Tank system for storing a fluid

Abstract

The proposed invention relates to a tank system (100) for storing a fluid, wherein the tank system (100) comprises a plurality of tanks (101), wherein the plurality of tanks (101) comprises a standard tank (103) which has a maximum useful volume of all the tanks of the plurality of tanks (101), and the plurality of tanks (101) further comprises a number of secondary tanks (105), the useful volume of each of which is less than the useful volume of the standard tank (103), wherein a non-return valve (109, 115) is arranged in the refuelling path (107, 113) of each tank of the plurality of tanks (101), wherein each non-return valve (109, 115) has a flow path (111, 117) for conducting fluid into a corresponding tank (103, 105), wherein a cross-section of a flow path (117) of each non-return valve (115) associated with a secondary tank (105) is smaller than a cross-section of a flow path (111) of a non-return valve (109) associated with the standard tank (103).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title a fluid

[0003] The presented invention relates to a tank system for storing a fluid and a vehicle.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Known tank systems, e.g. for storing hydrogen, often comprise several tanks of different sizes due to space constraints in the vehicle.

[0006] Each tank is equipped with a hydrogen tank valve (OTV, on tank valve) that controls the filling and removal of the tank.

[0007] Pressure losses between the filling station and the tank, e.g. within the hydrogen tank valve, limit the mass flow supplied to the tank.

[0008] With identical hydrogen tank valves, this results in smaller tanks being filled more quickly or having a higher pressure and / or temperature at one point during the refueling process than larger tanks.

[0009] It is known to install throttles in connecting lines between a filling station connection and the respective hydrogen tank valves, thus reducing the respective flow rates to smaller tanks. These throttles can be implemented in the lines themselves or in the distribution pipes.

[0010] By restricting the lines to the respective hydrogen valves, the refueling path and the withdrawal path are equally throttled. This means that if a line fails during operation, a strong flow of hydrogen from the tank system toward the system connection occurs. To prevent this, excess flow valves are known that close at high flow rates. However, since a restriction is present in the line, especially in small tanks, the reduced flow rate is often not sufficient to activate an excess flow valve.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] Within the scope of the invention presented, a tank system and a vehicle are presented. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the tank system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle 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.

[0013] The invention presented serves in particular to provide a possibility for a robust tank system.

[0014] Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention presented, a tank system for storing a fluid is presented.

[0015] The proposed tank system comprises a plurality of tanks, wherein the plurality of tanks comprises a standard tank having a maximum usable volume of all the tanks in the plurality of tanks, and wherein the plurality of tanks comprises a number of secondary tanks, each of which has a usable volume smaller than the usable volume of the standard tank. Of course, the tank system can also comprise a plurality of standard tanks, each of which has a usable volume greater than the usable volume of the respective secondary tanks.

[0016] It is provided that a check valve is arranged in the refueling path of each tank of the plurality of tanks, wherein each check valve has a flow path for conducting fluid into a respective tank, and wherein a cross section of a flow path of a check valve assigned to a secondary tank is smaller than a cross section of a flow path of a check valve assigned to the standard tank.

[0017] The tank system presented is used in particular for storing hydrogen, e.g. for operating a fuel cell system or a hydrogen engine, in particular in a vehicle.

[0018] The tank system presented is based on a variety of different check valves, which differ from each other in the cross-section of their flow path.

[0019] The cross-section of a flow path of the respective check valves assigned to the secondary tanks is smaller than the cross-section of a flow path of a check valve assigned to the standard tank. This means that the cross-section of the flow path of each check valve is adjusted depending on the usable volume of the tank assigned to the check valve.

[0020] Furthermore, the cross sections of the check valves of the presented tank system are designed relative to each other, so that a cross section of a flow channel of a check valve of a tank with a largest usable volume, ie, a standard tank, is larger than a cross section of a flow channel of a check valve of a tank with a smaller usable volume relative to the standard tank.

[0021] In particular, the respective cross-section of the flow channels of the various check valves is adjusted to a ratio between the respective large tanks and the respective small tanks. Reducing the cross-section results in a reduction in the volume flow only during filling or emptying.

[0022] Refueling, but not during withdrawal.

[0023] Due to the different cross-sections of the various check valves of the tank system presented, different usable volumes of the various tanks of the tank system are compensated so that they fill evenly, i.e. with similar pressures and correspondingly similar temperatures.

[0024] Due to the different cross-sections of the various check valves of the tank system presented, a reduction of the cross-section in the withdrawal path or in the respective withdrawal paths of the tank system presented can be dispensed with, so that an uncontrolled outflow of fluid, in particular hydrogen, through a defective line can be stopped by activating an excess flow valve, even if the flow channels of the respective check valves are throttled or have a reduced cross-section.

