Heat shield and high-pressure accumulator comprising same, tank storage system and method for locating

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat shield (1) for high-pressure accumulators (100) which are used to store hydrogen, comprising: a base plate (10), a fastening means (20) which is designed to fasten the base plate (10) to a boss (101) of a high-pressure accumulator (100), in particular of a high-pressure tank of the IV type, wherein the base plate (10) has a (regular) polygonal, in particular honeycomb-shaped or hexagonal, outer contour (11), and the polygonal outer contour (11) surrounds an imaginary incircle (12) which has a diameter D1 that is greater than an outer diameter D2 of the high-pressure accumulator (100) to be accommodated. The present invention also relates to a high-pressure accumulator (100) comprising two heat shields (1) according to the invention, and to a tank storage system (200) comprising multiple high-pressure accumulators (100) according to the invention. The present invention also relates to a method for locating a tank storage system (200).

Description

[0001] HEAT SHIELD AND HIGH-PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR

[0002] HAVING THE SAME, TANK STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR

[0003] LOCATION

[0004] Technical area

[0005] The present invention relates to a heat shield for high-pressure accumulators, in particular type IV high-pressure vessels for storing hydrogen, and to a high-pressure accumulator, in particular type IV high-pressure vessels for storing hydrogen, comprising a heat shield according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tank storage system comprising a plurality of high-pressure accumulators according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for locating tank storage systems.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Conventional holders or receptacles for high-pressure accumulators, such as one described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.: 2016-070467, have a support member in which the high-pressure accumulator to be mounted can be placed, the support member having a recess therefor, and the container is held by tightening the container with bands from a side opposite the support member for the container. In this container holding device, one end of the band is fixed to the support member with a screw. The other end of the band is fixed to the support member while being preloaded by a coil spring. The band receives a preload force of the coil spring and is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the high-pressure accumulator.In order to reduce the size of the reservoir holding device, attempts have been made to replace the conventional coil spring with a leaf spring structure, but this has led to the problem that when a large load is applied to the belt, such as during sharp deceleration of the vehicle incorporating the high-pressure accumulator, the spring may be excessively stressed and irreversibly deformed.

[0008] The problem described above is particularly prevalent in large high-pressure accumulators with a volume of 500 liters or more, especially a volume of approximately 2000 liters. Such large high-pressure accumulators require a large breathing area in which they can expand elastically.

[0009] Furthermore, with conventional tank storage systems, which are used in particular to supply inland waterway vessels with the hydrogen required for fuel cell propulsion, there is the problem that leaks occur in the high-pressure accumulator, which can potentially lead to a fire within the tank storage system, particularly within the large number of high-pressure accumulators in the tank storage system, which can then cause further damage to neighbouring high-pressure accumulators. Accordingly, on the one hand there is an interest in monitoring the condition, particularly the integrity, of the individual high-pressure accumulators and of the entire tank storage system, and on the other hand it is desirable to keep the released hydrogen, particularly ignited hydrogen, away from the high-pressure accumulators as far as possible.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] Against the background of the problems described above in the storage of hydrogen in high-pressure accumulators or tank storage systems comprising a plurality of high-pressure accumulators, one object of the invention is to provide a heat shield, a high-pressure accumulator comprising two heat shields according to the invention, a tank storage system comprising a plurality of high-pressure accumulators according to the invention and a method for locating tank storage systems which are capable, on the one hand, of accommodating the individual high-pressure accumulators with improved safety and, at the same time, in the event of a leak, in particular of flaring of the escaping hydrogen, of keeping the heat generated away from the individual high-pressure accumulators. Furthermore, are capable of reliably monitoring the condition, in particular the intactness, of the individual high-pressure accumulators.

[0012] The above objects are achieved by a heat shield according to claim 1, a high-pressure accumulator for storing hydrogen according to claim 11, a tank storage system for providing compressed, gaseous hydrogen according to claim 13 and a method for locating a tank storage system according to claim 22.

[0013] Preferred developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, wherein the objects of the heat shield, the high-pressure accumulator and the tank storage system can be used in the method for locating a tank storage system and vice versa.

[0014] One of the basic ideas of the present invention is to provide a heat shield that can accommodate or support at least one high-pressure accumulator, comprising: a base plate and a fastening means that is designed to fasten the base plate to a boss of a high-pressure accumulator, wherein the base plate has a polygonal shape or contour and the polygonal round plate has an imaginary incircle that has a diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the high-pressure accumulator to be accommodated. According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat shield for high-pressure accumulators for storing hydrogen has a base plate and a fastening means. The fastening means is designed to fasten the base plate to a boss of a high-pressure accumulator, in particular a type IV high-pressure vessel.However, it is also conceivable to design the base plate such that a plurality of high-pressure accumulators can be attached to or accommodated on the single base plate. The base plate preferably has a regular polygonal, in particular honeycomb-shaped or hexagonal, contour or shape, in particular an outer contour. According to the invention, the polygonal contour, in particular an outer contour, has an imaginary inscribed circle with a diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the high-pressure accumulator to be accommodated.

