding element 23 can be arranged completely outside the inlet nozzle 21 or at least partially inside the inlet nozzle 21.

[0084] The first gas guide element 23 is shown in a schematic cross-section in Fig. 5. The first gas guide element 23 is preferably rotationally symmetric about an axis of symmetry or central axis 24. As Fig. 5 shows, the central axes 11, 24 can be arranged coaxially. This means that the central axis 11 and the central axis 24 are the same. The first gas guide element 23 can consist of a metallic material, for example aluminum or stainless steel. However, the first gas guide element 23 can also comprise a fiber composite material.

[0085] The first gas guiding element 23 is at least partially conical or frustoconical. However, the first gas guiding element 23 may have any shape or curvature. The first gas guiding element 23 may also include any concave and / or convex surfaces or surfaces that guide or direct the hydrogen H2 during its flow or injection into the receiving area 10.

[0086] For example, the first gas guiding element 23 has a tip 26 facing the outlet 25 of the inlet nozzle 21 and an end face 27 facing away from the outlet 25. The outlet 25 can also be called an outlet opening. The tip 26 does not necessarily have to be sharp. The tip 26 can also be rounded or flat. Furthermore, a flat end face can be provided instead of the tip 26. The first gas guiding element 23 has an at least partially conical or conical jacket surface 28, on which the tip 26 is provided on the left side in the orientation of FIG. 5 and the end face 27 is provided on the right side.

[0087] The cross section or cross-sectional area of ​​the first gas guiding element 23 increases in the direction from the tip 26 to the end face 27. This also means that the cross section of the first gas guiding element 23 increases in the direction from the inlet nozzle 21 or the first wall end 13 to the second wall end 14. By "increasing" the first gas guiding element 23, it is understood here to mean that the cross section of the first gas guiding element 23 increases in the direction from the tip 26 to the end face 27.

[0088] Preferably, the first gas guiding element 23 is arranged with its central axes 11, 24 coaxial with one another by a retaining structure not shown in Figure 5. However, an offset arrangement is also possible. In this case, a distance a can be provided between the outlet 25, in particular between the end face 29 of the outlet 25 and the tip 26. The distance a can be from a few millimeters to a few centimeters.

[0089] Alternatively, the tip 26 can be arranged at least partially within the outlet 25. In this case, the first gas guiding element 23 is at least partially housed within the outlet 25, namely in particular at its tip 26. In this case, no distance a is provided between the tip 26 and the outlet 25. Rather, the tip 26 projects behind the end face 29 of the outlet 25. In particular, this means that the tip 26 projects into the outlet 25 when viewed along the x-direction x or along the longitudinal direction L.

[0090] As mentioned above, the first gas guiding element 23 is specifically arranged such that the central axes 11, 24 are coaxially arranged. In this case, the first gas guiding element 23 is arranged centrally in front of the inlet nozzle 21. However, the first gas guiding element 23 may also be arranged off-center with respect to the inlet nozzle 21. For example, the first gas guiding element 23 may be displaced along the y-direction y and / or along the z-direction z with respect to the central axis 11.

[0091] In the latter case, the first gas guiding element 23 is therefore arranged in an off-center position. This means that when the receiving area 10 is filled, hydrogen H2 is vented over the off-center first gas guiding element 23. When the first gas guiding element 23 is viewed in the direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L or the x-direction x, the first gas guiding element 23 at least partially covers the inlet nozzle 21, in particular the outlet 25 of the inlet nozzle 21. It is also possible for the first gas guiding element 23 to completely cover or conceal the outlet 25, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0092] Optionally, the gas guiding device 22 can comprise, in addition to the first gas guiding element 23, a second gas guiding element 30. The second gas guiding element 30 is shown in a schematic cross-section in Figure 6. Unlike the first gas guiding element 23, the second gas guiding element 30 is not attached to the first wall end 13 but to the second wall end 14. The second gas guiding element 30 is sometimes also called a second gas bypass element.

[0093] The first gas guiding element 23 and the second gas guiding element 30 are two separate parts or components of the gas guiding device 22 or the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A. The first gas guiding element 23 and the second gas guiding element 30 are therefore not identical. The second gas guiding element 30 can be an integral part of the liner 18. This means in particular that the liner 18 and the second gas guiding element 30 can form an integral component, in particular a component of one material.

