Fuel cell system, trailer and method for increasing the safety of a fuel cell system located in a trailer

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel cell system (10) for a trailer (12), in particular a driveless trailer (12), having a plurality of fuel cells (11), having a hydrogen supply (14) for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cells (11), having at least one tank valve (16) for opening and closing the hydrogen supply (14), the tank valve (16) being open-loop and / or closed-loop controllable, having an optional high-voltage system with at least one high-voltage component (42), having at least one impact sensor (18) for sensing (110) an impact by the trailer (12) and / or on the trailer (12), and having a fuel cell monitoring unit (20), wherein the fuel cell monitoring unit (20) has an acquisition unit (22) for acquiring the data from the impact sensor (18) and has a comparison unit (24) for comparing the acquired data from the impact sensor (18) with stored impact comparison values, and wherein the fuel cell monitoring unit (20) is designed to open-loop and / or close-loop control the at least one tank valve (16) and the optional high-voltage system with at least one high-voltage component depending on the comparison of the acquired data from the impact sensor (18) with the stored impact comparison values.

Description

[0001] Description the security of a located

[0002] The invention relates to a fuel cell system having the features of independent patent claim 1, a trailer having the features of independent patent claim 6 and a method having the features of independent patent claim 9.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] From DE 10 2007 029 715 A1 and DE 10 2006 044 814 A1, a crash detection system is known, the data of which communicate with a control unit of a motor vehicle (motor vehicle) in order to then interrupt the fuel cells or their supply or to discharge electrical components.

[0005] If, in the known solutions, a trailer, e.g. a refrigerated trailer, is coupled which has a fuel cell system for supply, this fuel cell system is controlled independently of the control unit of the towing vehicle. In the event of an impact, the impact signal is recorded by the sensors of the towing vehicle. Due to the independent control of the fuel cell system from the towing vehicle and also the spatial separation, this impact signal can only be passed on to the fuel cell system with great effort and with a delay. This can lead to longer reaction times. At the same time, some impact scenarios are not taken into account at all, so that the safety of the fuel cell system in the trailer is low. It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above.In particular, the object of the invention is to increase the safety of a fuel cell system and a trailer and to accelerate the error reactions.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The invention proposes a fuel cell system having the features of independent patent claim 1, a trailer having the features of independent patent claim 6, and a method having the features of independent patent claim 9. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the fuel cell system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the trailer according to the invention and / or in connection with the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention is a fuel cell system for a trailer, in particular a non-powered trailer, comprising a plurality of fuel cells, a hydrogen supply for supplying the fuel cells with hydrogen, at least one tank valve for opening and closing the hydrogen supply, wherein the tank valve is controllable and / or regulatable, at least one impact sensor for detecting an impact of the trailer and / or on the trailer, and a fuel cell control unit, wherein the fuel cell control unit has a detection unit for detecting the data of the impact sensor and a comparison unit for comparing the detected data of the impact sensor with stored impact comparison values.The fuel cell control unit is designed to control and / or regulate at least one tank valve based on a comparison of the data recorded by the impact sensor with the stored impact comparison values. For safety reasons, in an impact scenario, the hydrogen supply is prevented or shut off, and the high-voltage voltage is reduced. It is also conceivable that when an impact is detected by the impact sensor, a discharge and disconnection of the high-voltage supply is initiated (safe state < 60V DC).

[0009] In this context, a trailer is understood to be a non-powered trailer with electrical functions. It has electrical components and systems to perform specific tasks or functions. The fuel cell system according to the invention is used to operate these electrical components.

[0010] The impact comparison values ​​are derived from safety regulations for fuel cell systems. For example, according to UN ECE 134 Part III 7.2 for tank systems, the impact acceleration must be measured at the location where the hydrogen storage system is installed. The vehicle's fuel system must be mounted and secured to a representative part of the vehicle. The mass used must be representative of a fully equipped and filled tank or tank assembly.

