Hydrogen tank system and method for operating the hydrogen tank system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen tank system (100) for storing hydrogen, wherein This hydrogen tank system (100) - Multiple tanks (101), - Computing unit (103), - First memory (105), - Second memory (107) Includes, This computing unit (103) is configured to store multiple values ​​for predetermined data that change according to the state of the hydrogen tank system (100) in the first memory (105) and redundantly in the second memory (107). And this computing unit (103) is configured to transfer a value stored in the second memory (107) into the first memory (105) when a plurality of predetermined standard values ​​for predetermined data are stored in the first memory (105) or when the computing unit (103) receives a synchronization command through an input interface.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen tank system for storing hydrogen and a method for operating the hydrogen tank system. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that safety-related information for hydrogen tank systems, such as instructions regarding overpressure situations requiring tank replacement, is stored in permanent memory, i.e., non-volatile memory.

[0003] Since such permanent memory is generally integrated within the control unit of the hydrogen tank system, if the control unit is replaced, for example, with a new one, safety-related information is lost, and error responses of the hydrogen tank system requiring, for example, a pressure change before additional operation are ignored.

[0004] In the context of the present invention as described, a hydrogen tank system and a method for operating the hydrogen tank system are introduced. Other features and details of the present invention are revealed from the individual dependent claims, the detailed description, and the drawings. In this case, since the features and details described in relation to the method according to the present invention naturally apply in relation to the hydrogen tank system according to the present invention and vice versa, they may consequently always be referenced or referenced in relation to the disclosure of individual embodiments of the present invention.

[0005] The present invention is used particularly to ensure the safe operation of a hydrogen tank system.

[0006] Thus, a hydrogen tank system for storing hydrogen is introduced according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] The introduced hydrogen tank system comprises a plurality of tanks, a computing unit, a first memory, and a second memory. In this case, the computing unit is configured to store a plurality of values ​​for predetermined data that change according to the state of the hydrogen tank system in the first memory and redundantly in the second memory. In this case, the computing unit is also configured to transfer a value stored in the second memory into the first memory when a plurality of predetermined standard values ​​for the predetermined data are stored in the first memory or when the computing unit receives a synchronization command through an input interface.

[0008] In the context of the present invention, "predetermined data" refers to characteristic values, such as variables or operating parameters of a hydrogen tank system, for example. The predetermined data is particularly relevant to safety, such as, for example, the pressure profile within the tank of a hydrogen tank system. Accordingly, the state of the hydrogen tank system can be inferred by referring to individual values ​​of the predetermined data, or the values ​​of the predetermined data change according to the state of the hydrogen tank system.

[0009] The predetermined data can be determined, for example, by the manufacturer of the hydrogen tank system as a selection of parameters determined during the operation of the hydrogen tank system.

[0010] The present invention is based on storing the value of a predetermined data redundantly in two different memories, so that, as a result, the value on the first memory can be reconstructed on the second memory by referring to the redundant copy in case, for example, when the value on the first memory is erased.

[0011] It is proposed that when multiple predetermined standard values ​​for predetermined data are stored in a first memory, the reconstruction of such values ​​is performed. When multiple predetermined standard values ​​are stored in the first memory, since the first memory or the corresponding computing unit can be assumed to be new, the first memory can be automatically adjusted to the current state of the hydrogen tank system by the reconstruction of values ​​originating from the second memory.

[0012] Accordingly, despite the ignoring of previously output error messages due to respective thresholds, new error messages are output even after the computing unit outputting the error messages is replaced with a new one. In other words, error messages are not ignored by the replacement of the computing unit.

[0013] Alternatively to reconstructing a value in the first memory based on a standard value in the first memory, the reconstruction of a value in the first memory may also be accomplished by inputting a synchronization command provided, for example, by a technician through a workshop tester.

[0014] Accordingly, the technician may trigger the transfer of a value from the second memory into the first memory as intended. In this case, it may be suggested that a warning message or notification be output on the output unit to inform the technician of a potentially replaced computing unit in case the value originating from the second memory deviates from the value in the first memory.