[0094] The second gas guide element 30 can be made, for example, from a metallic material, in particular aluminum or stainless steel, and / or from a fiber-composite plastic. The second gas guide element 30 is rotationally symmetrical about an axis of symmetry or central axis 31. In particular, the second gas guide element 30 is arranged completely inside the receiving area 10. In this case, the central axis 31 of the second gas guide element 30 and the central axis 11 of the wall 9 are arranged coaxially with respect to one another. In particular, the central axes 11, 24 can also be arranged coaxially with respect to one another.

[0095] The second gas guide element 30 includes a rear surface 32 that is connected to the inner surface 20 of the liner 18 in the region of the second wall end 14. The rear surface 32 is curved in the shape of a dome or is dome-shaped. In particular, the rear surface 32 may be spherically domed. Here, a "spherical dome" is understood to be a portion of a sphere. For example, the inner surface 20 and the rear surface 32 are glued together.

[0096] Facing the receiving area 10 or the hydrogen H2, the second gas guiding element 30 has a curved or angled front face 33 opposite the rear face 32. The front face 33 faces the first wall end 13. In particular, the front face 33 faces the inlet nozzle 21, in particular the end face 29 of the inlet nozzle 21. The front face 33 is at least in some parts or partially conical. In particular, the front face 33 may taper towards or converge to a tip 34 arranged on the central axis 31. The front face 33 may have convex and / or concave regions or surfaces.

[0097] The functions of the pressurized gas storage container 7A are summarized below: The pressurized gas storage container 7A can be filled or refueled with gaseous hydrogen H2 using a refueling system (not shown). The refueling system comprises a fixed gas or hydrogen tank, a refueling hose, and / or a coupling device for connecting the refueling hose to a tank nozzle of the vehicle 1.

[0098] According to the requirements of the consuming load 8, the pressurized gas storage container 7A releases hydrogen H2 to the consuming load 8. For this purpose, a hydrogen supply system (not shown) of the vehicle 1 can be provided between the pressurized gas storage container 7A and the consuming load 8. For example, this supply system can be used to supply hydrogen H2 to the consuming load 8 at a supply pressure and supply temperature suitable for the consuming load 8.

[0099] As the receiving area 10 is filled with hydrogen H2, the hydrogen H2 expands through the inlet nozzle 21 into the receiving area 10, causing the temperature of the receiving area 10 to increase. The temperature is highest at the second wall end 14, which is located furthest from the inlet nozzle 21.

[0100] This temperature increase causes an increase in the pressure in the receiving area 10, and as a result, complete filling of the receiving area 10 with hydrogen H2 is only possible if the refueling process is interrupted and waiting occurs until the temperature in the receiving area 10, and therefore the pressure in the receiving area 10, has again decreased to an acceptable level. The refueling or filling process of the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A is therefore time consuming and needs to be improved.

[0101] The gas guiding device 22 allows the hydrogen H2 injected into the receiving area 10 to be distributed at least partially along the inner surface of the wall 9. In this way, the wall 9 functions as a heat exchanger for extracting heat Q from the hydrogen H2 when the receiving area 10 is filled with hydrogen H2 and releasing it to the surroundings 4. In this way, the gas guiding device 22 acts synergistically with the wall 9 to extract heat Q from the receiving area 10 or the hydrogen H2 and dissipate or conduct it to the surroundings 4.

[0102] In this case, hydrogen H2 is vented by the inlet nozzle 21 into the center of the first gas guiding element 23. As a result, the hydrogen H2 is directed radially outward in the radial direction R against the inner surface 20 of the liner 18 by the conical jacket surface 28 of the first gas guiding element 23. This results in a gas flow 35 being guided from the inlet nozzle 21 or the first gas guiding element 23 along the wall 9 in the direction of the second wall end 14, as shown in Figure 2.

[0103] The gas flow 35 can be, at least at times, laminar and / or turbulent. Here, "laminar flow" is understood to mean fluid movement in which invisible turbulence occurs in a transition region between two different flow rates extending perpendicular to the flow direction. The fluid, here hydrogen H2, flows in the form of multiple layers that do not mix with each other.

