AU2017294424B2 - Tank system for a submarine having a fuel cell - Google Patents
Tank system for a submarine having a fuel cell Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2017294424B2 AU2017294424B2 AU2017294424A AU2017294424A AU2017294424B2 AU 2017294424 B2 AU2017294424 B2 AU 2017294424B2 AU 2017294424 A AU2017294424 A AU 2017294424A AU 2017294424 A AU2017294424 A AU 2017294424A AU 2017294424 B2 AU2017294424 B2 AU 2017294424B2
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- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- tank
- submarine
- methanol
- water
- reformer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 243
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 87
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000007872 degassing Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052754 neon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N neon atom Chemical compound [Ne] GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical class [H]* 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052987 metal hydride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 150000004681 metal hydrides Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000002431 hydrogen Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 150000002926 oxygen Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020188 drinking water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000419 toxicity Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000001988 toxicity Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
- B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
- B63G8/08—Propulsion
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/04119—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying
- H01M8/04156—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants with simultaneous supply or evacuation of electrolyte; Humidifying or dehumidifying with product water removal
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04291—Arrangements for managing water in solid electrolyte fuel cell systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
- H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/0612—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
- H01M8/0618—Reforming processes, e.g. autothermal, partial oxidation or steam reforming
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
- B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
- B63G8/14—Control of attitude or depth
- B63G8/22—Adjustment of buoyancy by water ballasting; Emptying equipment for ballast tanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H21/00—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels
- B63H2021/003—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the power plant using fuel cells for energy supply or accumulation, e.g. for buffering photovoltaic energy
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
- H01M2250/20—Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Fuel Cell (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a submarine, wherein the submarine generates energy by means of a fuel cell, wherein the hydrogen needed for the fuel cell is obtained from methanol in a reformer. In order to store the methanol and the water, the submarine has at least three tanks (10-17), in which methanol and water are alternately stored.
Description
Tank system for a submarine having a fuel cell
The invention relates to a submarine, where the submarine generates energy by means of a fuel cell, where the hydrogen needed for the fuel cell is obtained in a reformer from methanol. To store the methanol and the water, the submarine comprises at least three tanks in which methanol or water, respectively, is stored alternately.
In the realm of nonnuclear submarines, the use of fuel cells is known; an example is the type 212 A. The hydrogen required for the operation of the fuel cell is stored in metal hydride stores.
Metal hydride stores have proven exceptionally useful for boats having a displacement of around 2000 t. For boats with significantly higher displacement, however, it may be more efficient to integrate a reformer into the boat, in addition to or instead of the metal hydride stores, and to carry methanol in compact storage form for this reformer.
During service, methanol and oxygen are consumed and water and carbon dioxide are generated. If water and carbon dioxide that have been generated are moved off the boat, there is a reduction in the weight, and the buoyancy of the boat is altered as a consequence. To compensate this, it would be necessary to take on ballast water.
It would be advantageous if the present invention would provide a submarine which carries methanol as fuel and which exhibits minimal change in buoyancy as the methanol is consumed.
The submarine of the invention comprises at least a first fuel cell and at least a first reformer. The at least one first reformer is configured for producing hydrogen from methanol. The submarine comprises at least a first tank, a second tank, and a third tank. The first tank can be connected to the reformer for fluid transport, the second tank can be connected to the reformer for fluid transport, and the third tank can be connected to the reformer for fluid transport. Moreover, the first tank can be connected to the second tank for fluid transport, the first tank can be connected
10962571_1 (GHMatters) P110385.AU
-22017294424 31 Jul 2019 to the third tank for fluid transport, and the second tank can be connected to the third tank for fluid transport.
To produce hydrogen from methanol, the reformer must be supplied both with methanol and with water. In order to be able to do this efficiently, the submarine comprises at least three tanks, preferably more than three tanks. In these tanks, methanol or water can be stored. Since, therefore, there are no defined methanol storage tanks and water storage tanks, each tank must be connected to the reformer. Additionally it is necessary to be able as well to pump fluids from one tank into the other, and so each tank can be connected to every other tank.