[0015] Alternatively, for cases where a value originating from the second memory matches a value in the first memory, an authentication message may be output on the output unit that enables a technician or user to obtain clarity regarding the replacement of the computing unit or the status of the hydrogen tank system.

[0016] For cases where multiple predetermined standard values ​​for predetermined data are stored in the first memory, or where a value stored in the second memory is not transferred into the first memory when the computing unit receives a synchronization command through an input interface, it may be proposed that a predetermined error response be activated.

[0017] For example, by activating a predetermined error response, such as an activation lock that prevents the activation of a hydrogen tank system, the misuse or ignoring of an error message caused by the replacement of a computing unit can be prevented, or the replaced computing unit can be activated only when the value in the first memory corresponds to the value in the second memory.

[0018] It can be proposed that the first memory is an integrated component of the computing unit.

[0019] As the first memory is replaced together with the computing unit as an integrated component of the computing unit, when the computing unit is replaced, the value stored in the first memory is automatically removed from the value stored in the second memory when the computing unit is replaced.

[0020] In addition, it may be proposed that a computing unit be configured to transmit the change in value to the second memory when the value of predetermined data in the first memory is changed.

[0021] However, by transferring the value to the second memory only when the value in the first memory changes, an energy-efficient and reliable update of the value in the second memory is achieved.

[0022] In addition, it may be suggested that the first memory be a permanent memory.

[0023] For example, a permanent memory such as an EEPROM is characterized in that, particularly, the information stored in the memory is retained or not erased when the power supply to the memory is interrupted. Correspondingly, the first memory formed as a permanent memory is particularly safe against operation caused by, for example, the interruption of the power supply to the memory or the corresponding computing unit.

[0024] In addition, it may be suggested that the second memory be permanent memory and / or cloud memory.

[0025] By the second memory formed as a cloud memory, such memory can be formed as a secure server located in a secure place, that is, protected from the influence of unauthorized access, so that, consequently, the value stored in the second memory is particularly reliable and can be verified, for example, by a manufacturer.

[0026] In addition, it may be proposed that the computing unit be configured to communicate with the second memory through a wireless communication interface.

[0027] In particular, for communication with cloud memory, the hydrogen tank system may include a wireless communication interface, such as a mobile wireless interface or a WLAN interface, for example, or may be configured to communicate using a wireless communication interface of a higher system, such as a vehicle including the hydrogen tank system, for example.

[0028] In addition, it may be proposed that the second memory be an integrated component of the hydrogen tank system.

[0029] A memory formed as an integrated component of a hydrogen tank system can be arranged separately from the first memory or structurally and spatially separated, so that, as a result, when the first memory or a component including the first memory is replaced, the second memory remains within the hydrogen tank system.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating a hydrogen tank system.

[0031] The present method comprises the steps of: storing a plurality of values ​​for predetermined data that vary according to the state of a hydrogen tank system in a first memory and redundantly in a second memory; and transferring a value stored in the second memory into the first memory when a plurality of predetermined standard values ​​for the predetermined data are stored in the first memory or when a synchronization command is provided through an input interface.

[0032] The introduced method is used specifically to operate the introduced hydrogen tank system.

[0033] For cases where a value originating from the second memory deviates from a value within the first memory, it may be suggested that a warning message be output on the output unit.

[0034] By providing the user with an identified deviation between the value originating from the first memory and the value originating from the second memory via a warning message, the user can, as a result, accurately check the hydrogen tank system and, if necessary, prevent operation using a tank that has already been loaded with overpressure.

[0035] The advantages described in detail for a hydrogen tank system for storing hydrogen according to the first aspect of the present invention apply equally to a method for operating a hydrogen tank system according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention are revealed from the following detailed description, in which embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this case, the features mentioned in the claims and the detailed description may each be essential to the present invention individually, alone, or in any combination. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a possible embodiment of the introduced hydrogen tank system. FIG. 2 is a drawing of a possible embodiment of the introduced method. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0038] Figure 1 shows a hydrogen tank system (100) for storing hydrogen.