[0104] In contrast, "turbulent flow" is understood to be fluid motion in which turbulence occurs over a wide range of dimensions. This type of flow is characterized by a three-dimensional flow field with components that appear to vary randomly in time and space. Because the gas flow 35 flows along the wall 9, specifically the inner surface 20 of the wall 9, it can also be referred to as a developed or adjacent flow, or a developed or adjacent gas flow 35.

[0105] The gas flow 35 is supplied from the inlet nozzle 21 along the inner surface 20 to the second wall end 14. The gas flow 35 can also be called a gas flow, a hydrogen flow, or a hydrogen flow. In this case, the gas flow 35 contacts the inner surface 20 of the wall 9. This means that the inner surface 20 is constantly washed with fresh hydrogen H2. The gas flow 35 is supplied along the longitudinal direction L. The gas flow 35 can be turbulent and can include turbulence or vortices 36.

[0106] The gas flow 35 has a tubular or hollow cylindrical shape extending from the first wall end 13 to the second wall end 14. Thus, the gas flow 35 is jacketed. The gas flow 35 may also be referred to as a sheath flow. The gas flow 35 is in contact with the inner surface 20 while the gas flow 35 moves along the longitudinal direction L.

[0107] At the second wall end 14, the gas flow 35 is diverted by the second gas guiding element 30 either towards the inlet nozzle 21 or towards the first gas guiding element 23. Here, the gas flow 35 hits the conical front face 33 of the second gas guiding element 30, so that the gas flow 35 is guided as an opposing gas flow 37 back along the central axis 11 towards the first wall end 13. As a result, heat Q is dissipated from the second wall end 14 by the hydrogen H2 deflected by the second gas guiding element 30.

[0108] The countercurrent gas flow 37 is directed in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction L and thus also to the gas flow 35. The gas flow 35 is directed along the longitudinal direction L. The gas flow 35 and the countercurrent gas flow 37 have opposite flow directions. The countercurrent gas flow 37 flows countercurrently with respect to the first gas guiding element 23, specifically within the jacket-shaped gas flow 35. The gas flow 35 therefore surrounds or envelops the countercurrent gas flow 37 circumferentially. "Circumferentially" means viewed along the circumference of the gas flow 35. The countercurrent gas flow 37 may also be referred to as a countercurrent gas flow, a countercurrent hydrogen flow, or a countercurrent hydrogen flow.

[0109] Thus, a continuous gas flow 35 can be generated inside the wall 9, which gas flow can include vortices 36. The vortices 36 allow for better heat transfer from the hydrogen H2 to the wall 9. The hydrogen H2 conducted along the wall 9 is heated during injection into the receiving area 10 and can be cooled again by dissipating the heat Q extracted from the receiving area 10 to the surroundings 4. The gas flow 35 and the counter gas flow 37 also ensure a uniform temperature distribution within the receiving area 10. In particular, the hydrogen H2 is uniformly mixed.

[0110] The gas guiding device 22 thus forces the gas flow 35 to be attracted or abut against the inner surface of the wall 9 or the inner surface 20. This increases the contact between the hydrogen H2 and the wall 9, thereby improving the transfer of heat Q. In particular, the so-called Coanda effect is also utilized. The "Coanda effect" refers to a physical phenomenon which describes the tendency of a fluid flow to "follow" a convex surface, rather than leaving the surface and continuing in its original flow direction. For example, the first gas guiding element 23 and / or the second gas guiding element 30 may have such a convex surface.

[0111] The wall 9 itself acts as a heat transferor or heat exchanger between the receiving area 10 and the surroundings 4. Specifically, this means that the wall 9 is configured to transfer heat Q from the receiving area 10 or from the hydrogen H2 to the surroundings 4 or to release it to the surroundings 4. To ensure that the wall 9 is thermally conductive, the wall 9 may include a thermally conductive component, such as a metallic material.

[0112] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide several or at least one heat dissipation element, which transfers the heat Q from the receiving area 10 to the surroundings 4 by thermal conduction. The several or at least one heat dissipation element can be part of the wall 9. For example, the heat dissipation element can be provided in the form of a lance protruding from the surroundings 4 into the receiving area 10 or in the form of a heat pipe.