[0025] It can be provided that each tank of the tank system is assigned a tank valve which comprises a refueling path in which the respective check valve is arranged, and a removal path running separately from the refueling path, through which fluid can be discharged from a respective tank, wherein an excess flow valve is arranged in the removal path.

[0026] The tank system presented here allows for throttling the flow rate in the refueling path from a system connection or filling station connection to the respective tanks without throttling the withdrawal path. Thus, an uncontrolled outflow of fluid, especially hydrogen, through a defective line can be stopped by activating an excess flow valve, even with throttled hydrogen tank valves.

[0027] Accordingly, the extraction path of a respective tank valve can be designed without or without a throttle.

[0028] It can further be provided that a throttle element is formed in the flow path of at least some of the check valves of the tank system, which throttle element adjusts the cross section of the flow path.

[0029] To achieve different cross-sections of flow paths for different check valves, throttle elements can be provided. These are inserted into an identical bore or recess forming the flow path. Accordingly, the check valves can be manufactured identically and then throttled to a specific cross-section using specific throttle elements.

[0030] In particular, the tank system presented can comprise a plurality of different throttle elements, each forming a cross-section that is selected depending on a usable volume of a respective tank.

[0031] It can further be provided that the throttle element is formed by a housing of the check valve.

[0032] By means of a throttle element formed by the housing of the check valve itself, additional parts in the flow path can be omitted, making it particularly robust.

[0033] It can further be provided that the cross section of a bore forming the respective flow path of at least a first part of the check valves of the tank system differs from a cross section of a bore forming the respective flow path of at least a second part of the check valves of the tank system.

[0034] For example, the first part may comprise a standard check valve associated with the standard tank, and the second part may comprise a number of secondary check valves, each associated with a secondary tank.

[0035] It can further be provided that the larger the ratio between a useful volume of a respective secondary tank and the useful volume of the standard tank, the smaller the cross section of the flow path of the check valve assigned to the secondary tank.

[0036] By designing the cross-section based on the ratio between the standard tank and the secondary tank, a relative distribution of the total mass flow fed into the tank system is achieved among the respective tanks of the tank system according to their respective usable volumes. Accordingly, the tanks are filled evenly, i.e., at similar pressures and temperatures.

[0037] It may further be provided that the tank system is a hydrogen tank system for storing hydrogen

[0038] To store hydrogen, the tank system may comprise a number of hydrogen tanks, such as high-pressure tanks.

[0039] It can further be provided that the tank system comprises a withdrawal path which is fluidly connected to respective tanks of the plurality via respective supply lines, wherein the supply lines are identical in their cross-section.

[0040] Supply lines of a withdrawal path that are identical in their cross-section require the same pressure or volume flow from the respective tanks, so that, for example, standardized or identical so-called “excess flow valves” can be arranged in the respective supply lines to prevent fluid from flowing out of the withdrawal path.

[0041] It can further be provided that the cross sections of the flow paths of the plurality of check valves are selected such that a filling time for filling all tanks of the tank system is minimal.

[0042] By balancing the pressures and temperatures in the respective tanks that occur when filling the tank system, a distribution of a pneumatic load and a thermal load over the entire tank system is achieved so that it can be filled with a minimal filling time.

[0043] According to a second aspect, the presented invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a possible embodiment of the presented tank system. Advantages described in detail for the tank system for storing a fluid according to the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0044] The vehicle's tank system can be used, for example, to supply a vehicle's drive, in particular a fuel cell system and / or a hydrogen engine.

[0045] Due to the large number of tanks in the tank system presented, a volume for storing fluid can be distributed over several locations on the vehicle, so that a particularly large volume can be provided.

[0046] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0047] Drawings

[0048] They show schematically:

[0049] Figure 1 shows a possible design of the tank system presented,

[0050] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a first check valve of the tank system according to Figure 1,

[0051] Figure 3 is a detailed view of a second check valve of the tank system according to Figure 1, and

[0052] Figure 4 shows a possible design of the presented vehicle. Description of the embodiments

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a tank system 100 for storing a fluid.

[0054] The tank system 100 comprises a plurality of tanks 101 with a standard tank 103, which has a maximum usable volume of all tanks in the plurality of tanks 101, and a secondary tank 105, whose usable volume is smaller than the usable volume of the standard tank 103.

[0055] A standard check valve 109 is arranged in the refueling path 107 of the standard tank 103, which has a standard flow path 111 for directing fluid into the standard tank 103.

