Method for the pressure-tight assembly of a storage system, storage system produced according to such a method, fuel cell system, hydrogen internal combustion engine system, fuel-cell-powered vehicle, hydrogen-powered vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the pressure-tight production of a storage system (1) having at least one tank container (200), which is tubular in its basic shape, for storing fluid medium, in particular hydrogen, wherein the tank container (200) has a longitudinal axis (400), an inner casing element (10) having a length I and a diameter d and an outer casing element (12) having a length L and a diameter D, the method comprising the following steps: a. inserting (600) the inner casing element (10) into the outer casing element (12), wherein the diameter d of the inner casing element (10) is smaller than the diameter D of the outer casing element (12), b. heating (601) the inner casing element (10), c. rotating (602) the inner casing element (10) and the outer casing element (12) about the longitudinal axis (400) or exerting (603) internal pressure-force on the inner casing element (10) and the outer casing element (12) in order to form a form-fitting connection between the inner casing element (10) and the outer casing element (12), d. sealing (604) the tank container (200) by means of the inner casing element (10).

Description

[0001] R. 417843

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] Method for pressure-tight assembly of a storage system, storage system manufactured according to such a method, fuel cell system, hydrogen combustion engine system, fuel cell-powered vehicle, hydrogen-powered vehicle

[0005] The invention relates to methods for the pressure-tight assembly of a storage system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a storage system for storing a fluid medium, for example hydrogen, produced according to such a method. This system is used, for example, in vehicles with fuel cell propulsion or in vehicles with a hydrogen combustion engine as a drive system. The invention further relates to a method for the pressure-tight assembly of the storage system.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Today's hydrogen tank systems for mobile applications typically consist of several tank containers, which are made, for example, from a carbon fiber reinforced material.

[0008] The tank containers can also comprise different materials, for example a liner with fiber reinforcement or a monolithic steel body.

[0009] For example, DE 102021 207190 A1 describes such a hydrogen tank system for mobile applications with multiple tank containers.

[0010] The connection of individual storage containers to each other, or to extraction or filling units, requires a complete seal that can withstand changes in dimensions due to pressure changes. R. 417843

[0011] - 2 -

[0012] and / or temperature fluctuations. Particularly in hydrogen pressure storage systems, storage pressures of up to, for example, 700 bar occur. These pressure changes lead to a very significant change in the dimensions of all container materials in both radial and axial directions. To create the connections between the individual storage containers, it is necessary for the liner to extend beyond the fiber reinforcement, as the liner is what actually provides the gas tightness.

[0013] Advantages of the invention

[0014] The inventive method with the characterizing features of claim 1 has the advantage of producing a pressure-tight storage system in a structurally simple and economical manner, which can withstand high temperature and / or pressure fluctuations.

[0015] According to the invention, a method for the pressure-tight production of a storage system is proposed. The storage system comprises a tank, which is tubular in its basic form, for storing a fluid medium, in particular hydrogen. The tank also has a longitudinal axis, an inner shell element with a length I and a diameter d, and an outer shell element with a length L and a diameter D. The method comprises the following steps:

[0016] a. Inserting the inner shell element into the outer shell element, wherein the diameter d of the inner shell element is smaller than the diameter D of the outer shell element,

[0017] b. Rotating the inner shell element and the outer shell element around the longitudinal axis to achieve a positive-locking connection between the inner shell element and the outer shell element,

[0018] c. Turning off the outer shell element with a cutting tool, R. 417843

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[0020] d. Heating the inner shell element to elongate it so that its length I is greater than the length L of the outer shell element, e. Sealing the tank using the protruding inner shell element

[0021] The invention further relates to a method for the pressure-tight production of a storage system. The storage system comprises a tubular tank for storing a fluid medium, in particular hydrogen. The tank also has a longitudinal axis, an inner shell element with a length I and a diameter d, and an outer shell element with a length L and a diameter D. The method comprises the following steps:

[0022] a. Inserting the inner shell element into the outer shell element, wherein the diameter d of the inner shell element is smaller than the diameter D of the outer shell element,

[0023] b. Heating the inner shell element,

[0024] c. Rotating the inner shell element and the outer shell element about the longitudinal axis or applying internal pressure force to the inner shell element and the outer shell element to achieve a positive-locking connection between the inner shell element and the outer shell element,

[0025] d. Sealing the tank container using the inner shell element.

[0026] Both methods enable the continuous production of the tank pipes in a structurally simple manner, while simultaneously allowing for a liner of variable length, in this case the inner shell element. The variability of the liner, here the inner shell element, ensures, in particular, the gas tightness of the entire storage system. R. 417843

[0027] - 4 -

[0028] The invention further relates to a storage system for storing a fluid medium, preferably hydrogen, produced according to one of the methods described above. This allows for the simple provision of a gas-tight storage system.

