AT524534B1 - Device for simulating regeneration of a volatile hydrogen containment system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for simulating a release of a restraint system (13) for volatile hydrogens, in particular hydrocarbons, preferably for a motor vehicle, having: a reservoir (3) for providing hydrogens; a mixing area (4) in which the hydrogen from the reservoir (3) can be supplied to the air in order to form a gas mixture; a flow valve (6) which is set up to adjust a flow of hydrogen from the reservoir (3) to the mixing area (4); and a control unit (7) which is signal-transmittingly connected to the flow-through valve (6) and is set up to control the flow of hydrogens to the mixing area (4) by means of the flow-through valve (6).

Description

description

DEVICE FOR SIMULATING A REGENERATION OF A VOLATILE HYDROGEN CONTAINMENT SYSTEM

The invention relates to a device for simulating a delivery of a restraint system for volatile hydrogens, especially hydrocarbons, preferably for a motor vehicle.

In the course of the introduction of lambda control in vehicles with a catalytic converter, the emissions of a vehicle were regulated by law.

[0003] These emissions also include evaporating fuels, in particular hydrocarbons, from the fuel tank. These so-called volatile hydrogens must not be released into the atmosphere in an uncontrolled manner. Therefore, these must be collected and temporarily stored for reuse or for controlled disposal. In the prior art, retention systems and/or recirculation systems for these volatile hydrogens are used for this purpose.

[0004] Tank ventilation systems are known from the documents DE 102018217662 A1, US 2020173383 A1 or WO 2017222230 A1.

It is known from the prior art in particular to use activated charcoal canisters for a restraint system.

As shown in Figure 1, a restraint system 13 is generally connected to a fuel tank 14 via a pressure equalizing line 15b. The restraint system 13 serves here to collect and temporarily store the volatile hydrogens from the tank 14 . In a connecting line 15a between an intake pipe 12, an internal combustion engine 10 and the restraint system 13, a so-called scavenging valve or timing valve 11 is arranged.

If the lambda control of the vehicle is active, this flushing valve 11 is activated and the connecting line 15a between the intake manifold 12 and the restraint system 13 is released. Due to the negative pressure in the intake manifold 12, ambient air is sucked in via the connecting line 15a via a supply line to the air line 15c. Air drawn in flows through the restraint system 13 and supplies the volatile hydrogen temporarily stored by it to the internal combustion engine 10 for mixture preparation.

In this way, the restraint system 13 is regenerated in such a way that it can absorb volatile hydrogens again. In the normal case, such a regeneration is only carried out when the lambda control is active, since the regeneration has an effect on the composition of the mixture in the internal combustion engine 10 .

It is an object of the invention to be able to test a vehicle or an internal combustion engine taking into account regeneration cycles of a restraint system for volatile hydrogen. In particular, it is an object of the invention to make such tests executable in a fully automated mode, in particular a 24/7 mode.

[0010] These objects are solved by the independent claims. Advantageous configurations can be found in the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for simulating a delivery of a restraint system for volatile hydrogens, in particular hydrocarbons, preferably for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a reservoir for providing hydrogens;

a mixing area in which the hydrogen from the reservoir air can be supplied to form a gas mixture;

a flow valve configured to adjust a flow of hydrogens from the reservoir to the mixing area; and

a control unit which is signal-transmittingly connected to the flow valve and

is directed to control the flow of hydrogens to the mixing area by means of the flow valve.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for simulating a release of a restraint system of volatile hydrogens, in particular hydrocarbons, preferably for a motor vehicle, with the air being supplied with hydrogens from a reservoir of hydrogens in a regeneration operation, so that a gas mixture is produced and wherein the gas mixture is supplied to an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell, in particular an intake manifold or an upstream scavenging valve for a restraint system, in order to simulate a gas mixture occurring when a restraint system is released.

A third aspect of the invention relates to an energy converter, in particular a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine, with a device for simulating a delivery of a restraint system for volatile hydrogens.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having an apparatus for simulating a release of a restraint system for volatile hydrogens.

[0015] A flow in the sense of the invention is preferably a mass flow or a volume flow.

The invention is based on the approach that regeneration phases or the regeneration operation of a restraint system are simulated. In this way, in particular, the regeneration of the restraint system can be calibrated. The inflow of intake air, the so-called flushing flow, must be set in such a way that breakthroughs in the restraint system are reliably avoided.

