Method for controlling a tank system, tank system, computer program product, and computer-readable medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a tank system (100). The tank system (100) has a plurality of tanks (12) and a line system (39). Each tank (12) is provided with a valve (13) and a temperature sensor (16). The tank system supplies at least one load (40) with a fluid. The method has the following steps: a) detecting a missing expected pressure decrease by means of the line system (39) when all of the valves (13) of all of the tanks (12) of the plurality of tanks are closed, b) detecting the temperature in each tank (12) over a defined period of time, and c) ascertaining a temperature curve for each tank (12) on the basis of the detected temperature and opening all of the valves (13) of all of the tanks (12) on the basis of the ascertained temperature curves. During steps a) and b), the at least one load is supplied from at least one tank (12.1) which remains open.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Method for controlling a tank system, tank system, computer program product and computer-readable medium

[0004] The invention generally relates to the field of storage devices for fuels or gases. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for controlling a tank system, a tank system, a computer program product, and a computer-readable medium.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Fuel tank systems for motor vehicles typically have tanks or reservoirs containing a fluid to supply a consumer. To supply the consumer reliably and according to its needs, the tanks or reservoirs must be able to be opened or closed. A closing and / or opening function of a tank valve can also ensure a certain degree of safety when supplying the consumer. However, this requires the valve's closing and opening functions to function flawlessly.

[0007] In practice, as a safety measure for a tank system, and in particular for a tank system for a motor vehicle, the switching behavior of the valve(s) in the tank system is regularly checked. So-called diagnostic procedures are therefore carried out. The so-called "stuck-open test" is one of the well-known diagnostic procedures. This involves checking whether the tank valves are closing at prescribed intervals during operation or when the system is switched off. For this purpose, mass continues to be withdrawn by the consumer after all tank valves have vented. In a fault-free system with actually closed tank valves, this mass is only provided from the stored mass in the line system and leads to a corresponding pressure reduction there. The pressure reduction in the line system serves as an identification feature for a fault-free closing process of all tank valves.

[0008] In the case of a tank valve that does not close (stuck open), the consumed fuel mass is provided by the open tank and there is no pressure drop in the line system.

[0009] The problem with known diagnostic processes is that in subsequent operation, after a "stuck open" error has been detected, all tank valves are energized or opened again and it is not possible to assign or localize the error to the individual tank valves.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] The method according to the invention for controlling a tank system with the features of independent claim 1 has the advantage that a diagnostic process can nevertheless be carried out with high frequency and reliability and that a possibly faulty valve can be located.

[0012] The proposed method therefore allows the detected error to be assigned to a valve in the tank system or to a tank in the tank system. The proposed method allows for fault localization directly during operation and does not require external service intervention.

[0013] Features, details and advantages described in connection with the method according to the invention for controlling a tank system naturally also apply in connection with the tank system, the computer program product and / or the computer-readable medium and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made to each other.

[0014] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a tank system. The tank system comprises a plurality of tanks and a piping system. Each tank is provided with a valve and a temperature sensor. The tank system supplies at least one consumer with a fluid. The method comprises the following steps: a) detecting a lack of an expected pressure drop by means of the piping system when closing all valves of all tanks of the plurality of tanks, b) recording the temperature in each tank over a predefined period of time, and c) determining a temperature profile for each tank based on the recorded temperature, and opening all valves of all tanks based on the determined temperature profiles.

[0015] During steps a) and b), at least one consumer is supplied from at least one remaining open tank.

