Storage system for storing a fluid medium, preferably hydrogen, fuel cell system, hydrogen combustion engine system, fuel cell-powered vehicle, and hydrogen-powered vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage system (1) for storing a fluid medium, preferably hydrogen, comprising at least two tank containers (200) having two ends (202, 203) for storing fluid medium, in particular hydrogen, a frame element (205), wherein the tank containers (200) are accommodated in the frame element (205) and are each fluidically connected to one another at the two ends (202, 203) by means of a first manifold (2051) and a second manifold (2052), wherein a passive valve (3, 3') is arranged in the storage system (1), which passive valve (3, 3') is fluidically connected to one end (202, 203) of the tank container (200). Furthermore, a thermal expansion element system (70) is arranged in the storage system (1), which thermal expansion element system (70) interacts with the respective passive valve (3, 3'), as a result of which the passive valve (3, 3') can be actuated.

Description

[0001] R. 418544

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] Storage system for storing a fluid medium, preferably hydrogen, fuel cell system, hydrogen combustion engine system, fuel cell-powered vehicle, hydrogen-powered vehicle

[0005] The invention relates to a storage system for storing a fluid medium, for example hydrogen. This is used, for example, in vehicles with fuel cell propulsion or in vehicles with a hydrogen combustion engine as a drive system.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Today's hydrogen tank systems for mobile applications typically consist of several tanks, often made of carbon fiber reinforced material. These are typically pressurized to a nominal hydrogen pressure of, for example, 350 bar or 900 bar. During filling, storage, or withdrawal of hydrogen in operation, temperatures below the freezing point of water (down to -40°C during withdrawal in a 700 bar system) can occur inside the tank.

[0008] The tank containers can also contain metallic materials, for example.

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

[0010] The tanks typically have their own valve unit for filling and emptying. Especially in hydrogen pressure storage systems, storage pressures of, for example, 700 bar occur. Therefore, a refueling protocol is used during the refueling process, which includes the pressures specified in the compression test (R. 418544).

[0011] - 2 -

[0012] The heat generated during hydrogen fermentation is limited to a maximum temperature increase of 85°C. This is usually achieved through direct temperature control in or near the tank. To better utilize available space, several smaller tanks are used.

[0013] Advantages of the invention

[0014] The storage system according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1 has the advantage of ensuring the control of the gas supply or gas discharge into individual tank containers of the storage system and thus achieving a safe storage system with a long service life.

[0015] The storage system for storing a fluid medium, preferably hydrogen, comprises at least two tanks with two ends for storing the fluid medium, in particular hydrogen, and a frame element. The tanks are housed in the frame element and are fluidically connected to each other at their respective ends by means of a first manifold and a second manifold. A passive valve is arranged in the storage system and is fluidically connected to one end of each tank. Furthermore, a thermal expansion element system is arranged in the storage system and is operatively connected to the respective passive valve, thereby enabling the passive valve to be actuated.

[0016] This allows for reliable and passive control of the gas supply to the individual tanks depending on the temperature of the respective storage area.

[0017] In a first advantageous embodiment, the thermal expansion element system comprises a thermal expansion element, a valve linkage element, and a valve bearing. This allows for simple throttling of the respective tank container without complex sensors or valve controls, enabling effortless opening. R. 418544

[0018] - 3 -

[0019] In a further advantageous design, the thermal expansion element system includes a temperature control wire. This temperature control wire allows the tank temperature to be transferred to the thermal expansion element, thus ensuring the activation of the thermal expansion element system.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the thermal expansion element system is at least partially arranged in the respective tank container. For example, the temperature control wire can be arranged in the tank container, while the thermal expansion element is arranged, for example, in the first or second manifold. The thermal expansion element system can thus be triggered by the transfer of temperature from the temperature control wire to the thermal expansion element.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the thermal expansion element system is arranged entirely within the respective tank container. Advantageously, the tank container is cylindrical, and the thermal expansion element system is arranged at one end of the tank container, at the other end of the tank container, or centrally within the tank container. In this way, the thermal expansion element system can be positioned at the location within the tank container where a maximum temperature is expected.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, passive valves are arranged at both ends of the tank, and these passive valves are operatively connected to the thermal expansion element system. Advantageously, the passive valves are arranged in the first and second manifolds, respectively. This allows for the exchange of gas in the warmest storage area immediately after refueling when the hydrogen-powered vehicle is in operation, thus enabling faster cooling of this area. R. 418544

[0023] - 4 -

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the tank container comprises plastic, a polymer liner, a fiber reinforcement and / or a fiber composite material, in particular carbon fiber composite material.