The boundary condition here is that only so much flushing flow is set with which negative influences on emissions through the restraint system can be avoided. In particular, in the case of an internal combustion engine or a vehicle, the scavenging flow must be adjusted in such a way that it is coordinated with the respective operating conditions of the internal combustion engine. In addition, it must be set in such a way that no negative influences on driving behavior arise.

In order to determine the influence of restraint systems on the emissions of an internal combustion engine, various tests with restraint systems in different load states of the restraint system, in particular a full load state, must be run as part of the homologation of vehicles. In the prior art, activated charcoal canisters, which are generally used to store volatile hydrogen in the restraint systems, are preferably “preloaded” for this purpose. This means that volatile hydrocarbons are applied to them for a certain period of time so that they assume a predefined fill level.

With the system according to the invention, no preloaded restraint systems have to be installed in the respective emission environment, in particular on the internal combustion engine. The various loading and operating conditions can be easily simulated.

The invention enables fully automated testing. In particular, this can be carried out in a 24-hour test operation, so that test benches or test vehicles can be used with maximum capacity. This results, among other things, in significant cost advantages.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the device can be fluidly connected to an internal combustion engine or fuel cell, in particular to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine or to an upstream scavenging system, in particular an upstream scavenging valve for a restraint system, by means of a connection. By providing a connection, the device can be connected directly to an internal combustion engine to be tested or its intake tract. The gas mixture can be supplied to the internal combustion engine in this way to simulate the delivery of the restraint system.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the device also has a first

th flow measurement sensor, which is arranged downstream of the flow valve and is set up to measure the flow of hydrogen between the reservoir and the mixing area and is signal-transmittingly connected to the control unit, the control unit being set up to measure the flow of hydrogen on the basis of measured actual values -Regulate hydrogen flow rates. A more precise adjustment of the volatile hydrogens supplied to the mixing area is possible by means of the flow measuring sensor.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a second flow measurement sensor, which is set up to measure the flow of intake air to the mixing area and which is connected to the control unit in a signal-transmitting manner, the control unit being set up to measure the flow of hydrogens based on measured actual values of the intake air flow rate. A more precise adjustment of the volatile hydrogens supplied to the mixing area is also possible through the provision of the second flow measurement sensor. Because by knowing the amount of air, the amount of volatile hydrogen to be supplied can be determined in order to achieve a desired concentration.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device also has a hydrocarbon sensor which is set up to measure a concentration of hydrogen in the gas mixture and which is connected to the control unit in a signal-transmitting manner. The control unit is preferably set up to regulate the flow of hydrogen on the basis of measured actual values of the concentration of hydrogen. Even better control of the gas mixture that is supplied to the internal combustion engine can be achieved by the hydrocarbon sensor.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, the regeneration of an activated charcoal canister is simulated as a restraint system.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device also has a regeneration pump, which is arranged downstream of the mixing area and is set up to deliver the mixture into the internal combustion engine. The regeneration pump can also be used to simulate restraint systems that are used in internal combustion engines with supercharged air supply or in internal combustion engines with low vacuum in the intake manifold (strongly de-throttled).

The features and advantages described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention apply to the second to fourth aspects accordingly and vice versa.

In an advantageous embodiment of the energy converter, the device bridges an existing restraint system of the internal combustion engine or is installed on the energy converter instead of the restraint system.

In an advantageous embodiment, the volatile hydrogens are supplied in an amount that sets a predetermined concentration of hydrogens in the gas mixture. The concentration of volatile hydrogens in the gas mixture is preferably set in such a way that it has a predefined time-dependent profile or a profile that is dependent on a distance covered. As a result, a particularly realistic simulation operation can be achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the predefined profile is recorded in real driving and simulated in the simulation of the fee. As a result, an even more realistic simulation operation can be achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, an activation of a scavenging system, in particular an opening of the scavenging valve, based on a flow of air and/or based on a signal from a drive control (ECU) is used to check whether regeneration operation is present, with hydrogens in the intake air only be supplied in a regeneration operation. With this function, the delivery simulation or the device for simulating can be fully automated in the operation of an internal combustion engine or a vehicle

be co-operated. User intervention is not necessary.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the method is carried out in test bench operation on a vehicle test bench, engine test bench or drive train test bench or in real driving operation of the motor vehicle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the hydrogens, which are taken from the reservoir, are fed to the air sucked in during regeneration operation in a mixing area in order to form the gas mixture, the concentration of hydrogens in the gas mixture being measured by means of a hydrocarbon sensor and wherein a flow rate of hydrogens from the reservoir to the mixing area is adjusted via a flow rate valve based on the measured concentration of hydrogens. By controlling the supply of volatile hydrogens from the reservoir based on the measured concentration, a particularly precise simulation of real operation can be implemented.