For the purposes of the invention, water refers in particular to process water, which is required or generated in connection with the operation of the reformer or of the fuel cell. The drinking water carried on-board should be distinguished from this. As a general rule, water in the sense of the invention contains impurities, methanol in particular; chemically pure water is not what is meant.
Typically, before a ship departs, one tank will have water, and all the other tanks will be filled with methanol. The tank which has water is preferably filled to a small proportion, thus allowing this tank to hold resultant water of reaction and condensate from the reformer and/or the fuel cell. During the journey, methanol is withdrawn, and as soon as a tank in which methanol was stored is 20 empty, resultant water of reaction and condensate from the reformer and/or the fuel cell are introduced into said tank.
As a result, the storage of the two fluids, methanol and water, can be implemented in a very compact way. At the same time, the buoyancy of the submarine in operation can be kept virtually 25 constant.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the first tank is connected at the bottom side to a first outlet valve and at the top side to a first inlet valve. The second tank is connected at the bottom side to a second outlet valve and at the top side to a second inlet valve. The third tank is 30 connected at the bottom side to a third outlet valve and at the top side to a third inlet valve.
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Each tank, preferably, is provided with a single inlet valve on the top side for the transport of methanol and/or water.
Ina further embodiment of the invention, the first outlet valve, the second outlet valve, and the third outlet valve are connected via an outlet connection.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the first inlet valve, the second inlet valve, and the third inlet valve are connected via an inlet connection.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the inlet connection and the outlet connection are connected to one another via a pump. This allows liquid to be conveyed from each tank into every other tank in a particularly simple way and with only a single active pumping element.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the inlet connection is connected to a refueling coupling. Via the refueling coupling it is possible for methanol or water to be conveyed into the inlet connection and, via the inlet connection, into a selected tank.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the first tank is connected at the bottom side to a first 20 methanol drain valve. The second tank is connected at the bottom side to a second methanol drain valve and the third tank is connected at the bottom side to a third methanol drain valve.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the first methanol drain valve, the second methanol drain valve, and the third methanol drain valve are connected via a methanol drain connection.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the methanol drain connection is connected via at least a first methanol drain pump to the at least one first reformer.
By means of this construction, methanol can be conveyed from each tank into the first reformer.
10962571_1 (GHMatters) P110385.AU
-42017294424 31 Jul 2019 ln a further embodiment of the invention, the first tank is connected at the bottom side to a first water drain valve. The second tank is connected at the bottom side to a second water drain valve. The third tank is connected at the bottom side to a third water drain valve.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the first water drain valve, the second water drain valve, and the third water drain valve are connected via a water drain connection.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the water drain connection is connected via at least a first water drain pump to the at least one first reformer.
As a result of this construction, water can be conveyed from each tank into the first reformer.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet valve, the methanol drain valve, and the water drain valve of a tank are each connected via a common connection to the 15 tank, and so at the bottom side there is only one opening for a connection to the three valves.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the first tank, the second tank, and the third tank are closed off to the atmosphere of the submarine with the submarine comprising an apparatus for introducing inert gas into at least the first tank, the second tank, and the third tank. Because 20 methanol is toxic, methanol ought not to be delivered in gaseous form into the atmosphere. This may be achieved in particular by an atmosphere of protective gas. At the same time, this also ensures protection against explosion.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the inert gas is nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, 25 argon, or a mixture thereof. Nitrogen, carbon dioxide or argon is used with particular preference, since these gases may be on board a submarine for various purposes.
In a further embodiment of the invention, at least two tanks are disposed mutually adjacently. The two mutually adjacent tanks are connected at the top side to an overflow pipe, where the 30 connections between the overflow pipe and the tanks are each disposed on the side opposite the
10962571_1 (GHMatters) P110385.AU
-52017294424 31 Jul 2019 adjacent tank. This arrangement ensures that even with the submarine in an extreme inclined position, no liquid flows from one tank into an adjacent tank.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the submarine comprises at least one degassing tank.