[0056] A secondary check valve 115 is arranged in the refueling path 113 of the secondary tank 105, which has a secondary flow path 117 for directing fluid into the secondary tank 105.

[0057] The standard check valve 109 is part of a standard tank valve 121 and the secondary check valve 115 is part of a secondary tank valve 123.

[0058] The standard tank valve 121 further comprises a discharge path 125 in which an excess flow valve 127 is arranged. The discharge path 125 is throttle-free, so that a volume flow from the standard tank 103 acts at its maximum pressure on the excess flow valve 127 if, for example, a pressure reducer or filter 129 is damaged. The excess flow valve is triggered if damage to the tank system creates a direct connection to the environment, for example, due to damage to the line between the tank and the fuel cell or combustion engine.

[0059] Similar to the standard tank valve 121, the secondary tank valve 123 includes a discharge path 125 in which an excess flow valve 127 is arranged. The discharge path 125 is throttle-free, so that a volume flow from the secondary tank 105 acts on the excess flow valve 127 at its maximum pressure if, for example, a pressure reducer 129 is damaged. Both the standard tank valve 121 and the secondary tank valve 123 include a valve 131, which serves to connect the tank to the system during vehicle operation.

[0060] The standard check valve 109 is shown in detail in Fig. 2, and the secondary check valve 115 is shown in detail in Fig. 3. Comparing the standard check valve 109 with the secondary check valve 115, it can be seen that the standard flow path 111 of the standard check valve 109 has a larger cross-section than the secondary flow path 117 of the secondary check valve 115.

[0061] Accordingly, the cross section of the secondary flow path 117 of the secondary check valve 115 is smaller than the cross section of the standard flow path 111 of the standard check valve 109. For this purpose, a throttle element 119 is formed in the secondary flow path 117 of the secondary check valve 115, which throttle element sets a mass flow through the secondary flow path 117, ie, reduces it compared to a mass flow flowing through the standard flow path 111.

[0062] The cross section of the secondary flow path 117 is designed relative to, ie, depending on, a size of a usable volume of the standard tank 103.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows a vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 includes a tank system 100 according to Fig. 1 for supplying a drive 201 of the vehicle 200 with an operating fluid, in particular hydrogen.

Claims

Claims 1. Tank system (100) for storing a fluid, the tank system (100) comprising: a plurality of tanks (101), the plurality of tanks (101) comprising a standard tank (103) which has a maximum usable volume of all the tanks of the plurality of tanks (101), the plurality of tanks (101) further comprising a number of secondary tanks (105), the respective usable volume of which is smaller than the usable volume of the standard tank (103), a check valve (109, 115) being arranged in the refueling path (107, 113) of each tank of the plurality of tanks (101), each check valve (109, 115) having a flow path (111, 117) for conducting fluid into a respective tank (103, 105), a cross section of a flow path (117) of a respective tank (103, 105) associated with a secondary tank (105) check valve (115) is smaller than a cross section of a flow path (111) of a check valve (109) assigned to the standard tank (103).

2. Tank system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that each tank (103, 105) of the tank system (100) is assigned a tank valve (121, 123), which comprises a refueling path in which the respective check valve (109, 115) is arranged, and a removal path (125) running separately from the refueling path, through which fluid can be discharged from a respective tank (103, 105), wherein an excess flow valve (121) is arranged in the removal path (125).

3. Tank system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a throttle element (119) is formed in the flow path (117) of at least some of the check valves (109, 115) of the tank system (100), which adjusts the cross-section of the flow path (117).

4. Tank system (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the throttle element (119) is formed by a housing of the check valve (115).

5. Tank system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section of a bore forming the respective flow path (111) of at least a first part of the check valves (109) of the tank system (100) differs from a cross section of a bore forming the respective flow path (117) of at least a second part of the check valves (115) of the tank system (100).

6. Tank system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the larger a ratio between a useful volume of a respective secondary tank (105) to the useful volume of the standard tank (103), the smaller the cross section of the flow path (117) of the check valve (115) associated with the secondary tank (105).

7. Tank system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank system (100) is a hydrogen tank system for storing hydrogen.

8. Tank system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank system (100) comprises a removal path which is fluidly connected via respective supply lines to respective tanks (103, 105) of the plurality of tanks (101), wherein the supply lines are identical in their cross-section.

9. Tank system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross sections of the flow paths (111, 117) of the plurality of check valves (109, 115) are selected such that a filling time for filling all tanks (101) of the tank system (100) is minimal.

10. Vehicle (200), wherein the vehicle (200) comprises a tank system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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