[0113] "Heat pipe" refers to a tubular or rod-like device in the form of a heat exchanger that allows for high heat flow densities by utilizing the enthalpy of vaporization of a working medium. In this way, large amounts of heat can be transported through a small cross-sectional area. The working medium can be, for example, water, ammonia, or a mixture of water and ammonia.

[0114] The working medium then evaporates in the receiving area 10 into which the heat pipe protrudes, absorbs heat Q there, and condenses in the surroundings 4 from which the heat pipe protrudes, thereby releasing the absorbed heat Q again. The working medium does not leave the heat pipe. However, the heat pipe can be provided with an active cooling system, which dissipates the heat Q into the surroundings 4, for example, from the heat pipe protruding from the wall 9.

[0115] The above-described operating mode essentially involves passive cooling or passive temperature control of the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A. In particular, passive heat transfer occurs from the receiving area 10 to the surroundings 4. "Passive" here specifically means that heat Q is transferred from the receiving area 10 to the surroundings 4 essentially only by thermal conduction through the walls 9. In this case, it is preferred that no coolant circuit with a circulating coolant or refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant is provided. In particular, no moving parts, such as a pump, are provided for passive cooling.

[0116] The term "coolant" refers to a gaseous, liquid, or solid substance or mixture of substances used to carry away heat Q. It differs from a "refrigerant" in that the refrigerant of a refrigerant circuit can transport heat Q against a temperature gradient, thereby making the temperature of the area to which heat Q is to be transported higher than the temperature of the area to which heat Q is to be dissipated, whereas a refrigerant can simply transport enthalpy along a temperature gradient from a hotter area to a colder area of ​​the refrigerant circuit.

[0117] In contrast, "active" heat transfer uses a coolant or refrigerant to transport the heat Q. Thus, "active" here specifically refers to the forced circulation of the coolant or refrigerant, for example by a pump or by a cooling channel supplying hydrogen H2, and specifically by the supply of external energy, to remove the heat Q from the receiving area 10. In the context of this definition, heat pipes such as those described above are considered passive, since the working medium is transported purely by capillary effect or temperature difference within the heat pipe.

[0118] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a pressurized gas storage container 7B for the vehicle 1. Figure 8 is a further schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage container 7B along the section line IIX-IIX in Figure 7. In the following, reference will be made simultaneously to Figures 7 and 8.

[0119] The structure of the pressurized gas storage container 7B basically corresponds to the structure of the pressurized gas storage container 7A. Therefore, only the differences between the two embodiments of the pressurized gas storage containers 7A and 7B will be described below. All aspects and features of the pressurized gas storage container 7A described above are also applicable to the pressurized gas storage container 7B. Conversely, all aspects and features of the pressurized gas storage container 7B described below are also applicable to the pressurized gas storage container 7A.

[0120] Unlike the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7B comprises a gas guide pipe 38 associated with the gas guide device 22. The gas guide pipe 38 is arranged completely within the receiving area 10. The gas guide pipe 38 has a cylindrical shape. In particular, the gas guide pipe 38 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis 11. The gas guide pipe 38 is arranged in the center of the receiving area 10. The gas guide pipe 38 can be made of a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel, for example.

[0121] A cylindrical gas guide channel 39 is formed between the gas guide tube 38 and the wall 9. In particular, several gas guide channels 39-42 are provided, which are separated from each other by gas guide ribs 43-46, which are also part of the gas guide device 22. The number of gas guide ribs 43-46 can be any number. For example, four gas guide ribs 43-46 are provided, which can be firmly connected to the gas guide tube 38.

[0122] For example, the gas guide ribs 43-46 can hold the gas guide tube 38 in the center of the receiving area 10. The gas guide channels 39-42 extend along the longitudinal direction L from the first wall end 13 to the second wall end 14. The receiving area 10 is divided circumferentially into four gas guide channels 39-42 by the gas guide ribs 43-46. The gas guide channels 39-42 may be in fluid communication with one another or may be fluidly separated from one another. In the former case, hydrogen H2 exchange between the gas guide channels 39-42 is possible, while in the latter case, this is not possible.