[0015] In other words, the outer diameter of the high-pressure accumulator does not extend beyond the contour of the base plate, which means that the polygonal base plate, in particular the honeycomb or hexagonal contour of the base plate, can be used to support several high-pressure accumulators with their respective heat shields on top of each other in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0016] It is advantageous if the diameter of the imaginary inscribed circle of the base plate is in a range of 1.025:1 to 1.20:1, in particular 1.05:1 to 1.01:1, larger than the outer diameter of the high-pressure accumulator to be accommodated.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferred that the diameter of the imaginary inscribed circle of the base plate be in a range from 20 cm to 100 cm, preferably in a range from 30 cm to 60 cm. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the base plate can be formed from metal, in particular stainless steel, composite material, in particular glass fiber reinforced plastic, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the like.

[0018] In this case, it is advantageous if the base plate is provided on the outer circumference with a circumferential wall which provides an enlarged contact surface, wherein the circumferential wall is preferably provided with one or more openings which serve or serve for the laying of pipes.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous if an opening is provided in the middle of each polygon side of the surrounding wall.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred if the base plate has a reinforcement, preferably in the form of a circular plate, at least on one end face, preferably on both opposite end faces, which serves to stiffen the base plate. In this way, the area where the base plate is attached to the boss of the high-pressure accumulator is also reinforced, thus ensuring secure support of the high-pressure accumulator.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the fastening means is designed as: a) an internal thread provided centrally in the base plate, which is designed to be screwed onto an external thread provided on the boss of the high-pressure accumulator (100) to be accommodated, and / or b) a plurality of screw connections, by means of which the base plate can be screwed to the boss of the high-pressure accumulator to be accommodated, in particular to an end face of the boss. Furthermore, it is preferred if the base plate has a bore through which an on-tank valve can be screwed or screwed onto the boss.

[0022] It is advantageous if the connection of the ON-tank valve to the boss is designed in such a way that the ON-tank valve is arranged in the installed position on the side of the base plate facing away from the high-pressure accumulator.

[0023] Furthermore , it is advantageous if the fastening means is designed in such a way that after fastening the heat shield , in particular the base plate , to the boss , a gap or air gap remains between the high - pressure accumulator and the base plate , wherein the gap or air gap preferably has a width of 1 to 5 mm .

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a high-pressure accumulator for storing hydrogen, in particular a high-pressure container of type IV, comprising: an elongated container body, having a proximal first end and a distal second end, wherein the two ends are open and are each provided with a boss, and two heat shields according to the invention as described above, wherein one of the two heat shields is attached or fastened to one of the two ends, in particular bosses.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the high-pressure accumulator has a resin lining provided inside a reinforcing layer, wherein the resin lining (in English "liner") preferably consists of a polyamide and the reinforcing layer preferably consists of a matrix with a wound reinforcing fiber, in particular carbon fiber, glass fiber, or a mixture thereof.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tank storage system for providing compressed, gaseous hydrogen, which is preferably used as a storage system for ships, comprising: a support frame and a plurality of high-pressure accumulators accommodated in the support frame, wherein the high-pressure accumulators are designed according to the invention as described above. Furthermore, the individual high-pressure accumulators are supported on one another or stacked on top of one another via the respective (two) heat shields, in particular the base plates. In this case, the preferably honeycomb-shaped base plates are supported on one another or stacked on top of one another in an advantageous, in particular space-saving, manner.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred that all screwed components of the tank storage system, such as on-tank valves, thermal pressure relief devices (TPRDs), valve units (such as gas handling units (GHUs)), quick couplings and the like, are attached in front of the respective heat shields, in particular no screwed components are provided inside the support frame. In other words, all components are arranged on the side of the heat shield which faces away from the high-pressure accumulators of the tank storage system. In this way it is ensured that the risk of a leak occurring inside the support frame, i.e. in the vicinity of the high-pressure accumulators, is minimized. By arranging all screw connections outside the support frame, a leak can only occur near the high-pressure accumulators if the connecting lines burst.

[0028] In this case, it may be advantageous if each of the plurality of high-pressure accumulators is provided with an on-tank valve and the plurality of on-tank valves are connected to one another via pipes, wherein the individual pipes preferably run through the openings provided on the circumferential wall of the base plate.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferred if the individual heat shields of the plurality of high-pressure accumulators are each screwed to the polygon side or contact surface with the polygon side or contact surface of the adjacent or neighboring high-pressure accumulator.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the heat shields has a heat conduction device configured to transmit a thermal event, such as a fire in front of the heat shield, to one or more of the TPRDs of the tank storage system. For this purpose, the heat conduction device can be provided with a steel pipe that transmits the temperature at the heat shield to the TPRD(s).