After degassing, the water can be conveyed out of the degassing tank via the inlet connection into a selected tank.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the submarine comprises a cathode-side water separator, where the cathode-side water separator is connected to the cathode side of the at least 10 one fuel cell, the cathode-side water separator being connected to the degassing tank. Water of reaction from the cathode side of the fuel cell is conveyed initially into the degassing tank. The water of reaction from the cathode side of the fuel cell is enriched in oxygen. This oxygen in the degassing tank may be delivered to the atmosphere.
Water of reaction from the anode side of the fuel cell is produced in much smaller quantities, because the product is obtained on the cathode side. Because this water, however, may contain hydrogen, it is preferably stored in a separate tank or used to humidify the stream of hydrogen in the supply to the anode side of the fuel cell.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the degassing tank is connected to the reformer for the purpose of transferring condensate from the reformer into the degassing tank.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the degassing tank is connected to the atmosphere of 25 the submarine. Since here it is primarily oxygen which is delivered, this oxygen being consumed by the crew, there are no further requirements with regard to storage or disposal.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the submarine comprises an even number of tanks, with half of the tanks being disposed on the starboard side and the other half of the tanks on the 30 port side. In one advantageous development of this embodiment, the submarine comprises eight
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-62017294424 31 Jul 2019 tanks in all, with four tanks being disposed on the starboard side and four tanks on the port side. With particular preference, one of the tanks is a degassing tank. On departure from the port, therefore, six tanks can be filled with methanol and one tank with a little water. This produces the most efficient utilization of space on board.
In a further embodiment, the submarine has a pressure hull, and the tanks are disposed outside the pressure hull. They are preferably disposed between the pressure hull of the submarine and a further cladding. More preferably they are arranged around a further tank, more particularly around the oxygen tank.
In a further embodiment of the invention, each tank has only one inlet for liquids on the top side and one outlet for liquids on the bottom side. Additionally, each tank preferably has at least an inlet for protective gas. With further preference, each tank has at least one overflow pipe. In addition, each tank may have a sensor for the fill level, and optionally pressure sensors and/or 15 temperature sensors.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the pressure hull forms at least part of the tank.
In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one tank comprises a bladder, the bladder being 20 configured to accept liquid. A bladder is a flexible apparatus for accepting liquid, and is customarily made of a plastic. The bladder increases its volume when liquid is introduced and reduces its volume when liquid is withdrawn. By means of the bladder it is possible to prevent contact between the liquid and the tank wall. An advantage of using a bladder may be, for example, the omission of an atmosphere of protective gas, since methanol vapors are unable to 25 pass out of the bladder to the outside.
In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a submarine of the invention. The at least one first tank is filled with methanol; the at least one second tank is filled with water. Methanol is conveyed from the first tank into at least a first reformer. Water is conveyed from the 30 second tank into the at least one first reformer. Water of reaction is conveyed from the fuel cell
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-7 2017294424 31 Jul 2019 into the second tank. Condensate is conveyed from the reformer into the second tank. In this case, the water of reaction from the fuel cell and/or the condensate from the reformer need not be conveyed directly into the second tank, but may first be conveyed into a degassing tank and, from the degassing tank, into the second tank.
In a further embodiment of the invention, methanol is withdrawn from the first tank until the fill level is below 5% of the tank volume, preferably below 3% of the tank volume, more preferably below 2% of the tank volume, the fill level being above 1% of the tank volume.
A minimum fill level prevents the pumps running dry.
In a further embodiment of the invention, water of reaction from the fuel cell and/or condensate from the reformer are/is conveyed into the first tank with a methanol fill level of 1 to 5%, preferably of 1 to 3%, more preferably of 1 to 2% of the tank volume.
An advantage associated with this mixing is that the toxicity of the mixture of water and methanol is sufficiently low that the mixture may be emitted to the surroundings without further purification.