[0016] In other words, a method is proposed in which action is taken and / or a further measurement is performed as soon as it is detected that at least one valve in the tanks has remained open or is stuck in the open state. The action taken can be used to localize the fault. A valve fault can therefore initially be detected if the expected pressure drop is not detected or recorded when all valves are closed. If it is detected that the expected pressure drop is missing, a temperature measurement can be initiated in each tank. Each tank usually has a temperature sensor for this purpose. The temperature is recorded for a predetermined time. Once the predetermined time has elapsed, all valves in all tanks can be opened again so that at least one consumer can be supplied from all tanks.The method basically aims to detect a temperature change within a predefined period of time so that a conclusion can be drawn as to the faulty valve of the tank that has remained open. However, a temperature change only occurs if a mass change (change in the stored fluid) can also occur in the corresponding tank. It is therefore preferably provided that the fluid is withdrawn from the tank that has remained open. For this purpose, at least one consumer is supplied when an open tank is detected (i.e., during steps a) and b)). By withdrawing fluid from the tank that has remained open, it can be ensured that a temperature change, in particular a temperature reduction, occurs within the predefined period of time. The fluid can be withdrawn from the tank that has remained open and passed on to at least one consumer. The fluid can, for example, be supplied to a consumer of a motor vehicle.

[0017] Alternatively, for example when the vehicle's consumer is not in operation, the fluid can be supplied to an external consumer via a tapping opening.

[0018] The tank system can be a fluid supply system for a consumer, in particular for a fuel system of a motor vehicle. The tank system can be a hydrogen tank system. The tank system can be a tank system for a fluid, such as a liquid fuel or a gaseous fuel. The tank system can have two or more tanks. The tanks can have different tank volumes.

[0019] The tank may be a fluid reservoir or a container. Each tank is provided with a valve, whereby the term "valve" is to be understood broadly in the context of the present disclosure. The valve may be a valve device. For example, the valve may include a tank valve, a safety valve, and a check valve. The valve may be defined, for example, by its function, namely that it can close and open the corresponding tank. The valve may be configured to close the corresponding tank in a fluid-tight manner so that no fluid can be drawn from the tank.

[0020] The line system of the tank system can detect pressures and / or pressure differences, for example, in lines of the tank system. The line system can comprise lines, sensors, and / or distributors. The line system can be configured to detect pressure differences, whether pressure increases or pressure decreases, on a filling path and / or removal path of the tanks. The line system can, in particular, comprise a main distributor, a pressure regulator unit, and at least one pressure sensor. The main distributor can be fluidly connected to a main filling path and to a tank path. Each of the tanks of the plurality of tanks can be fluidly connected to the main distributor via a line.

[0021] When determining the expected pressure drop, the pressure, also known as fluid pressure, can be measured in the direction of flow downstream of the main distributor / manifold. The pressure drop can be described as the expected pressure drop because, assuming the tank valves are functioning properly, the pressure in the piping system should drop substantially abruptly when all valves are closed. In process step a), it is essentially possible to detect that a valve is faulty (without initially being able to identify which one) and therefore cannot close the corresponding tank.

[0022] Recording the temperature in each tank can be done continuously. Each temperature measurement (and subsequent temperature history) can be provided with a tag or label assigned to the tank or valve.

[0023] Method step c) can advantageously enable the faulty valve to be detected or identified. In a further optional method step, the following step can be performed after method step c): d) Supplying the at least one consumer from all tanks of the plurality of tanks.

[0024] This ensures that the tank can be emptied evenly in the event of (continued) operation of the tank system.

[0025] The method can be carried out while the tank system is in operation. Alternatively, the method can be applied during service. This can be advantageous, for example, if it is not possible to assign the detected error during operation because, for example, a safety condition prevents further operation. To do this, a withdrawal opening can be opened during service, for example, to supply a (second) consumer. Such a method advantageously enables the faulty, non-closing valve to be located. The localization or evaluation of the temperature curves can take place immediately after the temperature curves have been determined or later, for example when the error has been rectified. The main advantage of the invention is that by determining the temperature curves in the tanks, it is now possible to localize an error that has occurred.

[0026] This, in turn, allows for precise and reliable diagnostic procedures. This procedure can significantly facilitate the troubleshooting of any errors that have occurred.