[0123] A conical or truncated gas guide element 47 is associated with the gas guide tube 38. The gas guide element 47 is firmly connected to the gas guide tube 38. Hydrogen H2 acts on the center of the gas guide element 47 by means of the inlet nozzle 21. The gas guide element 47 deflects the hydrogen H2 outward as seen in the radial direction R into the gas guide channels 39-42. This results in the formation of the above-mentioned gas flow 35, which is returned inside the gas guide tube 38 by the second gas guide element 30 as a counterflow gas flow 37 towards the inlet nozzle 21.

[0124] Optionally, the gas guiding device 22 of the pressurized gas storage vessel 7B may include one or more cooling channels 48. For example, one cooling channel 48 may be provided that extends helically around the central axis 11, extending from the first wall end 13 to the second wall end 14. The cooling channel 48 may have more or larger turns in areas where a particularly large amount of heat Q needs to be dissipated.

[0125] The cooling channels 48 can be disposed within the material used for the liner 18. Alternatively, the cooling channels 48 can be disposed within the material used for the jacket 15. Additionally, the cooling channels 48 can be provided on the inner surface of the receiving area 10 or on the outer surface of the wall 9.

[0126] The cooling channels 48 may be an integral part of the wall 9, i.e., the cooling channels 48 are provided as cavities in the wall 9. The cooling channels 48 are therefore not formed as separate components or parts from the wall 9. However, the cooling channels 48 may alternatively be designed as components that are separable from the wall 9 or as components that are subsequently attached to the wall 9.

[0127] The cooling channels 48 ensure active dissipation of the heat Q. Gaseous hydrogen H2 can flow through the cooling channels 48. Specifically, at least a portion of the hydrogen H2 introduced into the receiving area 10 flows through the cooling channels 48 during filling of the receiving area 10. Furthermore, some of the hydrogen H2 can flow directly into the receiving area 10, and another portion of the hydrogen H2 can be guided along the inner surface of the wall 9. It is also possible to guide the entire introduced hydrogen H2 along the inner surface of the wall 9.

[0128] The cooling channels 48 may include a device or valve that allows the cooling channels 48 to expand a portion of the hydrogen H2 that flows through the cooling channels 48 into the receiving area 10. Advantageously, when using hydrogen H2, an additional coolant or refrigerant can be omitted. However, a coolant or refrigerant circulated by a pump may also be provided.

[0129] Instead of the flow of hydrogen H2 through the cooling passage 48, any other coolant or refrigerant may be used. For example, the cooling passage 48 is part of a refrigerant circuit 49, which includes a thermo module 50, the cooling passage 48, and supply and / or discharge lines 51, 52. The supply and / or discharge lines 51, 52 are in fluid communication with the cooling passage 48 (not shown). The thermo module 50 may be, or may be referred to as, an air conditioning system or an automatic air conditioning system of the vehicle 1.

[0130] For example, R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) or R744 (carbon dioxide) can be used as the refrigerant supplied through the cooling channel 48. Alternatively, R290 (propane) can be used. The thermo module 50 is configured to air-condition the vehicle compartment 3. The thermo module 50 can include a compressor for compressing the refrigerant. As the refrigerant flows through the cooling channel 48, it extracts heat Q from the receiving area 10. The refrigerant can evaporate at least partially in the process. Thus, the cooling channel 48 or the wall 9 can function as an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit 49. The thermo module 50 can include a condenser for condensing the refrigerant.

[0131] For example, water, specifically cooling water, glycol, or various salt solutions can be used as the coolant. The cooling water can then be pumped or directed through the cooling channels 48. In this case, the cooling channels 48 can be part of a coolant circuit. In addition to the cooling channels 48, the coolant circuit can also include a pump, specifically a water pump. Here, "salt water" is specifically understood to mean a salt water solution. For example, the cooling channels 48 for cooling or for removing heat Q can be passed through the cooling water, which absorbs and removes heat Q. The cooling water can be sent through the cooling channels 48, for example, by a pump.