[0031] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the tank storage system has a locating device, in particular a GPS receiver, by means of which the position of the tank storage can be queried or monitored, in particular cloud-based queried or monitored.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferred if the tank storage system has a vibration detection device which is designed to detect anomalies during transport, lifting and setting down of the tank storage system as well as during use of the tank storage system and to make the determined state of the tank storage system available, preferably in a cloud-based manner, wherein the vibration detection device preferably comprises an acceleration sensor.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the tank storage system has an automatic fire extinguishing system, in particular a sprinkler system, which is provided within the supporting frame of the tank storage system and is supplied with water from the outside.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the tank storage system may further comprise two quick couplings, one of the quick couplings being used to connect the tank storage system (200) to a hydrogen supply system of a vehicle, in particular a ship, and the other quick coupling being used to connect to a water supply network of the vehicle, in particular the ship.

[0035] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the tank storage system has a communication device, in particular a wireless communication device using infrared, radio, Bluetooth, or WLAN (wireless local area network), which is set up to send or transmit data recorded by the tank storage system, in particular the locating device or the vibration recording device, such as position, amplitude of a recorded vibration, but also pressures, temperatures, opening and closing cycles and / or opening and closing positions of individual valves, in particular of the OTV, to external users.

[0036] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the tank storage system additionally has a control device which is designed to receive signals, in particular measurement signals from the locating device, the vibration detection device or other detection units of the tank storage system, in particular temperature and pressure sensors, to process these signals and to output corresponding control signals, in particular to a safety valve and / or a pressure control valve and / or a thermal pressure relief device of the OTV and / or to the communication device.

[0037] It is furthermore advantageous if the heat shield is designed in such a way, in particular is designed to be so rigid, that the heat shield can serve as an impact plate which can prevent direct force from acting on the individual high-pressure accumulators of the tank storage system in the event of a crash, a collision and the like. It is furthermore advantageous if the control device is set up to monitor the integrity of the tank storage system by means of the signals received from the vibration detection device, an angle measuring device (to be described in detail later), the pressure and / or temperature sensors. It is advantageous if the monitoring takes place cyclically, in particular every 10 minutes, preferably every 5 minutes, and / or at certain events such as the filling of the tank storage system, loading and / or unloading of the vehicle, in particular the ship.It is further advantageous if, before loading of the vehicle, in particular of the ship, is carried out, the integrity of the tank storage system is checked based on the signals received from the vibration detection device, the angle measuring device and the pressure and / or temperature sensors and if an anomaly is detected, loading is prevented.

[0038] The control device can further be configured to communicate with the filling system during the filling of the tank storage system with hydrogen and to transmit actual time data. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control device is configured to cyclically transmit all relevant data (recorded signals such as pressures, temperatures, angles, vibrations, etc.) to the cloud and store it there. It is also advantageous if the control device has a sleep mode and is only woken up or activated for certain events, such as loading the vehicle with the tank storage system. Alternatively, the recording rate (cyclical transmission of data) can also be increased during a recorded loading process, unloading process and / or filling process.

[0039] The control system can also be configured to

[0040] The filling process of the tank storage system must be monitored, particularly the speed (filling rate) at which the tank storage system is filled with hydrogen. If filling is detected to be too rapid, which usually leads to an excessively high temperature in the high-pressure accumulators, an anomaly can also be logged. This subsequently prevents a vehicle from being loaded using the tank storage system.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the tank storage system can have an at least partially gas-permeable casing, which is preferably formed by a film that encloses the support frame at least on the top and the sides. In this case, the gas-permeable casing can be made of a gas-permeable material or a gas-impermeable material with ventilation cutouts. In this way, in the event of a leak being detected within the tank storage system, it is possible to quickly generate a gas mixture enriched with nitrogen (N2), in particular spray mist, in particular by means of the fire extinguishing system described above, and in this way to reduce the oxygen content, whereby the flammability of the gas mixture within the tank storage system can be drastically reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the tank storage system is designed in the size and shape of a 20-foot container, in particular if it has receiving and / or fastening elements corresponding to a 20-foot container, so that the tank storage system is compatible with conventional 20-foot containers. In this way, the tank storage system can be transported by conventional transport trucks for 20-foot containers.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for locating a tank storage system, in particular the tank storage system according to the invention described above, comprising the steps:

[0044] Detecting a current location of the tank storage system by means of a locating device, in particular a GPS receiver,

[0045] Storing the determined location of the tank storage system on a cloud-based server, whereby the stored location is stored together with identification information of the tank storage system, which enables a unique identification of the (respective) tank storage system,

[0046] Retrieving the most recently stored location of the tank storage system from the cloud-based server using an electronic user device, and

[0047] Displaying the stored location of the tank storage system on an electronic user device display.