Further features and advantages result from the following description of exemplary embodiments in connection with the figures. They show at least partially schematically:

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an internal combustion engine with a retention system for volatile hydrogens according to the prior art;

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device for simulating a regeneration of a retention system for volatile hydrogens;

- Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a device for simulating a regeneration of a restraint system for volatile hydrogens; and

- Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a method for simulating a regeneration of a retention system of volatile hydrogens.

Figure 1 shows an internal combustion engine with a fuel tank 14 and a restraint system 13 for volatile hydrogen according to the prior art.

In this regard, reference is made to the explanations in the introduction.

FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for simulating a regeneration of a restraint system 13 for volatile hydrogens, in particular hydrocarbons.

This device 1 preferably replaces the restraint system 13 and more preferably the fuel tank 14, which are provided in a vehicle for supplying an internal combustion engine 10 with fuel. Alternatively, an existing restraint system 13 and/or an existing fuel tank 14 can also be bypassed. In particular, provision can be made for this to be separated from internal combustion engine 10, at least partially, in particular with regard to the pressure equalization line or ventilation line.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, instead of a restraint system 13, a line 16b is connected to the connecting line 15a, which line is suitable for sucking in a mixture. Two further lines are connected to this mixture line 16b: a hydrocarbon line 16a, which is connected to a reservoir 3 for volatile hydrogens, and an air intake line 16c, via which air can be sucked in. A mixing area 4 is formed in the connection area of the three lines 16a, 16b, 16c.

If the scavenging valve 11 in the connecting line 15a opens while the internal combustion engine 10 is being operated, regeneration operation for a restraint system 13 begins. Here, due to the negative pressure in the intake manifold 12, air is sucked in via the air intake line 16c.

Furthermore, hydrocarbons are sucked in from the reservoir 3 via the hydrocarbon line 16a, which are in the mixing area 4, which is in the mixture line

16b is formed downstream of the connection of the hydrocarbon line 16a, mixed with the air. In this way, a gas mixture of air and volatile hydrocarbons is formed, as would be the case if the restraint system 13 were connected to the connecting line 15a.

Preferably, the system 1 further comprises a flow valve 6, which is arranged in the hydrocarbon line 16a and is configured to limit the flow of hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon line 16a. As a result, the concentration of hydrocarbons that are fed to the intake manifold 12 via the connecting line 15a can be influenced.

[0047]More preferably, the device 1 has a control unit 7 . This is connected to the flow valve 6 in a signal-transmitting manner and controls the flow valve 6.

The device 1 preferably also has a hydrocarbon sensor 5 which is set up to measure a hydrocarbon concentration in the gas mixture which is produced in the mixing region 4 . More preferably, this hydrocarbon sensor 5 is also connected to the control unit 7 in a signal-transmitting manner. In this way, the flow valve 6 can be regulated on the basis of the actual values of the hydrocarbon concentration in the gas mixture which is fed to the intake manifold 12 measured by the hydrocarbon sensor 5 .

[0049]More preferably, the device 1 has a first flow measurement sensor 2, which measures the flow of hydrocarbons through the hydrocarbon line 16a. This first flow measurement sensor 2 is also preferably connected to the control unit 7 . The flow through the hydrocarbon line 16a can therefore also take place by means of the control unit 7 on the basis of the actual values of the flow through the hydrocarbon line 16a.

[0050]More preferably, the device 1 has a flow measurement sensor 8, which is set up to measure the flow through the air intake line 16c. This second flow sensor 8 is preferably also connected to the control unit 7 in a signal-transmitting manner. The flow of hydrocarbons through the hydrocarbon line 16a is therefore preferably also dependent on actual values of the flow of air through the air intake line 16c measured by means of the second flow measuring sensor.

FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for simulating a regeneration of a restraint system 13 for volatile hydrogens, in particular hydrocarbons.

This exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment essentially in that the device 1 is not connected to the internal combustion engine 10 instead of the restraint system 13, but in addition to it.

In this case, the mixture line 16b preferably opens into the connecting line 15a, which connects the restraint system 13 to the internal combustion engine 10, upstream of the scavenging valve 11b and the hydrocarbon sensor 5. More preferably, an alternative or additional flushing valve 11a is provided between the junction of the mixture line 16b in the connecting line 15a and the restraint system 13 .