[0132] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a pressurized gas storage container 7C for use in the vehicle 1. Fig. 10 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage container 7C taken along the section line XX in Fig. 9. In the following, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 will be referred to simultaneously.

[0133] The design of pressurized gas storage vessel 7C essentially corresponds to the design of pressurized gas storage vessel 7A. Therefore, only the differences between pressurized gas storage vessels 7A and 7C will be described below. All aspects and features of the embodiments of pressurized gas storage vessels 7A and 7B described above are also applicable to pressurized gas storage vessel 7C. Conversely, all aspects and features of pressurized gas storage vessel 7C described below are also applicable to pressurized gas storage vessels 7A and 7B.

[0134] The pressurized gas storage vessel 7C comprises a gas guiding device 22 with a first gas guiding element 23 as described above. Unlike the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7C does not comprise a second gas guiding element 30, but rather a cooling channel 48 as described with reference to the pressurized gas storage vessel 7B. However, optionally, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7C may also comprise a second gas guiding element 30 as described above, a gas guiding tube 38 with gas guiding ribs 43-46 as described above, and / or a gas guiding portion 47.

[0135] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pressurized gas storage container 7D according to another embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic further cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage container 7D taken along the section line XII-XII in Figure 11. In the following, both Figures 11 and 12 will be referred to simultaneously.

[0136] The design of pressurized gas storage vessel 7D essentially corresponds to the design of pressurized gas storage vessel 7A. Therefore, only the differences between pressurized gas storage vessels 7A and 7D are described below. All aspects and features of the embodiments of pressurized gas storage vessels 7A, 7B, and 7C described above are also applicable to pressurized gas storage vessel 7D. Conversely, all aspects and features of pressurized gas storage vessel 7D described below are also applicable to pressurized gas storage vessels 7A, 7B, and 7C.

[0137] Unlike the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7D includes the above-mentioned cooling channel 48. The cooling channel 48 has an inlet 53 and an outlet 54 through which hydrogen H2 can be supplied to and discharged from the cooling channel 48. Alternatively, a different coolant or refrigerant can be used through the cooling channel 48.

[0138] The inlet 53 and the outlet 54 protrude into the perimeter 4 and are therefore accessible from the perimeter 4. The inlet 53 is provided in the first wall end 13. The outlet 54 is provided in the second wall end 14.

[0139] In particular, the hydrogen H2 flowing through the cooling channel 48 can be expanded directly into the receiving area 10. In this case, the hydrogen H2 is not discharged, in particular due to the presence of the outlet 54. For this purpose, the cooling channel 48 can be provided with a corresponding inlet or nozzle. The hydrogen H2 supplied through the cooling channel 48 is discharged into the cooling channel 48, in particular when the pressurized gas storage container 7D is being filled. For this purpose, a suitable valve or the like can be provided. In this way, it is possible to avoid the need to additionally supply hydrogen H2 purely for the purpose of cooling. Therefore, the hydrogen H2 for filling the pressurized gas storage container 7D can also be used simultaneously to cool the pressurized gas storage container 7D.

[0140] Alternatively, instead of hydrogen H2, another coolant or refrigerant may be used. To this end, the above-mentioned thermomodule 50 can be fluidly connected to an inlet 53 and an outlet 54 by supply and / or discharge lines 51, 52 to form the above-mentioned refrigerant circuit 49. A first supply and / or discharge line 51 can be connected to the inlet 53. A second supply and / or discharge line 52 can then be connected to the outlet 54.

[0141] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a pressurized gas storage container 7E for use in a vehicle 1. Figure 14 is a further schematic cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage container 7E taken along section line XIV-XIV in Figure 13. In the following, both Figures 13 and 14 will be referred to simultaneously.

[0142] The design of pressurized gas storage vessel 7E essentially corresponds to the design of pressurized gas storage vessel 7A. Therefore, only the differences between pressurized gas storage vessels 7A and 7E are described below. All aspects and features of the embodiments of pressurized gas storage vessels 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D described above are also applicable to pressurized gas storage vessel 7E. Conversely, all aspects and features of pressurized gas storage vessel 7E described below are also applicable to pressurized gas storage vessels 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D.