[0048] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the method further comprises the steps:

[0049] Monitoring a condition, in particular the intactness, of at least one high-pressure accumulator of the tank storage system by means of a monitoring device, in particular a vibration detection device, and continuously storing the actual condition of the at least one high-pressure accumulator on the cloud-based server, in particular together with the determined location and the identification information of the tank storage system.

[0050] For this purpose, the tank storage system, in particular the monitoring device, can be provided with an angle measuring device in addition to the vibration detection device, which detects an inclination of the tank storage system relative to the horizontal, in particular relative to the ground. If, for example, an inclination of more than 45 degrees is detected, it is concluded that an anomaly, such as the tank storage system tipping over, has occurred.

[0051] Furthermore, the monitoring device can comprise further sensors such as pressure and / or temperature sensors, which are provided at critical points of the tank storage system, such as the individual high-pressure storage vessels, the OTVs, the TPRs and the like.

[0052] The monitoring device can therefore be used to monitor the integrity of the tank storage system, in particular of the individual components such as high-pressure accumulators, valves (OTVs and TPRDs), controls, piping, and the like, and to issue a warning if an anomaly is detected. For example, the vibration detection device can detect a shock that occurs when the tank storage system is accidentally dropped when a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded. Likewise, the pressure and / or temperature sensors, which are preferably provided on the individual high-pressure accumulators, can detect excessively rapid filling of the tank storage system with hydrogen (temperature in the high-pressure accumulators is too high) or excessively rapid emptying (individual components cooling down too much).The detection and logging of anomalies is particularly relevant for insurance companies, which need to determine exactly where the tank storage system may have been damaged. Furthermore, from a safety perspective, it is important to ensure that only undamaged tank storage systems are loaded onto vehicles such as trucks and ships.

[0053] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the method further comprises the steps:

[0054] Detecting an anomaly of at least one

[0055] high-pressure accumulator by the monitoring device, transmitting an alarm signal to the electronic user device via the cloud-based server, and visually, acoustically and / or haptically communicating or displaying the detected anomaly by means of the electronic user device.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the method additionally comprises the steps of:

[0057] Acquiring at least one further item of status information about the tank storage system selected from the group comprising: filling status of the tank storage system, current pressure in the at least one high-pressure accumulator, temperature of the at least one high-pressure accumulator and / or the tank storage system, current emptying rate of the

[0058] Tank storage system, number of filling cycles, and continuous storage of at least one further item of status information of the tank storage system on the cloud-based server, in particular together with the determined location and the identification information of the tank storage system.

[0059] The heat shield for protecting high-pressure accumulators from excessive heating and for the space-saving and effective stacking of multiple high-pressure accumulators can be integrated into the described high-pressure accumulator for storing hydrogen as well as the described tank storage system for providing compressed, gaseous hydrogen. Furthermore, the heat shield, the high-pressure accumulator, or the tank storage system can be used in the method for locating a tank storage system. Therefore, the further features disclosed in connection with the heat shield, the high-pressure accumulator, and the tank system can also be used for the method and the respective other device. The same applies conversely to the aspects described in connection with the method. Brief description of the figures

[0060] Further features and advantages of a device, a use and / or a method will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures show:

[0061] Fig. 1 schematically shows a known high-pressure accumulator according to the prior art,

[0062] Fig. 2 schematically shows a container holding device according to the prior art,

[0063] Fig. 3 schematically shows an embodiment of a tank storage system according to the present invention,

[0064] Fig. 4 schematically shows the tank storage system shown in Fig. 3 with enlarged sections,

[0065] Fig. 5 schematically shows a heat shield of the tank storage system shown in Fig. 4, and

[0066] Fig. 6 schematically shows an embodiment of a heat shield according to the present invention including an enlarged detail.

[0067] Description of embodiments

[0068] The same reference symbols appearing in different figures indicate identical, corresponding, or functionally similar elements.

[0069] Figure 1 schematically shows a known high-pressure accumulator according to the prior art. As can be seen from Figure 1, the high-pressure accumulator has a resin lining made of polyamide (polymer liner), around which a reinforcing layer made of a matrix, preferably a reinforcing fiber, is wound. The high-pressure accumulator shown is further provided with two bosses, each provided at one end of the elongated container body of the high-pressure accumulator.