[0011] The following accelerations for the vehicles are then stored as impact comparison values:

[0012] Vehicles of classes M1 and N1:

[0013] (a) 20 g in the direction of travel (forward and backward);

[0014] (b) 8 g in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of travel (left and right).

[0015] Accelerations in vehicles of classes M2 and N2

[0016] (a) 10 g in the direction of travel (forward and backward)

[0017] (b) 5 g in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of travel (left and right).

[0018] Accelerations in vehicles of classes M3 and N3

[0019] (a) 6.6 g in the direction of travel (forward and backward);

[0020] (b) 5 g horizontally perpendicular to the direction of travel (left and right). In the event of an impact, the impact sensor records impact values, e.g., acceleration values ​​or values ​​that are dependent on acceleration values. The recorded values ​​are processed in the fuel cell control unit and compared with the impact comparison values ​​by the comparison unit. If the recorded data exceed the impact comparison values, the tank valve is closed to interrupt the supply to the multiple fuel cells.

[0021] This increases the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0022] Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous that the impact sensor is designed to measure two spatial directions, preferably three spatial directions, in the event of an impact.

[0023] This is particularly advantageous for quickly detecting an impact and assessing its severity. An impact sensor capable of detecting an impact in two spatial directions provides more accurate results regarding the severity of the impact. This helps the fuel cell control unit compare the data with the stored impact reference values, as the two spatial directions allow the values ​​for forward and backward, as well as the values ​​for left and right, to be recorded. This allows the data required by UN ECE 134 to be recorded.

[0024] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the at least one impact sensor is arranged on a circuit board of the fuel cell control unit or is connected to the fuel cell control unit and / or the tank system control unit via a first interface for data transmission.

[0025] This allows flexible positioning of the impact sensor depending on the fuel cell system or trailer.

[0026] Positioning on the fuel cell control unit's circuit board ensures precise and fast detection and can be easily installed even in stand-alone fuel cell systems. Connection via a first interface enables flexible positioning around the fuel cell system, on or in the trailer. This allows for better coverage and more accurate detection of impact-prone areas.

[0027] It can be provided within the scope of the invention that the at least one impact sensor is an acceleration sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a sound sensor.

[0028] The acceleration sensor measures the acceleration of the impact in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction.

[0029] The pressure sensor is arranged in a cavity and measures a pressure difference that can arise in the cavity during the impact and transmits the pressure value to the fuel cell control unit.

[0030] The sound sensor measures the change in the sound response caused by the deformed components upon impact. The sound response is then transmitted to the fuel cell control unit.

[0031] It is also conceivable that the fuel cell control unit has a database for storing the impact comparison values.

[0032] This makes comparing the recorded data using impact comparison values ​​easier and faster. The database enables quick and easy updating of the impact comparison values ​​to other vehicle classes or new impact-relevant data to increase the safety of the fuel cell system.

[0033] A second aspect of the invention is a trailer, in particular a driveless trailer, with at least one fuel cell system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the trailer has a first side, wherein the first side of the trailer has a coupling unit for coupling to a tractor for pulling the trailer, wherein the at least one impact sensor is arranged on the first side of the trailer and / or is assigned to the first side of the trailer.

[0034] The impact sensor, which is located on the first side of the trailer, transmits its recorded data to the fuel cell control unit via the first interface.

[0035] The impact sensor, which is assigned to the first side of the trailer, is located on the circuit board of the fuel cell control unit and is therefore in direct data exchange with it.

[0036] In this context, a trailer is understood to be a non-powered trailer with electrical functions. It has electrical components and systems to perform specific tasks or functions. The fuel cell system according to the invention is used to operate these electrical components.

[0037] The trailer can be stand-alone, i.e., parked without a tractor, or connected to a tractor via the coupling unit. By providing an impact sensor on the trailer or in the fuel cell unit, an impact of the trailer on another external object or an impact of an external object on the trailer can be detected.