[0025] The described storage system is preferably suitable for use in a fuel cell system for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell.

[0026] The described storage system is preferably suitable for use in a hydrogen combustion engine system for the provision of hydrogen.

[0027] The described storage system is preferably suitable for a fuel cell-powered vehicle for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell.

[0028] The described storage system is particularly suitable for use in a hydrogen-powered vehicle to provide hydrogen.

[0029] Drawings

[0030] The drawing shows exemplary embodiments of a storage system according to the invention for storing a fluid medium, in particular hydrogen. It shows in

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a possible embodiment of a storage system according to the invention for storing a gaseous medium with a thermal expansion element system in a schematic view. Fig. 2 shows another possible embodiment of a storage system according to the invention for storing a gaseous medium with a thermal expansion element system in a schematic view. Fig. 3 shows another possible embodiment of a storage system according to the invention for storing a gaseous medium with a thermal expansion element system in a schematic view. R. 418544

[0032] - 5 -

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a hydrogen-powered vehicle with a storage system according to the invention in a simplified schematic view,

[0034] Fig. 5 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.

[0035] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0036] Fig. 1 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. 4 or Fig. 5), in a schematic view. The storage system 1 here has several cylindrical tank containers 200 with two ends 202, 203, which are received in a frame element 205 and are fluidically connected to each other by means of a first manifold 2051 and a second manifold 2052. The frame element 205 has an access channel 2 at one end 202 of the tank container 200, into which a refueling path 400 opens, and a discharge channel 21 at the other end 203 of the tank container 200, which opens into a withdrawal path 500.

[0037] In the first manifold 2051, a passive valve 3 is arranged in a first opening 8, which is fluidically connected to one end 202 of the tank. The access channel 2 opens into the first opening 8, so that it can be fluidically connected to the refueling path 400. The refueling path 400 can be connected to an external refueling station, which supplies the fluid medium, in this case hydrogen.

[0038] The second manifold 2052 has a second opening 4, which leads into the drain channel 21 and is thus connected to the extraction path 500. The extraction path 418544

[0039] - 6 -

[0040] path 500 can be connected to a consumer system, for example a fuel cell system 70 or a hydrogen combustion engine system 71, as shown in Fig. 4 or Fig. 5.

[0041] Furthermore, a thermal expansion element system 70 is arranged in the storage system 1, which is operatively connected with the passive valve 3, making the thermal expansion element system 70 operable.

[0042] The thermal expansion element system 70 comprises a thermal expansion element 7, a valve linkage element 5, and a valve bearing 6. The valve linkage element 5 is rigidly connected to the valve 3. The valve bearing 6 is rigidly connected to the tank 200. The thermal expansion element 7 is arranged between the valve bearing 6 and the valve linkage element 5 and rigidly connected to them.

[0043] Furthermore, the tank container 200 has an interior space 2000 in which, in this embodiment, the thermal expansion element system 70 is completely arranged. This thermal expansion element system 70, in particular the thermal expansion element 7, is arranged centrally in the tank container 200.

[0044] The operating principle of the thermal expansion element system 70 is as follows (as shown in Fig. 1): A fluid medium, here hydrogen, flows into the access channel 2 towards the tanks 200 via an external filling station device to fill them. If the temperature T in the tank 200 is higher than a defined maximum temperature T during the refueling process, max , the thermal expansion element 7 expands and, with the help of the valve linkage element 5, closes the first opening 8 with the passive valve 3. If the temperature T in the tank container 200 is lower than the specified maximum temperature T maxThe thermal expansion element 7 is compressed, thus releasing the first opening 8 via the valve 3. Depending on the temperature in the respective tank 200, the gas flow into that tank 200 can be throttled. The gas supply is never completely interrupted, but merely reduced. IstR. 418544

[0045] - 7 -

[0046] the temperature T in an average range T ave , then opening 8 is partially open. If a specified minimum temperature T is reached. min When this is reached, opening 8 is completely released and valve 3 is completely open. In this case, Tmax > T ave Tmin.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a further possible embodiment of a storage system 1 according to the invention in a schematic view. Its structure and function largely correspond to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. In contrast, alternative arrangements of the thermal expansion element system 70 are shown here. It is shown that this thermal expansion element system 70, in particular the thermal expansion element 7, is arranged at either one end 202 of the tank 200 or at the other end 203 of the tank 200. This one-sided design ensures optimal mixing of the fluid medium, in this case hydrogen.