[0070] In this case, both bosses or just one of the two bosses can be provided with a valve. As a rule, only one of the two bosses is provided with a valve. In this case, the valve (or valve assembly) has a closing valve with which the high-pressure accumulator, in particular the hydrogen admitted into the high-pressure accumulator, can be shut off. Furthermore, the valve, which is generally referred to as an "on-tank valve", advantageously has a TPRD (Thermally Activated Pressure Relief Device), which serves to safely release the hydrogen stored in the high-pressure accumulator in the event of an anomaly, in particular an increased temperature, which could endanger the integrity of the high-pressure accumulator. Such high-pressure accumulators often have dome protection, which serves to protect the dome(s) of the high-pressure accumulator from external influences, which are particularly vulnerable during transport.

[0071] Figure 2 schematically shows a container holding device 300 according to the prior art, comprising a band 313 configured to tightly tighten a hydrogen container 301. The band 313 has a strip-shaped base portion extending along an outer circumference of the hydrogen container 301, a plurality of pressing portions protruding from both sides of the base portion in a width direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the base portion and configured to apply a pressing force (compression force) to an outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen container 301 by elastically deforming in abutment against the outer peripheral surface of the hydrogen container, and a deformation limiting portion configured to limit deformation of the pressing portions to a predetermined amount.By means of a reinforcement plate 312, the container holding device 300 can be fastened to a vehicle frame of a vehicle in which the hydrogen container 301 is to be accommodated, or to a support frame of a swap container. Figure 3 schematically shows an embodiment of a tank storage system 200 according to the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 3, the tank storage system 200 shown has a support frame 210, which is constructed from rectangular tubes 211 that are screwed or welded together and stiffened against one another via transversely running stiffening plates or stiffening tubes 212. The support frame 210 serves to accommodate a plurality of high-pressure accumulators, in the embodiment shown 8 high-pressure accumulators.Each of the high-pressure accumulators 100 has a heat shield 1 according to the invention at both ends of the elongated container body 110 (proximal first end 111 and distal second end 112).

[0072] In the embodiment shown, the individual heat shields 1 each have a base plate 10 with a honeycomb contour, which allows the base plates 10 to be easily stacked and supported against one another. In this way, a partition wall of heat shields 1 is formed between the plurality of high-pressure accumulators 100 and the outside environment, in particular at the two end faces of the tank storage system 200, whereby the high-pressure accumulators can be protected from external influences.

[0073] As Figure 3 further shows, each of the high-pressure vessels 100 is provided with a boss 101, which is arranged at the proximal first end of the elongated vessel body 110. If desired or necessary, a boss 101 can be provided at both ends of the elongated vessel body. An on-tank valve 102 is provided on each individual boss 101, which serves as an interface to the high-pressure accumulators 100. The individual on-tank valves are connected to one another via pipes 220. The pipes 220 serve, on the one hand, to fill the high-pressure vessels 100 with hydrogen and, on the other hand, to remove the stored hydrogen. Furthermore, if the on-tank valves 102 are equipped with a TPRD (Thermally Activated Pressure Relief Device), additional pipelines 220 can be provided which are used to safely and specifically release the stored hydrogen in the event of a thermal event.The hydrogen is usually released upwards, towards the sky, so that in the event of the released hydrogen igniting, no people or equipment are endangered. To ensure that the hydrogen is released upwards towards the sky even in the event of an accident in which the vehicle or tank storage system tilts or even tips over, the tank storage system can be equipped with a gyro sensor, which can detect a tipping over of the vehicle or tank storage system and redirect the released hydrogen accordingly.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the tank storage system shown in Figure 3 with enlarged sections. As can be seen from Figure 4, and in particular from Figure 5, the individual pipes run through openings 14 which are provided on peripheral walls 13 of the heat shields 1. In the embodiment shown, the base plates 10 of the heat shields are designed as relatively thin metal plates with a thickness of 10 mm to 20 mm. In order to be able to ensure secure stacking of the high-pressure vessels 100 despite the relatively thin metal plate, it is therefore advantageous to provide an at least partially peripheral wall 13 on the outer contour or the outer circumference of the base plate. The peripheral wall 13 can be arranged such that it receives the base plate 10 centrally. The peripheral wall 13 is also preferably made from a metal sheet which is folded according to the polygonal outer contour of the base plate 10.The metal sheet of the surrounding wall 13 is preferably welded to the base plate 10. In another embodiment of the present invention, no surrounding wall 13 is provided. In order to still provide sufficient load-bearing capacity between the individual heat shields 1, it is necessary in this embodiment to make the base plate 10 wider. In this embodiment, the heat shield 1, in particular the base plate 10, can have a thickness of 50 mm to 100 mm. In order to still keep the weight of the tank storage system within reasonable limits, it is advantageous to manufacture the heat shield not from metal, but from a composite material, in particular from glass fiber reinforced plastic, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, or a mixture of both fibers.To ensure stable fixation of the individual high-pressure accumulators 100 in the support frame 210 of the tank storage system 200, the individual heat shields 1 are screwed together at the contacting circumferential walls 13 (contact surfaces). Furthermore, individual heat shields 1 are connected to the.