[0038] Such trailers can be, for example, the following:

[0039] Electric refrigerated trailer with an integrated cooling or freezing unit that is powered by an electrical power supply, Electric advertising trailer with electric screens or LED displays to display advertising messages or information, Electric caravan that uses electrical energy to provide various comfort functions such as lighting, heating, cooling and power supply for electrical devices inside the caravan, Electric transport trailer that has its own electric drive unit and can therefore drive autonomously, Electric charging trailers that serve as a mobile power source and have batteries to charge electrical devices or vehicles.

[0040] It is also conceivable that the trailer has a second side, wherein the second side is parallel to the first side, and that the trailer has a third side and a fourth side, wherein the third side and the fourth side are parallel to one another and wherein the first side and the second side are connected to one another by means of the third side and the fourth side, wherein at least one further impact sensor is provided, wherein the further impact sensor is arranged on the first side and / or the second side and / or the third side and / or the fourth side.

[0041] It is also conceivable that the trailer has an underside, wherein the at least one impact sensor and / or a further impact sensor is provided on the underside of the trailer.

[0042] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the trailer has an upper side, wherein the at least one impact sensor and / or a further impact sensor is provided on the upper side of the trailer.

[0043] An additional impact sensor increases the accuracy of the recorded impact data. The more accurate the data, the better for comparison with the impact reference values ​​using the comparison unit of the fuel cell control unit.

[0044] This enables all-round coverage of the trailer or fuel cell system. The recorded data can then also be used for other functions.

[0045] It is also conceivable to arrange an impact sensor on a floor and / or roof of the trailer. Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible to provide a high-voltage system with at least one high-voltage component, wherein the high-voltage system is connected via a second interface to the fuel cell control unit of the fuel cell system for controlling and / or regulating the high-voltage system.

[0046] High-voltage components are often used in electrical and electronic systems that operate with high-voltage sources.

[0047] Examples of high-voltage components in the high-voltage system that can also be used in a trailer are:

[0048] Batteries for storing the energy generated by the fuel cell stack Inverters for converting direct current from batteries or photovoltaic modules into alternating current for operating electrical devices

[0049] Electric motors for driving a mechanical system of the trailer Power electronics, such as high-voltage power electronic components such as transistors, thyristors and rectifiers, for controlling and regulating the power of electrical devices.

[0050] Since high voltages can be potentially dangerous, they should be controllable and adjustable via the second interface in order to regulate and / or control the high-voltage system in an emergency, i.e. in the event of an impact, by means of the fuel cell control unit so that it can be discharged.

[0051] A third aspect of the invention is a method for increasing the safety of a fuel cell system located in a trailer according to the first aspect of the invention and / or a trailer according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0052] Acquiring the data of the at least one impact sensor by means of the acquisition unit of the fuel cell control unit, comparing the acquired data of the impact sensor with impact comparison values ​​by means of the comparison unit of the fuel cell control unit, controlling and / or regulating the tank valve to close the hydrogen supply by means of the fuel cell control unit if the data of the at least one impact sensor exceeds the impact comparison values.

[0053] The process accesses the safety devices integrated into the fuel cell system, allowing the trailer's safety to be ensured quickly and easily without having to access the tractor's impact sensors. This allows the safety of the trailer or fuel cell system to be ensured independently of the tractor's connection.

[0054] Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that if the impact comparison values ​​are exceeded by the data of the impact sensor, the fuel cell control unit regulates and / or controls the at least one high-voltage component via the second interface in such a way that the high-voltage system is discharged.

[0055] This increases the safety of the fuel cell system or the trailer, since in the event of an impact the storage batteries of the high-voltage components of the high-voltage system are discharged.

[0056] With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that a database of impact comparison values ​​is accessed for the comparison.

[0057] The database increases the range of applications because multiple data packages can be stored or quickly updated, allowing various vehicle categories with different security requirements to be stored.