If the further optional flushing valve 11a is closed, a hydrocarbon mixture can be provided by means of the device 1, which simulates the hydrocarbon release of the restraint system 13. The mixture line 16b can also be completely separated from the internal combustion engine by means of the scavenging valve 11b. This is particularly advantageous in the case of internal combustion engines 10 in which a negative pressure is produced in the air supply 12, in particular in the intake manifold. Alternatively or additionally, the device 1 preferably has a first air valve 9a, by means of which the air supply to the mixing area 4 can be interrupted. Furthermore, the device 1 preferably has a second air valve 9b, by means of which the air supply to the restraint system 13 can be interrupted.

A further difference from the first exemplary embodiment is the use of a so-called regeneration pump 17. If the air supply 12 of the internal combustion engine 10 is at overpressure compared to atmospheric pressure, for example in supercharged internal combustion engines, then the restraint system 13 or the device 1 can provide such a pressure Regeneration pump 17 may be provided, which promotes the gas mixture in the internal combustion engine 10. In this case, it is not the internal combustion engine 10 itself that sucks in the air, but the regeneration pump, which causes the release of hydrocarbons from the restraint system or a simulation of this release.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the mixing area 4, in which the hydrocarbons are mixed with the air, is designed as a mixing module. In such a mixing module, provision can be made, for example, to generate an air vortex in order to achieve the best possible mixing of the air with the hydrocarbons from the reservoir 3 .

Both the flushing valves 11a, 11b and the air valves 9a, 9b and the regeneration pump 17 are preferably coupled to the controller 7 in a signal-transmitting manner and are controlled by it.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method 100 for simulating a regeneration of a restraint system 13 from volatile hydrogens, in particular hydrocarbons.

In a first step 101, it is preferably checked whether a regeneration operation is initiated by a drive control unit (ECU) of the internal combustion engine. This can be done, for example, based on the degree of opening of the scavenging valve 11, a flow of intake air through the air intake line 16b and/or based on a signal from the drive control unit (ECU) itself. The hydrocarbons are then fed to the intake air exclusively in this regeneration mode.

In a second work step 102, hydrocarbons from the reservoir 3 are supplied to the intake air in the regeneration mode. This creates, in particular in the mixing area 4, a gas mixture.

The hydrocarbons are preferably removed from the reservoir 3 in a sub-step 102-1 and fed to the air sucked in during regeneration operation in the mixing region 4 in a further sub-step 102-2. The gas mixture is then produced in this mixing area 4 .

In a third step 103, the gas mixture is fed to an intake pipe 12 of an internal combustion engine 10 or to an upstream purge valve 11 for the restraint system 13. In this way, a gas mixture occurring during regeneration of a restraint system 13 is simulated.

In a further partial work step 103/1, the carbon concentration in the gas mixture which is produced in the mixing region 4 is preferably measured. In a further partial work step 103/2, the flow of hydrocarbons from the reservoir 3 to the mixing area 4 is preferably adjusted by means of the flow valve 6 on the basis of the measured hydrocarbon concentration.

The hydrocarbons are preferably supplied in an amount such that a predetermined concentration of hydrocarbons is established in the resulting gas mixture. Furthermore, the hydrocarbon concentration in the gas mixture is preferably set in such a way that it has a predefined time-dependent profile or a profile that is dependent on a distance covered. This predefined profile has preferably been recorded beforehand during real driving.

The method makes it possible for the internal combustion engine 10 to be operated taking into account regeneration periods of a restraint system 13 without having to provide a restraint system 13 that is suitably loaded for this purpose. the

Device 1 and method 100 can be used on the vehicle test bench, on the engine test bench or on the drive train test bench. Alternatively, the device 1 and the method 100 can also be used in real driving operation of a motor vehicle, with the device 1 being installed in the motor vehicle (not shown).

It is pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described are only examples that are not intended to restrict the scope of protection, the application and the structure in any way. Rather, the person skilled in the art is given a guideline for the implementation of at least one exemplary embodiment by the preceding description, with various changes, in particular with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, being able to be made without departing from the scope of protection as it results from the claims and these equivalent feature combinations. In particular, the device 1 and the method 100 can also be used in other environments such as a vehicle or in connection with an internal combustion engine, namely wherever restraint systems 13 for volatile hydrogen are used, for example in fuel cells with reformer units for generating hydrogen.