[0075] Support frame 210 screwed.

[0076] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a heat shield 1 of the tank storage system 200 shown in Figure 4. As can be seen from Figure 5, the base plate 10 and the surrounding wall 13 are slightly rounded at the corners of the polygon in order to simplify stacking the individual heat shields 1. Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 5, as is also shown in further detail in Figure 6, that the base plate 10 has a doubling 14A, 14B on both end faces, i.e. the side facing towards the high-pressure accumulator 100 and the side facing away from the high-pressure accumulator 100. This doubling is designed as a circular metal plate and serves to stiffen the base plate 10, in particular the fastening area of ​​the heat shield 1, which is fastened to the boss 101 of the high-pressure accumulator 100.

[0077] Figure 6 schematically shows an embodiment of a heat shield 1 according to the present invention, including an enlarged section to illustrate further details of the heat shield 1. As can be seen from the lower illustration of Figure 6, the base plate 10 has an imaginary incircle 12 which lies within the outer contour of the polygonal base plate 10 and has a diameter D2 which is larger than an outer diameter D2 of the rising high-pressure accumulator 100. In this way, it can be ensured that the polygonal base plates 10 of the heat shields 1 can be stacked on top of one another without the high-pressure accumulators 100 coming into contact with one another.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the heat shield is provided with an internal thread 15, which is arranged centrally in the base plate 10 and serves to be screwed onto an external thread provided on the boss 101 of the high-pressure accumulator 100. Alternatively, it is possible to screw the base plate 10 to the boss 101 using a plurality of screw connections, in particular to the front side of the boss 101. In the embodiment shown, a bore is provided in the base plate 10, through which bore the on-tank valve 102 of the high-pressure accumulator 100 can be screwed to the boss 101. When attaching the base plate to the boss 101, it is also important that after the heat shield 1 has been attached, an air gap remains between the high-pressure accumulator 100 and the base plate 10 of the heat shield 1 in order to allow the high-pressure accumulator 100 to breathe.

[0079] Furthermore, a locating device (not shown), in particular a GPS receiver, can be provided or integrated into the on-tank valve 102 of the high-pressure accumulator 100 or at another location in the tank storage system 200, by means of which the position of the tank storage system can be queried or monitored. It is advantageous if the recorded GPS data can be stored on a cloud-based server and made available to users via this server. Furthermore, the tank storage system 200 can have a vibration detection device, in particular an acceleration sensor, which serves to detect anomalies during transport, lifting and / or setting down of the tank storage system 200 as well as during use of the tank storage system 200.Based on oscillations and / or vibrations detected by the vibration detection device, the vibration detection device can infer anomalies, such as a sudden (too rapid) lowering of the tank storage system 200 to the ground, which could possibly lead to a leak in the tank storage system 200. If such an anomaly is detected, it is also stored on a cloud-based server and made available to users via this server. Accordingly, an operator of a ship that is supplied with hydrogen by the tank storage system 200 can be informed of the detected anomaly and, if the anomaly does not pose an immediate danger, consider early maintenance of the tank storage system 200.

[0080] Furthermore, the tank storage system 200 shown can be provided with a fire extinguishing system (not shown), in particular an automatically triggered fire extinguishing system, which is provided within the tank storage system 200, in particular within the support frame 200, and is supplied with water externally for a possible extinguishing process. If, for example, the TPRD detects a temperature above a normal range, the fire extinguishing system can be triggered automatically. If the temperature does not drop again within a preset period of time and assumes values ​​within the normal range, an emergency emptying of the tank storage system can be carried out by the TPRDs. In addition, the tank storage system 200 can be connected via two quick couplings to a hydrogen supply system of the vehicle, in which the tank storage system is integrated or inserted, and to a water supply network of the vehicle.The quick couplings enable the tank storage system 200 to be connected and disconnected quickly and safely when changing the tank storage system after the stored hydrogen has been completely used up.

[0081] Furthermore, the tank storage system 200 can have a communication device which preferably communicates via radio, in particular mobile radio, with electronic user devices such as smartphones, tablets and the like. The communication device serves to send data to the cloud-based server via the radio signal, which data is then made accessible to the electronic user device. The communication device can send data such as the location of the tank storage system 200, amplitude of a detected vibration, a determined anomaly, detected pressures and temperatures, in particular of the individual high-pressure accumulators 100 or of the entire tank storage system 200, opening and closing cycles, opening and closing positions of individual valves, in particular of the OTVs, to the cloud-based server and make them accessible to the electronic user device via the server.