[0027] It is advantageous if the temperature profiles are further evaluated, in particular by means of a computer unit, in order to identify a faulty valve in the at least one tank that remains open. The temperature profiles can be compared, for example, with a target profile. The temperature in a tank from which no fluid is drawn generally remains approximately at the same temperature throughout the entire predefined period. The temperature profiles can be compared with each other alternatively or additionally. The temperature profile with the largest negative gradient can be assigned to the tank that has the faulty valve. This can further improve the localization of a faulty valve.

[0028] The temperature profiles can be evaluated by a computer unit. Such a computer unit can be part of the tank system or alternatively external to the tank system. In the tank system of a motor vehicle, for example, such a computer unit can be arranged in the motor vehicle. Alternatively, such a computer unit can be stored in a cloud. It is conceivable that the temperature profiles, or the corresponding data, can be transmitted to a cloud. This allows the method to be flexible. It is advantageous if the tank system also has a control unit. When recording the temperature in each tank and / or when determining the temperature profiles, the control unit outputs an error signal if a predetermined temperature reduction is detected. The error signal is assigned to the tank that remained open and in particular to the valve of the at least one tank that remained open.Detecting a predetermined temperature reduction can be part of an evaluation of the temperature profiles. Detecting a predetermined temperature reduction can be performed by a computer unit. Such a computer unit can be connected to the control unit for data communication. The temperature reduction can be a temperature difference of a few degrees Celsius over the entire predefined period. The predetermined temperature reduction can preferably be a percentage value.

[0029] It is advantageous if, upon detecting a lack of pressure drop through the piping system, the closing function of the tank valves is checked when all valves of all tanks are closed. In other words, process step a) can be used to reliably test the shut-off function of the tanks or valves.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the method, the tank system is a tank system of a motor vehicle. Thus, one of the at least one consumers can be a fuel cell system.

[0031] It is advantageous if an operating strategy for the fuel tank system is determined and / or applied based on the recorded temperature profiles. This can, for example, prohibit or modify the performance of further diagnostic procedures. The consumer and / or the motor vehicle itself (in the case of a motor vehicle's fuel tank system) can be operated according to a specific operating strategy.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the method, the tank system is in operation. The method can advantageously be carried out while the tank system is in operation. In other words, the faulty valve can be located during operation or during ferry operation and does not require external service intervention.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a tank system for supplying at least one consumer with a fluid, comprising a plurality of tanks and a conduit system. Each tank of the plurality of tanks is provided with a valve and a temperature sensor. The tank system is controllable according to a method, as well as the preceding and following.

[0034] Because the tank system can be controlled according to the method according to the invention, the tank system can be extended in a long time. This method allows for reliable and precise detection of a fault in the tank valves. Furthermore, troubleshooting the fault can be significantly simplified, as the method advantageously allows for the fault to be localized.

[0035] All advantages which have been explained in connection with the method according to the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the tank system according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0036] It is advantageous if the piping system has at least one pressure sensor. Such a pressure sensor can be arranged, for example, in the flow direction of the fluid when supplying the at least one consumer, downstream of a main distributor of the piping system. The piping system can also have a high-pressure sensor and a medium-pressure sensor. Such a medium-pressure sensor can be arranged in a pressure control unit of the piping system.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the tank system, each tank of the plurality of tanks is connected to the line system by means of a line. Each line has a filling path and a removal path. The filling path and the removal path can be designed as a single path. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the filling path to be separate from the removal path. Each line can be fluidly connected directly or indirectly (for example, via a primary distributor) to a main distributor of the line system. It should be noted that a motor vehicle can be equipped with such a tank system. The at least one consumer can be a fuel system of the motor vehicle. Such a motor vehicle can also have all the advantages explained with regard to the tank system according to the invention and / or with regard to the method according to the invention.

[0038] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer unit of a control device, in particular a control device of a tank system, as described above and below, cause the computer unit to execute a method as described above and below.

[0039] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium on which the computer program product as described above is stored.