[0029] In a further advantageous development, it is provided that the inner shell element comprises plastic, a polymer liner and / or a fiber reinforcement.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the outer shell element comprises a fiber composite material, in particular a carbon fiber composite material.

[0031] The described storage system is preferably suitable for use in a fuel cell system for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell.

[0032] The described storage system is preferably suitable for use in a hydrogen combustion engine system for the provision of hydrogen.

[0033] The described storage system is preferably suitable for a fuel cell-powered vehicle for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell.

[0034] The described storage system is particularly suitable for use in a hydrogen-powered vehicle for the supply of hydrogen. R. 417843

[0035] - 5 -

[0036] Drawings

[0037] The drawing shows exemplary embodiments of a storage system according to the invention for storing a fluid medium, in particular hydrogen. Flowcharts for the method according to the invention are also shown. It shows in

[0038] Fig. 1a shows a possible embodiment of a storage system according to the invention for storing a gaseous medium in a simplified schematic view.

[0039] Fig. 1b enlarged view of a tank container of the storage system according to the invention from Fig. 1a,

[0040] Fig. 2 Flowchart of a method according to the invention for the pressure-tight assembly of the storage system according to the invention, Fig. 3a Process diagram of the method for the pressure-tight assembly of the storage system according to the invention from Fig. 2 in longitudinal section, Fig. 3b Process diagram of the method for the pressure-tight assembly of the storage system according to the invention from Fig. 2 in longitudinal section, Fig. 4 Flowchart of a method according to the invention for the pressure-tight assembly of the storage system according to the invention, Fig. 5a Process diagram of the method for the pressure-tight assembly of the storage system according to the invention from Fig. 4 in longitudinal section, Fig. 5b Process diagram of the method for the pressure-tight assembly of the storage system according to the invention from Fig. 4 in longitudinal section, Fig. 5c Process diagram of the method for the pressure-tight assembly of the storage system according to the invention from Fig. 4 in longitudinal section, Fig.6 a possible embodiment for a variable geometry of the outer shell element of the tank container of the storage system according to the invention in a simplified schematic view.

[0041] Fig. 7 shows a hydrogen-powered vehicle with a storage system according to the invention in a simplified schematic view, R. 417843

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[0043] Fig. 8 shows a hydrogen-powered vehicle with a fuel cell system or a hydrogen combustion engine system with a storage system according to the invention in a simplified schematic view.

[0044] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0045] Fig. 1a shows a possible embodiment of a storage system 1 according to the invention for storing a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, for a consumer system, such as a fuel cell system 70 or a hydrogen combustion engine system 71 (see Fig. 7 or Fig. 8), in a schematic view. The storage system 1 here has several tubular tanks 200, which in this embodiment are housed in a frame element 205. In an alternative embodiment, the storage system 1 has, for example, only one tank 200.

[0046] Fig. 1b shows an enlarged schematic view of the tank 200 from Fig. 1a. The tank 200 has a longitudinal axis 400, an inner shell element 10, and an outer shell element 12. Furthermore, the tank 200 has an interior space 2001. The inner shell element 10, the so-called liner, has a length I and a diameter d, whereas the outer shell element 12 has a length L and a diameter D.

[0047] The storage system 1 according to the invention is manufactured by a pressure-tight assembly method according to the invention. The method comprises the following steps, which are illustrated in a flowchart in Fig. 2:

[0048] a. Inserting 500 of the inner shell element 10 into the outer shell element 12, wherein the diameter d of the inner shell element 10 is smaller than the diameter D of the outer shell element 12,R. 417843

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[0050] b. Rotating 501 the inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12 about the longitudinal axis 400 to achieve a positive-locking connection between the inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12,

[0051] c. Turning 502 of the outer shell element 10 with a cutting tool 16,

[0052] d. Heating 503 of the inner shell element 10 to achieve an elongation of the inner shell element 10 such that the length I of the inner shell element 10 is greater than the length L of the outer shell element 12,

[0053] e. Sealing 504 of the tank container 200 by means of a protruding inner shell element 10.

[0054] Figures 1 and 3b show the aforementioned steps in a process diagram in longitudinal section. The inner shell element 10 is inserted into the outer shell element 12, the diameter d of the inner shell element 10 being smaller than the diameter D of the outer shell element 12. The inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12 are then rotated about the longitudinal axis 400 to create a positive-locking connection between them. In a further step, the outer shell element 12 is turned using a cutting tool 16. Finally, the inner shell element 10 is heated to elongate it so that its length I is greater than the length L of the outer shell element 12.The tank container 200 is then sealed by means of the protruding inner shell element 10, which now has a greater length I than the length L of the outer shell element 12.