[0058] Advantages described in detail for the fuel cell system for a trailer according to the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the trailer according to the second aspect of the invention and to the method for increasing the safety of a fuel cell system located in a trailer according to the third aspect of the invention. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The invention is shown in the following figures:

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a fuel cell system according to the invention,

[0060] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a trailer according to the invention,

[0061] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a fuel cell system 10 for a trailer 12, in particular a non-powered trailer 12, having a plurality of fuel cells 11, having a hydrogen supply 14 for supplying the fuel cells 11 with hydrogen, having at least one tank valve 16 for opening and closing the hydrogen supply 14, wherein the tank valve 16 is controllable and / or regulatable, having at least one impact sensor 18 for detecting 110 an impact of the trailer 12 and / or on the trailer 12, and having a fuel cell control unit 20.

[0063] The fuel cell control unit 20 has a detection unit 22 for detecting the data of the impact sensor 18 and a comparison unit 24 for comparing the detected data of the impact sensor 18 with stored impact comparison values ​​and is designed to control and / or regulate the at least one tank valve 16 depending on the comparison of the detected data of the impact sensor 18 with the stored impact comparison values.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one impact sensor 18 is arranged on a circuit board 26 of the fuel cell control unit 20. An additional impact sensor 18 is connected to the fuel cell control unit 20 for data transmission via a first interface 28.

[0065] Both impact sensors 18 are designed to measure two spatial directions in the event of an impact.

[0066] The at least one impact sensor 18 is an acceleration sensor, and the additional impact sensor 18 is a sound sensor. A pressure sensor can also be used here.

[0067] The fuel cell control unit 20 has a database 30 for storing the impact comparison values. The comparison unit 24 can access this database 30 to compare 120 the values ​​recorded by the impact sensor 18(s) with the impact comparison values.

[0068] Fig. 2 shows a self-propelled trailer 12. The trailer 12 has at least one fuel cell system 10 according to Fig. 1. The trailer 12 has a first side 32, wherein the first side 32 of the trailer 12 has a coupling unit 33 for coupling to a tractor 34 for pulling the trailer 12, wherein the at least one impact sensor 18 is arranged on the first side 32 of the trailer 12 and further impact sensors 18 are assigned to the first side 32 of the trailer 12.

[0069] Furthermore, the trailer 12 has a second side 36, wherein the second side 36 is parallel to the first side 32, and it has a third side 38 and a fourth side 40. The third side 38 and the fourth side 40 are parallel to one another. The first side 32 and the second side 36 are connected to one another by means of the third side 38 and the fourth side 40. The further impact sensor 18 is arranged on the second side 36. However, it is conceivable that it could also be arranged on the third side 38 and / or the fourth side 40.

[0070] To operate the components provided in the trailer 12, at least one high-voltage component 42 is provided, which is part of the high-voltage system 43. This high-voltage system 43 with at least one high-voltage component 42 is connected via a second interface 44 to the fuel cell control unit 20 of the fuel cell system 10 for controlling and / or regulating 130 the high-voltage system 43 with at least one high-voltage component 42.

[0071] Fig. 3 shows a method 100 for increasing the safety of a fuel cell system 10 according to Fig. 1 located in a trailer 12 and / or a trailer 12 according to Fig. 2. The method 100 comprises the following steps:

[0072] Acquiring 110 the data of the at least one impact sensor 18 by means of the acquisition unit 22 of the fuel cell control unit 20, comparing 120 the acquired data of the impact sensor 18 with impact comparison values ​​by means of the comparison unit 24 of the fuel cell control unit 20, wherein a database 30 of the impact comparison values ​​is accessed 160,

[0073] Controlling and / or regulating 130 the tank valve 16 to close 140 the hydrogen supply 14 by means of the fuel cell control unit 20 when the data of the at least one impact sensor 18 exceed the impact comparison values.

[0074] In addition, if the impact comparison values ​​are exceeded by the data from the impact sensor 18, the fuel cell control unit 20 and the high-voltage system 43, which consists of at least one high-voltage component 42, are regulated and / or controlled 130 via the second interface 44 such that the high-voltage system 43 is discharged 150. The high-voltage system 43 then has a safe state with less than 60 V DC or 30 V AC.