[0143] The pressurized gas storage vessel 7E essentially differs from the pressurized gas storage vessel 7A only in that the gas guiding device 22 comprises, in addition to the gas guiding elements 23, 30, the gas guiding ribs 43-46 described with reference to the pressurized gas storage vessel 7B. Optionally, the pressurized gas storage vessel 7E may also comprise a gas guiding tube 38 with the above-mentioned gas guiding section 47. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

[0144] 14, the gas guide ribs 43-46 divide the receiving area 10 into the above-mentioned gas guide channels 39-42. Unlike the pressurized gas storage container 7B, here the gas guide channels 39-42 are not closed by the gas guide tube 38 in the direction of the central axis 11 but are open. In addition, the gas guide device 22 of the pressurized gas storage container 7E is equipped with the above-mentioned cooling channels 48. The cooling channels 48 are optional.

[0145] Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a pressurized gas storage container 7F. Fig. 16 is a schematic further cross-sectional view of the pressurized gas storage container 7F taken along the section line XVI-XVI in Fig. 15. In the following, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 will be referred to simultaneously.

[0146] The design of pressurized gas storage vessel 7F essentially corresponds to the design of pressurized gas storage vessel 7A. Therefore, only the differences between pressurized gas storage vessels 7A and 7F will be described below. All aspects and features of the embodiments of pressurized gas storage vessels 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E described above are also applicable to pressurized gas storage vessel 7F. Conversely, all aspects and features of pressurized gas storage vessel 7F described below are also applicable to pressurized gas storage vessels 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E.

[0147] Unlike the pressurized gas storage container 7A, the pressurized gas storage container 7F does not comprise a second gas guiding element 30. However, alternatively, the pressurized gas storage container 7F may comprise the above-described second gas guiding element 30. The gas guiding device 22 of the pressurized gas storage container 7F comprises the above-described gas guiding ribs 43-46, which here extend to the central axis.

[0148] The gas guiding device 22 further comprises a lance- or rod-shaped heat dissipation element 55 arranged in the center of the receiving area 10. This means that the heat dissipation element 55 is preferably rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 11. The heat dissipation element 55 comprises a base part 56 which is arranged completely within the receiving area 10.

[0149] The base portion 56 extends in the longitudinal direction L from the first wall end 13 to the second wall end 14. The gas guiding ribs 43-46 are thermally conductively connected to the base portion 56. For example, the gas guiding ribs 43-46 are glued, soldered and / or welded to the base portion 56 of the heat dissipation element 55. The gas guiding ribs 43-46 hold the heat dissipation element 55 in the center of the receiving area 10.

[0150] A heat transfer section 57 projects beyond the second wall end 14 of the wall 9 into the surroundings 4. Heat Q can therefore be extracted from the hydrogen H introduced by the gas guiding ribs 43-46 and released into the surroundings 4 via the heat dissipation element 55. The heat transfer section 57 can be actively cooled to dissipate the heat Q. For this purpose, a cooling system (not shown) may be provided.

[0151] The heat dissipation element 55 may be an integrated component, specifically a component of a single material. For example, the heat dissipation element 55 may be made of an aluminum alloy, a copper alloy, or stainless steel. However, any other material may be used. As mentioned above, the heat dissipation element 55 may be lance-shaped or rod-shaped. Therefore, the heat dissipation element 55 may also be referred to as a heat dissipation lance or a heat dissipation rod.

[0152] The heat dissipation element 55 may be a heat pipe as described above, which further improves heat dissipation. If the heat dissipation element 55 is a heat pipe, the base section 56 is the heating zone of the heat pipe, and the heat transfer section 57 is the cooling zone of the heat pipe. Therefore, the terms "base section" and "heating zone" can be used interchangeably. The same applies to the terms "heat transfer section" and "cooling zone." Therefore, the terms "heat dissipation element" and "heat pipe" can also be used interchangeably.