[0040] drawing

[0041] Figure 1 shows schematically a tank system according to an embodiment, and

[0042] Figure 2 shows a flow chart according to a further embodiment of the method.

[0043] Similar, similarly acting, identical, or identically functioning elements are provided with similar or identical reference numerals in the figures. The figures are merely schematic and not to scale.

[0044] Description of the embodiments

[0045] Fig. 1 schematically shows a tank system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0046] The tank system 100 of Fig. 1 can be part of a motor vehicle. The tank system 100 has a plurality of tanks 12 and a line system 39. Each tank 12 is provided with a (private) valve 13 and a temperature sensor 16. A fluid is to be stored in the tanks 12 so that the tank system 100 can supply at least one consumer 40 with this fluid. The tank system preferably has two consumers 40, one of which is fluidly connected via a discharge opening 37. The tanks 12 are fluidly connected to a distributor 14, 30 via a line 31, 32. A primary distributor 14 can be provided for a first group of tanks 12. The lines 31, which are fluidly connected to the tanks 12 of the first group, can be referred to as primary lines 31. The tanks 12 of the first group can be fluidly connected to a main distributor 30 via the primary distributor 14.Tanks 12 from a second group of tanks can be directly connected to the main manifold 30 via so-called secondary lines 32 for fluid communication. Alternative designs regarding the tanks 12 and the manifolds 14, 30 are also conceivable. The design shown in Fig. 1 is merely exemplary and should not be considered restrictive in any way.

[0047] The line system 39 generally comprises several elements and / or components, as indicated by the crossed-out box in Fig. 1. The line system 39 comprises at least one pressure sensor 36, which may be arranged, for example, on the main distributor 30. The line system 39 may comprise a line 31, 32. Furthermore, the line system 39 may comprise a tank path 34. The fluid may be supplied to the consumer 40 via the tank path 34. A pressure regulator unit 42 may be provided on the tank path 34, which may serve to regulate the pressure at which the consumer 40 is supplied with fluid. It is conceivable that the pressure regulator unit 42 may be combined with further control units. In the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1, one (first) consumer 40 is a fuel system. When the first consumer 40 is not in operation, the fluid may supply a second consumer with fluid via the extraction opening 37.The second consumer 40 behind the withdrawal opening 37 can, for example, be a workshop device for safely discharging the fluid. The tank system 100 or the line system 39 of the tank system 100 can further have a main filling path 33. The main distributor 30 is therefore fluidly connected to the main filling path and to the tank path 34. The line system 39 is configured to detect pressure changes in the lines 31, 32 and / or in the tank path 34. The line system 39 can be referred to as a high-pressure system, since the line system 39 is fundamentally configured to detect pressure changes or pressure gradients in the lines 31, 32 using a high-pressure sensor 36.

[0048] Each valve 13 of the tanks 12 is configured to permit or prevent the removal or supply of fluids from or into the tank 12. Each valve 13 serves to open and close the associated tank 12. Each valve 13 can be controlled by a control unit. Such a control unit can be part of the line system 39. The valves 13 can be controlled according to the method according to the invention.

[0049] The tanks 12 of the tank system 100 of Fig. 1 also each have an end plug 15, also known as an end plug. Such an end plug 15 can be designed with an additional safety device. The safety devices in the end plugs 15 are preferably temperature-controlled. Alternatively or additionally, tanks 12 of the plurality of tanks can be provided with a temperature sensor 16.

[0050] The pressure regulator unit 42 of the line system 39 is preferably equipped with a medium pressure sensor 41 and a pressure regulator 43.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart according to another exemplary embodiment of the method. The method can be used to control an operating tank system 100 for a motor vehicle. In particular, the method can be used to perform diagnostic processes for the valves 13 of the tanks 12.

[0052] If a stuck-open fault is detected, i.e., a tank 12 that has remained open, by detecting a lack of pressure drop in the line system after all valves 13 have been released or closed (see process step a)), further operation or supply to the consumer 40 is continued without further energization or opening of the valves until a deviating temperature development is observed in one (or more) tanks (see process steps b) and c)).