[0082] For this purpose, the tank storage system 200, in particular one of the OTVs, can be provided with a control device which serves to receive and process signals, in particular measurement signals from the locating device, the vibration detection device, data from the communication device and signals from other detection units of the tank storage system, such as from temperature and pressure sensors which are installed in the pipelines 220 or directly in the OTVs of the individual high-pressure accumulators 100. Based on the received data and signals, the control device can determine and output control signals which can be used in particular to control the safety valve, a pressure control valve, a thermal pressure relief device (TPRD) and / or the communication device.

[0083] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that individual features described in different embodiments may also be implemented in a single embodiment, provided they are not structurally incompatible. Likewise, various features described in a single embodiment may also be provided in multiple embodiments, individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0084] Reference symbol list:

[0085] 1 heat shield

[0086] 10 Base plate

[0087] 11 Outer contour

[0088] 12 imaginary incircle

[0089] 13 surrounding wall

[0090] 14 Breakthrough

[0091] 14A, 14B doubling

[0092] 15 internal threads

[0093] 20 fasteners

[0094] 100 high-pressure accumulators

[0095] 101 Bosses

[0096] 102 On-Tank Valve (OTV)

[0097] 110 container body

[0098] 111 proximal (first) end

[0099] 112 distal (second) end

[0100] 120 resin lining

[0101] 121 Reinforcing layer

[0102] 200 tank storage system

[0103] 210 supporting frame

[0104] 211 rectangular tubes

[0105] 212 stiffening tubes

[0106] 220 pipelines

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Heat shield (1) for high-pressure accumulators (100) for storing hydrogen, comprising: a base plate (10), a fastening means (20) which is designed to fasten the base plate (10) to a boss (101) of a high-pressure accumulator (100), in particular a type IV high-pressure vessel, wherein the base plate (10) has a polygonal, in particular honeycomb-shaped or hexagonal, outer contour (11) and the polygonal outer contour (11) comprises an imaginary incircle (12) which has a diameter (D2) which is greater than an outer diameter (D2) of the high-pressure accumulator (100) to be accommodated.

2. Heat shield (1) according to claim 1, wherein the diameter (Di) of the imaginary inscribed circle (12) of the base plate (10) is in a range of 1.025:1 to 1.20:1, in particular 1.05:1 to 1.01:1, larger than the outer diameter (D2) of the high-pressure accumulator (100) to be accommodated.

3. Heat shield (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter (D2) of the imaginary incircle (12) of the base plate (10) is in a range from 20 cm to 100 cm, preferably in a range from 30 cm to 60 cm.

4. Heat shield (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (10) is formed from metal, in particular stainless steel, composite material, in particular glass fiber reinforced plastic, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the like.

5. Heat shield (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (10) is provided on the outer circumference with a circumferential wall (13) which provides an enlarged contact surface, wherein the circumferential wall (13) preferably provided with one or more openings (14) which serve for laying pipes.

6. Heat shield (1) according to claim 5, wherein an opening (14) is provided centrally on each polygon side (13A) of the circumferential wall (13).

7. Heat shield (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (10) has at least on one end face, preferably on both opposite end faces, a doubling (14A, 14B), preferably in the form of a circular plate, which serves to stiffen the base plate (10).

8. Heat shield (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (20) is designed as: a) an internal thread (15) provided centrally in the base plate (10), which is designed to be screwable onto an external thread provided on the boss (101) of the high-pressure accumulator (100) to be accommodated, and / or b) a plurality of screw connections, by means of which the base plate (10) can be screwed onto the boss (101) of the high-pressure accumulator (100) to be accommodated, in particular an end face of the boss (101).

9. Heat shield (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (10) has a bore through which an on-tank valve (OTV; 102) can be screwed or screwed onto the boss (101).

10. Heat shield (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (20) is arranged such that after fastening of the heat shield (1), in particular the base plate (10), to the boss (101), an air gap remains between the high-pressure accumulator (100) and the base plate (10), wherein the air gap preferably has a width of 1 to 5 mm.

11. High-pressure accumulator (100) for storing hydrogen, in particular a type IV high-pressure container, comprising: an elongated container body (110) having a proximal first end (111) and a distal second end (112), the two ends (111, 112) being open and each provided with a boss (101), and two heat shields (1, 1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, one of the two heat shields (1, 1) being attached or fastened to one of the two ends (111, 112).

12. High-pressure accumulator (100) according to claim 11, wherein the high-pressure accumulator (100) has a resin liner (120) provided inside a reinforcing layer (121), wherein the resin liner consists of a polyamide and the reinforcing layer (121) consists of a matrix with a wound reinforcing fiber, in particular carbon fiber, glass fiber, or a mixture thereof.