[0048] Furthermore, the thermal expansion element system 70, as shown in Fig. 2, can also include a temperature control wire 12. The thermal expansion element 7 is arranged in the valve 3, whereas the valve bearing 6 and the valve linkage element 5 are arranged in the frame element 205, specifically in the access channel 2. The temperature control wire 12 is rigidly connected to the thermal expansion element 7, so that the temperature inside the tank 200 can be transferred from the temperature control wire 12 to the thermal expansion element 7, thus enabling actuation of the passive valve 3.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a further possible embodiment of a storage system 1 according to the invention in a schematic view. Its construction and function largely correspond to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. In contrast, in this embodiment, a passive valve 3' is also arranged in the second opening 4 of the second manifold 2052. The passive valve 3' of the second manifold 2052 is also rigidly connected to the valve linkage element 5.

[0050] The operating principle of the thermal expansion element system 70 differs from the embodiment in Fig. 1 as follows (as shown in Fig. 3): By means of an external R. 418544

[0051] - 8 -

[0052] The filling station equipment allows a fluid medium, in this case hydrogen, to flow into the access channel 2 towards the tanks 200 for filling. If the temperature T in the tank 200 is higher than a defined maximum temperature T during the refueling process, max The thermal expansion element 7 expands and, with the aid of the valve linkage element 5, closes the first opening 8 with the passive valve 3. Simultaneously, the second opening 4 is opened by the valve 3', which is also operatively connected to the thermal expansion element 7, so that the gaseous medium can flow into the drain channel 21. When the temperature T in the tank 200 reaches a defined minimum temperature T minThe thermal expansion element 7 is compressed, thus opening the first opening 8 via the valve 3 and simultaneously closing the second opening 4, so that the gaseous medium can flow from the inlet channel 2 into the respective tank 200, but no flow between the tank 200 and the outlet channel 21 is possible. If the temperature T in the tank 200 is within an average range T ave , so both the first opening 8 and the second opening 4 are open. This allows the gas flow into each tank 200 to be throttled depending on the temperature. The gas supply is never completely interrupted, but merely reduced. T max > T ave > T min .

[0053] The passive valves 3, 3' in the first manifold 2051 and in the second manifold 2052 allow the exchange of the gas in the warmest storage area to occur more quickly, particularly when the hydrogen-powered vehicle is in motion immediately after refueling, thus achieving rapid cooling in this area.

[0054] Figures 4 and 5 show, by way of example, a hydrogen-powered vehicle 73 with a fuel cell system 70, a fuel cell-powered vehicle 72, 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 Figure 4, the storage system 1 is integrated by way of example into the underbody of the chassis of a vehicle.

Claims

R. 418544 - 9 - Claims 1. Storage system (1) for storing a fluid medium, preferably hydrogen, comprising at least two tank containers (200) with two ends (202, 203) for storing fluid medium, in particular hydrogen, a frame element (205), wherein the tank containers (200) are received in the frame element (205) and are fluidically connected to each other at their respective ends (202, 203) by means of a first manifold (2051) and a second manifold (2052), wherein a passive valve (3, 3') is arranged in the storage system (1), which passive valve (3, 3') is fluidically connected to one end (202, 203) of the tank container (200), characterized in that a thermal expansion element system (70) is arranged in the storage system (1), which thermal expansion element system (70) is operatively connected to the respective passive valve (3, 3'), whereby the passive valve (3, 3') can be operated.

2. Storage system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermal expansion element system (70) comprises a thermal expansion element (7), a valve linkage element (5) and a valve bearing (6).

3. Storage system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the thermal expansion element system (70) comprises a tempering wire (12).

4. Storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal expansion element system (70) is at least partially arranged in the respective tank container (200).

5. Storage system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the thermal expansion element system (70) is arranged completely in the respective tank container (200).

6. Storage system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank container (200) is cylindrical and the thermal expansion element system (70) is located at one end (202) of the tank container. R. 418544 - 10 - (200), at the other end (203) of the tank container (200) or in the middle of the respective tank container (200).

7. Storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that passive valves (3, 3') are arranged at both ends (202, 203) of the tank container (200), which passive valves (3, 3') are operatively connected with the thermal expansion element system (70).

8. Storage system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the passive valves (3, 3') are arranged in the first manifold (2051) and in the second manifold (2052), respectively.

9. Storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank container (200) comprises plastic, a polymer liner, a fiber reinforcement and / or a fiber composite material, in particular carbon fiber composite material.

10. Fuel cell system (70) with a storage system (1) for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Hydrogen combustion engine system (71) with a storage system (1) for providing hydrogen according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. Fuel cell powered vehicle (72) with a storage system (1) for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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

Images