[0053] In other words, after detecting a non-closing valve 13, in a second method step b), the temperature in each tank 12 can be recorded over a predefined period of time. The period of time can depend on an expected temperature reduction. Alternatively, the period of time can be (pre)defined by an expected temperature development. The predefined period of time can define the time the tank system needs to detect and / or record a predefined temperature reduction in at least one tank.

[0054] Subsequently, in a third process step c) (which can partially be performed simultaneously with the second process step b), the temperature profile for each tank is determined. Based on the determined temperature profiles, i.e., as soon as an expected temperature reduction can be detected, all valves 13 of the tanks 12 can be opened.

[0055] The temperature curves of the individual tanks 12 are then evaluated and the valve 13 of the tank 12 with a deviating or falling temperature is detected as faulty.

[0056] Since the actually closed tanks do not release any mass or fluid, they remain approximately at their temperature and pressure levels. This means that their temperatures develop approximately equally. The open tank 12, on the other hand, experiences a pressure reduction due to the fluid withdrawal, which leads to an increased temperature decrease. Due to the increased temperature reduction detected by the temperature sensors 16 in the tank 12, the fault can be attributed to the remaining open tank 12 or the faulty valve 13.

[0057] The error can be stored in a control unit and assigned to the corresponding valve. After locating the faulty valve 13, all valves can be opened for possible continued operation (see process step d)) to ensure consistent tank emptying during operation.

[0058] It should also be noted that the terms “comprehensive” and “comprising” do not exclude other elements and the indefinite

[0059] Article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features and steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features and steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the

[0060] Claims are not to be regarded as limitations.

Claims

Claims 1 . Method for controlling a tank system (100), wherein the tank system (100) comprises a plurality of tanks (12) and a line system (39), and each tank (12) is provided with a valve (13) and a temperature sensor (16) is provided, and wherein the tank system supplies at least one consumer (40) with a fluid, comprising the following steps: a) detecting a lack of expected pressure drop by means of the line system (39) when closing all valves (13) of all tanks (12) of the plurality of tanks, b) detecting the temperature in each tank (12) over a predefined period of time, and c) determining a temperature profile for each tank (12) based on the detected temperature and based on the determined temperature profiles, opening all valves (13) of all tanks (12), wherein during steps a) and b) the at least one consumer is supplied from at least one tank (12.1) that has remained open.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature profiles are further evaluated, in particular by means of a computer unit, in order to identify a faulty valve (13) of the at least one tank (12) which has remained open.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank system (100) further comprises a control unit, wherein when detecting the temperature in each tank (12) and / or when determining the temperature profiles, the control unit outputs an error signal if a minimum predetermined temperature reduction is detected, whereby the error signal is assigned to the remaining open tank (12.1).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the lack of pressure drop is detected by means of the line system (39) when all valves (13) of all tanks (12) are closed, a closing function of the valves (13) of the tanks (12) is checked.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank system (100) is a tank system (100) of a motor vehicle.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an operating strategy for the tank system (100) is determined and / or applied based on the recorded temperature profiles.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank system (100) is in operation.

8. Tank system (100) for supplying at least one consumer with a fluid, comprising a plurality of tanks (12) and a line system (39), wherein each tank (12) of the plurality of tanks is provided with a valve (13) and a temperature sensor (16), and wherein the tank system (100) is controllable according to a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Tank system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the line system (39) has at least one pressure sensor (36).

10. Tank system according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that each tank (12) of the plurality of tanks is connected to the line system (39) by means of a line (31, 32), and wherein each line (31, 32) has a filling path and a removal path.

11. Computer program product, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer unit of a control device, in particular a control device of a tank system according to one of claims 8 to 10, Cause the computer unit to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

12. A computer-readable medium on which the computer program product according to claim 11 is stored.

Images