[0039] The hydrogen tank system (100) includes a tank (101), a computing unit (103), a first memory (105), and a second memory (107).

[0040] The computing unit (103) is configured to store multiple values ​​for predetermined data that change according to the state of the hydrogen tank system (100) in duplicate in the first memory (105) and the second memory (107). For this purpose, for example, a change in value within the first memory (105) can be copied to the second memory (107).

[0041] These values ​​may be, for example, sensor values ​​determined by a sensor (109), particularly the value of the pressure inside the tank (101) and / or the value of each other operating parameter of the hydrogen tank system (100).

[0042] Additionally, the computing unit is configured to store a plurality of predetermined standard values ​​for predetermined data in the first memory (105), or to transmit a value stored in the second memory (107) into the first memory (105) when the computing unit (103) receives a synchronization command through an input interface, such as a workshop tester, for example.

[0043] Figure 2 illustrates a method (200) for operating a hydrogen tank system (100).

[0044] The method (200) introduced includes a storage step “201” in which a plurality of values ​​for predetermined data that change according to the state of the hydrogen tank system are stored in a first memory and redundantly in a second memory.

[0045] Additionally, the present method (200) includes a transmission step “203” in which a value stored in a second memory is transmitted into the first memory when a plurality of predetermined standard values ​​for predetermined data are stored in the first memory or when a synchronization command is provided through an input interface.

Claims

Claim 1 A hydrogen tank system (100) for storing hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen tank system (100) comprises: a plurality of tanks (101), a computing unit (103), a first memory (105), and a second memory (107); wherein the computing unit (103) is configured to store a plurality of values ​​for predetermined data that change according to the state of the hydrogen tank system (100) in the first memory (105) and redundantly in the second memory (107); and wherein the computing unit (103) is configured to transfer a value stored in the second memory (107) into the first memory (105) when a plurality of predetermined standard values ​​for the predetermined data are stored in the first memory (105) or when the computing unit (103) receives a synchronization command through an input interface. Claim 2 A hydrogen tank system (100) characterized in that, in the first paragraph, a plurality of predetermined standard values ​​for predetermined data are stored in the first memory (105), or when the computing unit (103) receives a synchronization command through an input interface, a predetermined error response is activated for the case where a value stored in the second memory (107) is not transmitted into the first memory (105). Claim 3 A hydrogen tank system (100) characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the first memory (105) is an integrated component of the computing unit (103). Claim 4 A hydrogen tank system (100) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the computing unit (103) is configured to transmit a change in a value to a second memory (107) when a value for a predetermined data in a first memory (105) is changed. Claim 5 A hydrogen tank system (100) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 4, the first memory (105) is a permanent memory. Claim 6 A hydrogen tank system (100) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 5, the second memory (107) is a permanent memory and / or cloud memory. Claim 7 A hydrogen tank system (100) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 6, the computing unit (103) is configured to communicate with the second memory (107) through a wireless communication interface. Claim 8 A hydrogen tank system (100) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 7, the second memory (107) is an integrated component of the hydrogen tank system (100). Claim 9 A method (200) for operating a hydrogen tank system (100), wherein the method (200) comprises: - a step (201) of storing a plurality of values ​​for predetermined data that change according to the state of the hydrogen tank system (100) in a first memory (105) and redundantly in a second memory (107); - a step (203) of transmitting a value stored in the second memory (107) into the first memory (105) when a plurality of predetermined standard values ​​for the predetermined data are stored in the first memory (105) or when a synchronization command is provided through an input interface. Claim 10 A method (200) for operating a hydrogen tank system according to claim 9, characterized in that a warning message is output on an output unit for the case where a value originating from the second memory (107) deviates from a value in the first memory (105).

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