[0153] Although the present invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, many variations are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1 vehicle 2. Body 3 Cabin 4. Surroundings 5 wheels 6 wheels 7. Pressurized gas storage vessels 7A Pressurized gas storage container 7B Pressurized gas storage container 7C Pressurized gas storage container 7D Pressurized Gas Storage Cylinder 7E Pressurized gas storage container 7F Pressurized gas storage vessel 8 Consumption load 9. Wall 10 Reception Area 11 Center axis 12 Basic part 13 Wall end 14 Wall end 15 Jacket 16 Exterior 17 Inner 18 Liner 19 Exterior 20 Inner 21 Inlet nozzle 22 Gas guide device 23 Gas guide element 24 Center axis 25 Exit 26 Tip 27 End face 28 Jacket side 29 End face 30 Gas Guide Element 31 Center axis 32 Rear 33 Front 34 Tip 35 Gas Flow 36 Vortex 37 Countercurrent gas flow 38 Gas guide pipe 39 Gas guide channel 40 Gas guide channel 41 Gas guide channel 42 Gas guide channel 43 Gas guide rib 44 Gas guide rib 45 Gas guide rib 46 Gas guide rib 47 Gas guide 48 Cooling Channels 49 Refrigerant circuit 50 Thermoelectric module 51 Supply and / or discharge lines 52 Supply and / or discharge lines 53 Entrance 54 Exit 55 Heat Dissipation Element 56 Basic part 57 Heat Transfer Section a distance g direction of gravity H2 gas / hydrogen L Longitudinal direction Q Fever R Radial direction xx direction / length direction yy direction / height direction zz direction / depth direction

Claims

1. A pressurized gas storage container for pressurizing and storing gas, a wall surrounding a receiving area for receiving the gas; a gas guiding device for guiding at least a portion of the gas along an inner surface of the wall while filling the receiving area with the gas; the wall functions as a heat exchanger for extracting heat from the gas during filling of the receiving area with the gas and releasing the heat to the ambient of the pressurized gas storage vessel; the wall is associated with a central axis, and the gas directing device directs the gas along the central axis from a first wall end of the wall toward a second wall end of the wall opposite the first wall end during filling of the receiving area; the gas guide device includes a gas guide pipe disposed in the receiving area and coaxial with the wall, and at least one gas guide passage is provided between the gas guide pipe and the wall; The pressurized gas storage vessel further comprises a conical gas guide; the conical gas guide is associated with the gas guide tube; 10. A pressurized gas storage vessel, characterized in that the conical gas guide is rigidly connected to the gas guide tube.

2. A pressurized gas storage container as described in claim 1, characterized in that the conical gas guide portion is positioned inside the receiving area and is fitted or attached to an inlet nozzle for supplying the gas into the receiving area, and the inlet nozzle opens to the first wall end.

3. A pressurized gas storage container as described in claim 2, characterized in that the cross section of the conical gas guide portion expands in the direction from the inlet nozzle to the second wall end.

4. A pressurized gas storage container as described in claim 3, characterized in that the conical gas guide portion at least partially covers the inlet nozzle.

5. A pressurized gas storage vessel as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the conical gas guide portion is mounted in or on the inlet nozzle, either centered or eccentrically.

6. 6. The pressurized gas storage vessel according to claim 2, wherein the gas guiding device comprises a further gas guiding element different from the conical gas guiding section, the further gas guiding element being attached to the second wall end.

7. 7. The pressurized gas storage vessel according to claim 6, wherein the other gas guiding element is configured to guide a portion of the gas guided along the inner surface of the wall back along the central axis towards the conical gas guiding portion.

8. 8. A pressurized gas storage vessel according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the further gas guiding element is at least partly conical.

9. 9. The pressurized gas storage vessel according to claim 1, wherein the gas guiding device comprises at least one gas guiding rib arranged in the receiving area and extending along the central axis.

10. 10. The pressurized gas storage vessel according to claim 1, wherein the gas guiding device itself forms a thermal bridge between the receiving area and the surroundings, extracting heat from the gas and releasing it to the surroundings.

11. 11. The pressurized gas storage vessel according to claim 1, wherein the gas guiding device comprises cooling channels provided in or on the wall, through which at least a portion of the gas can flow while the receiving area is being filled with the gas.

12. 12. The pressurized gas storage vessel of claim 11, wherein the cooling passage is configured to expand a portion of the gas passing through the cooling passage and into the receiving area.

13. A vehicle equipped with a pressurized gas storage container described in at least one of claims 1 to 12.

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