[0055] According to the invention, a further possible method for the pressure-tight production of a storage system 1 described above is shown. The method comprises the following steps, which are illustrated in a flowchart in Fig. 4: R. 417843

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[0057] a. Inserting 600 of the inner shell element 10 into the outer shell element 12, wherein the diameter d of the inner shell element 10 is smaller than the diameter D of the outer shell element 12,

[0058] b. Heating 601 of the inner shell element 10,

[0059] c. Rotating 602 of the inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12 about the longitudinal axis 400 or applying internal pressure force 603 to the inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12 to achieve a positive-locking connection between the inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12,

[0060] d. Sealing 604 of the tank container 200 by means of the inner shell element 10.

[0061] Figures 5b and 5c show the aforementioned steps in a longitudinal section process diagram. The inner shell element 10 is inserted into the outer shell element 12, with the diameter d of the inner shell element 10 being smaller than the diameter D of the outer shell element 12. The inner shell element 10 is then heated. Next, the inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12 are rotated about the longitudinal axis 400° (see arrow 18) or an internal pressure force is applied to the inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12 (see arrow 26) to create a positive connection between the inner shell element 10 and the outer shell element 12. In a final step, the tank 200 is sealed using the inner shell element 10.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment for a variable geometry of the outer shell element 12 of the tank 200 of the storage system 1 according to the invention in a simplified schematic view. The methods mentioned above also allow the inner shell element 10, the liner, to be inserted into variable pipe geometries or in the area of ​​deflections of the pipe geometry without interrupting the inner shell element 10, the liner, itself or deforming it together with the entire fiber sheath, here the outer shell element 12.

[0063] Figure 8 shows, by way of example, a hydrogen-powered vehicle 73 with a fuel cell system 70, and a fuel cell-powered vehicle 72, R. 417843

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[0065] or a hydrogen combustion engine system 71 as a consumer system with a storage system 1 according to the invention in a simplified schematic view. In Fig. 7, the storage system 1 is integrated by way of example in the underbody of the chassis of a vehicle.

Claims

R. 417843 - 10 - Claims 1. Method for the pressure-tight production of a storage system (1) comprising at least one tubular tank (200) for storing a fluid medium, in particular hydrogen, wherein the tank (200) has a longitudinal axis (400), an inner shell element (10) with a length I and a diameter d and an outer shell element (12) with a length L and a diameter D, comprising the following steps: a. Inserting (500) the inner shell element (10) into the outer shell element (12), wherein the diameter d of the inner shell element (10) is smaller than the diameter D of the outer shell element (12), b. Rotating (501) the inner shell element (10) and the outer shell element (12) about the longitudinal axis (400) to achieve a positive connection between the inner shell element (10) and the outer shell element (12), c. Turning (502) the outer shell element (10) with a cutting tool, d. Heating (503) the inner shell element (10) to achieve an elongation of the inner shell element (10) such that the length I of the inner shell element (10) is greater than the length L of the outer shell element (12), e. Sealing (504) the tank container (200) by means of a protruding inner shell element (10).

2. Method for the pressure-tight production of a storage system (1) comprising at least one tubular tank (200) for storing a fluid medium, in particular hydrogen, wherein the tank (200) has a longitudinal axis (400), an inner shell element (10) with a length I and a diameter d and an outer shell element (12) with a length L and a diameter D, comprising the following steps: R. 417843 - 11 - a. Inserting (600) the inner shell element (10) into the outer shell element (12), wherein the diameter d of the inner shell element (10) is smaller than the diameter D of the outer shell element (12), b. Heating (601) of the inner shell element (10), c. Rotating (602) the inner shell element (10) and the outer shell element (12) about the longitudinal axis (400) or applying internal pressure force (603) to the inner shell element (10) and the outer shell element (12) to achieve a positive connection between the inner shell element (10) and the outer shell element (12), d. Sealing (604) the tank container (200) by means of the inner shell element (10).

3. Storage system (1) for storing a fluid medium, preferably hydrogen, produced according to a method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Storage system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the inner shell element (10) comprises plastic, a polymer liner and / or a fiber reinforcement.

5. Storage system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the outer shell element (12) comprises a fiber composite material, in particular a carbon fiber composite material.

6. Fuel cell system (70) with a storage system (1) for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell according to one of claims 3 to 5.

7. Hydrogen combustion engine system (71) with a storage system (1) for providing hydrogen according to any one of claims 3 to 5.R. 417843 - 12 - 8. Fuel cell powered vehicle (72) with a storage system (1) for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell according to one of claims 3 to 5.

9. Hydrogen-powered vehicle (73) with a storage system (1) for providing hydrogen according to one of claims 3 to 5.

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