REFERENCE LIST:

1 device

2 First flow measurement sensor 3 Reservoir

4 mixing area

5 hydrocarbon sensor

6 flow valve

7 control unit

8 Second flow meter sensor 9a, 9b air valve

10 internal combustion engine

11, 11a, 11b purge valve

12 intake manifold

13 restraint system

14 tanks

15a, 15b, 15c line of the restraint system 16a, 16b, 16c line of the device

17 regeneration pump

Claims (16)

patent claims 1. Device (1) for simulating a delivery of a restraint system (13) for volatile hydrogens, in particular hydrocarbons, preferably for a motor vehicle, comprising: a reservoir (3) for providing hydrogens; a mixing area (4) in which the hydrogen from the reservoir (3) can be supplied to the air in order to form a gas mixture; a flow valve (6) which is set up to adjust a flow of hydrogens from the reservoir (3) to the mixing area (4); and a control unit (7) which is signal-transmittingly connected to the flow-through valve (6) and is set up to control the flow of hydrogens to the mixing area (4) by means of the flow-through valve (6). 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the device (1) downstream of that position at which a hydrocarbon sensor (5) measures the concentration of hydrogens, with an internal combustion engine (10) or fuel cell, in particular with an intake manifold (12). Internal combustion engine (10) or an upstream scavenging system, in particular an upstream scavenging valve (11) for a restraint system (13), can be connected. 3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, which has a first flow measuring sensor (2) which is arranged downstream of the flow valve (6) and is set up to measure the flow of hydrogen between the reservoir (3) and the mixing area (4). and is connected to the control unit (7) in a signal-transmitting manner, the control unit (7) being set up to regulate the flow of hydrogen on the basis of measured actual values of the flow of hydrogen. 4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, which has a second flow measurement sensor (8) which is set up to measure the flow of intake air to the mixing area (4) and is connected to the control unit (7) in a signal-transmitting manner is, wherein the control unit (7) is set up to regulate the flow of hydrogen on the basis of measured actual values of the flow of the intake air. 5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, which has a hydrocarbon sensor (5) which is set up to measure a concentration of hydrogen in the gas mixture and is connected to the control unit (7) in a signal-transmitting manner, wherein the Control unit (7) is set up to regulate the flow of hydrogen on the basis of measured actual values of the concentration of hydrogen. 6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the regeneration of an activated carbon canister is simulated as a restraint system (13). 7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, further comprising a regeneration pump (17) which is arranged downstream of the mixing region (4) and is adapted to convey the mixture into the internal combustion engine (10). 8. Energy converter, in particular fuel cell or internal combustion engine (10), with a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7. 9. Energy converter according to claim 8, wherein the device (1) bridges an existing restraint system (13) of the internal combustion engine (10) or instead of the restraint system (13) is installed. 10. Vehicle with a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7 and/or an energy converter according to claim 8 or 9. 11. Method (100) for simulating a delivery of a restraint system (13) of volatile hydrogens, in particular hydrocarbons, preferably for a motor vehicle, wherein the air in a regeneration operation hydrogens from a reservoir (3) of water hydrogens are supplied (102), so that a gas mixture is formed, and wherein the gas mixture is supplied (103 ) in order to simulate a gas mixture occurring when a restraint system (13) is released. 12. The method (100) according to claim 11, wherein the concentration of hydrogens in the gas mixture is adjusted in such a way that it has a predefined time-dependent profile or a profile that is dependent on a throughput quantity of gas mixture. 13. The method (100) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the predefined profile is recorded in real driving and is simulated in the simulation of the delivery. 14. The method (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein based on an activation of a flushing system, in particular an opening of the flushing valve (11), based on a flow of air and/or based on a signal from a drive control (ECU), a check is carried out (101 ) whether a regeneration operation is present, with hydrogen being supplied to the intake air exclusively in a regeneration operation. 15. The method (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, which is carried out in a test bench operation on a vehicle test bench, engine test bench or drive train test bench or in real driving operation of the motor vehicle. 16. The method (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the hydrogens which are removed from the reservoir (3) (102-1) are supplied (102-2 ) to form the gas mixture, wherein the concentration of hydrogens in the gas mixture is measured (103-1) by means of a hydrocarbon sensor (5) and wherein a flow of hydrogens from the reservoir (3) to the mixing area (4) by means of a flow valve (6) is adjusted based on the measured concentration of hydrogens (103-2). 3 sheets of drawings