13. Tank storage system (200) for providing compressed, gaseous hydrogen, which preferably serves as a storage system for ships, comprising: a support frame (210), and a plurality of high-pressure accumulators (100) accommodated in the support frame (210) according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 12, wherein the individual high-pressure accumulators (100) are supported on one another via the respective heat shields (1), in particular the base plates (10).

14. Tank storage system (200) according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of high-pressure accumulators (100) is provided with an on-tank valve (102) and the plurality of on-tank valves are connected to one another via pipelines (220), wherein the individual pipelines (220) are preferably connected by the openings provided on the surrounding wall (13) (14).

15. Tank storage system (200) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the individual heat shields (1) of the plurality of high-pressure accumulators (100) are each screwed on the polygon side (13A) to the polygon side (13A) of the adjacent or neighboring high-pressure accumulator (100).

16. Tank storage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 15, wherein all screwed components of the tank storage system (200) are mounted in front of the respective heat shields (1), in particular no screwed components are provided within the support frame (210).

17. Tank storage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 16, further comprising a locating device, in particular a GPS receiver, by means of which the position of the tank storage system can be queried or monitored, in particular cloud-based queried or monitored.

18. Tank storage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 17, further comprising a vibration detection device which is configured to detect anomalies during transport, lifting and setting down of the tank storage system (200) as well as during use of the tank storage system (200) and to make the determined state of the tank storage system (200) available, preferably in a cloud-based manner, wherein the vibration detection device preferably comprises an acceleration sensor.

19. Tank storage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 18, further comprising an automatic fire extinguishing system, in particular a sprinkler system, which is arranged within of the support frame (210) of the tank storage system (200) and is supplied with water from the outside.

20. Tank storage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 19, further comprising two quick couplings, one of the quick couplings serving to connect the tank storage system (200) to a hydrogen supply system of a vehicle, in particular a ship, and the other quick coupling serving to connect to a water supply network of the vehicle, in particular the ship.

21. Tank storage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 20, further comprising a communication device, in particular a wireless communication device using infrared, radio, Bluetooth, or WLAN (wireless local area network), which is set up to send or transmit data detected by the tank storage system (200), in particular the locating device or the vibration detection device, such as position, amplitude of a detected vibration, but also pressures, temperatures, opening and closing cycles and / or opening and closing positions of individual valves, in particular of the OTV, to external users.

22. Tank storage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 21, further comprising a control device which is configured to receive signals, in particular measurement signals of the locating device, the vibration detection device or other detection units of the tank storage system, in particular temperature and pressure sensors, to process these signals and to output corresponding control signals, in particular to a safety valve and / or a pressure control valve and / or a thermal pressure relief device of the OTV and / or to the communication device.

23. Tank storage system (200) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 22, further comprising an at least partially gas-permeable casing, which is preferably formed by a film which encloses the support frame at least on the top and the sides.

24. A method for locating a tank storage system, in particular the tank storage system (200) of one of the preceding claims 13 to 21, comprising the steps: Detecting a current location of the tank storage system (200) by means of a locating device, in particular a GPS receiver, Storing the determined location of the tank storage system (200) on a cloud-based server, wherein the stored location is stored together with identification information of the tank storage system (200), which enables a unique identification of the (respective) tank storage system, Retrieving the preferably last stored, determined location of the tank storage system (200) by means of an electronic user device from the cloud-based server, and Displaying the stored location of the tank storage system (200) on a display of the electronic user device.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of: Monitoring a state, in particular the integrity, of at least one high-pressure accumulator (100) of the tank storage system (200) by means of a monitoring device, in particular a vibration detection device, and continuously storing the actual state of the at least one high-pressure accumulator (100) on the cloud-based server, in particular together with the determined location and the identification information of the tank storage system (200) .

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising Steps: detecting an anomaly of the at least one high-pressure accumulator (100) by the monitoring device, Transmitting an alarm signal to the electronic user device via the cloud-based server, and visually, audibly and / or haptically communicating or displaying the detected anomaly by means of the electronic user device.

27. Method according to one of the preceding claims 24 to 26, further comprising the steps: Recording at least one further item of status information about the tank storage system (200) selected from the group comprising: filling level of the tank storage system (200), current pressure in the at least one high-pressure accumulator (100), temperature of the at least one high-pressure accumulator (100) and / or of the tank storage system (200), current emptying rate of the tank storage system (200), number of filling cycles, and continuously storing the at least one further item of status information of the tank storage system (200) on the cloud-based server, in particular together with the determined location and the identification information of the tank storage system (200).

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