Claims

Claims 1. Fuel cell system (10) for a trailer (12), in particular a non-driven trailer (12), comprising a plurality of fuel cells (11), a hydrogen supply (14) for supplying the fuel cells (11) with hydrogen, at least one tank valve (16) for opening and closing the hydrogen supply (14), wherein the tank valve (16) is controllable and / or regulatable, at least one impact sensor (18) for detecting (110) an impact of the trailer (12) and / or on the trailer (12), and a fuel cell control unit (20),wherein the fuel cell control unit (20) has a detection unit (22) for detecting the data of the impact sensor (18) and a comparison unit (24) for comparing the detected data of the impact sensor (18) with stored impact comparison values, and wherein the fuel cell control unit (20) is designed to control and / or regulate the at least one tank valve (16) depending on the comparison of the detected data of the impact sensor (18) with the stored impact comparison values.

2. Fuel cell system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the impact sensor (18) is designed to measure two spatial directions, preferably three spatial directions, in the event of an impact.

3. Fuel cell system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one impact sensor (18) is arranged on a circuit board (26) of the fuel cell control unit (20) or via a first Interface (28) is connected to the fuel cell control unit (20) and / or the tank system control unit for data transmission.

4. Fuel cell system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one impact sensor (18) is an acceleration sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a sound sensor.

5. Fuel cell system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel cell control unit (20) has a database (30) for storing the impact comparison values.

6. Trailer (12), in particular a driveless trailer (12), with at least one fuel cell system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer (12) has a first side (32), wherein the first side (32) of the trailer (12) has a coupling unit (33) for coupling to a tractor (34) for pulling the trailer (12), wherein the at least one impact sensor (18) is arranged on the first side (32) of the trailer (12) and / or is assigned to the first side of the trailer.

7. Trailer (12) according to claim 6, characterized in that the trailer (12) has a second side (36), wherein the second side (36) is parallel to the first side (32), and in that the trailer (12) has a third side (38) and a fourth side (40), wherein the third side (38) and the fourth side (40) are parallel to one another and wherein the first side (32) and the second side (36) are connected to one another by means of the third side (38) and the fourth side (40), wherein at least one further impact sensor (18) is provided, wherein the further impact sensor (18) is arranged on the first side (32) and / or the second side (36) and / or the third side (38) and / or the fourth side (40).

8. Trailer (12) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the trailer has a bottom side, wherein the at least one impact sensor and / or a further impact sensor is provided on the bottom side of the trailer and / or that the trailer has a top side, wherein the at least one impact sensor and / or a further impact sensor is provided on the top side of the trailer.

9. Trailer (12) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a high-voltage system (43) with at least one high-voltage component (42) is provided, wherein the high-voltage system (43) is connected via a second interface (44) to the fuel cell control unit (20) of the fuel cell system (10) for controlling and / or regulating the high-voltage system (43) 10. A method (100) for increasing the safety of a fuel cell system (10) located in a trailer according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5 and / or a trailer (12) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, comprising the following steps: detecting (110) the data of the at least one impact sensor (18) by means of the detection unit (22) of the fuel cell control unit (20), comparing (120) the detected data of the impact sensor (18) with impact comparison values ​​by means of the comparison unit (24) of the fuel cell control unit (20), Controlling and / or regulating (130) the tank valve (16) for closing (140) the hydrogen supply (14) by means of the fuel cell control unit (20) when the data of the at least one impact sensor (18) exceed the impact comparison values.

11. Method (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that if the impact comparison values ​​are exceeded by the data of the impact sensor (18), the fuel cell control unit (20) The high-voltage system (43) is regulated and / or controlled (130) via the second interface (44) such that the high-voltage system (43) is discharged (150).

12. The method (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a database (30) of the impact comparison values ​​is accessed (160) for the comparison.

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