In a further embodiment of the invention, water is withdrawn from the second tank until the fill level is below 5% of the tank volume, preferably below 3% of the tank volume, more preferably below 2% of the tank volume, the fill level being above 1% of the tank volume.
A minimum fill level prevents the pumps running dry.
In a further embodiment of the invention, methanol is conveyed into the second tank with a water fill level of 1 to 5%, preferably of 1 to 3%, more preferably of 1 to 2% of the tank volume. This filling is performed customarily by refueling from externally, as for example in the port or by a task force supply craft.
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This residual water content is not disruptive, because the stoichiometry of water to methanol in the reformer is not critically altered as a result. Moreover, it represents an optimum between maximum possible methanol storage quantity and protection for the pumps against running dry.
The submarine of the invention is elucidated in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment which is set out in the drawing.
Fig. 1 schematic drawing
Fig. 1 shows the tank system of a submarine of an embodiment of the invention. The tank system comprises eight tanks 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, with one tank 13 being implemented as a degassing tank. The eight tanks 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 are implemented in accordance with naval architecture, with four tanks being disposed to starboard and four tanks to port. The seven tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 may be filled with methanol or water. Prior to departure from the port, for example, six tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 are fully filled with methanol as fuel, while one tank 17 contains water, the fill level being low.
The tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 are connected to outlet valves 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27. Moreover, the tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 are connected to inlet valves 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36,
37. The outlet valves 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 are connected to one another via an outlet connection 40; the inlet valves 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37 are connected to one another via an inlet connection 50. The outlet connection 40 is connected via a pump 60 to the inlet connection 50. By this means it is possible to convey methanol or water from any tank into any other tank in order, for example, to trim the boat.
Via the refueling coupling 70, methanol can be conveyed into the inlet connection 50 and, via the inlet connection 50 and the inlet valves 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, into the tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15,
16, 17. The refueling coupling 70 is preferably arranged in such a way that the submarine can easily be refueled; for example, the refueling coupling 70 is disposed in the tower.
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The tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 are connected to methanol drain valves 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 87; the methanol drain valves 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 87 are connected to one another via a methanol drain connection 90. By this means it is possible for methanol to be conveyed from the tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 by means of a pump 100 to a first reformer 200. In the example shown, methanol can be conveyed to a second reformer 210 via a further pump 101. The redundant configuration increases the security of energy supply.
The tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 are connected to water drain valves 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117; the water drain valves 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117 are connected to one another via a water drain connection 150. By this means it is possible for water to be conveyed from the tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 by means of a pump 120 to a first reformer of a 220. In the example shown, methanol can be conveyed to a second reformer 230 via a further pump 121. The redundant configuration increases the security of energy supply.
From an inert gas reservoir 130, inert gas can be passed via an inert gas line 132 into the tanks 10, 11,12,14,15,16,17. Regulation is carried out preferably using an inert gas regulator 134.
The tanks 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 are connected by means of overflows 140, 141, 142, 143, 144.
The arrangement of the overflows 140, 141, 142, 143, 144 ensures that even when the submarine is in an inclined position, water and methanol are unable to pass from one tank into the other. For this purpose, one overflow connects two adjacent tanks at the top side in each case to the side opposite the adjacent tank.
Preferably, beneath each tank, the outgoing connection can be closed in each case by means of a 25 manual shutoff valve 300.
In order to protect the overall system, filters 310 may be integrated at various locations. To allow replacement of the filters 310, there is a manual shutoff valve 300 at each entry and exit of the filter 310.
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In order to be able to give off water again, a defueling coupling 260 is provided. This defueling coupling 260 is preferably disposed downstream of the outlet connection 40 and the pump 60 in such a way that water, but also methanol, can be brought from the submarine via the outlet connection 40 and the pump 60 in order to empty the tanks 10,11,12, 14, 15, 16, 17.
Provision may be made for methanol which has not been completely reacted in the reformer to be able to be returned via a connection 270.
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- 11 2017294424 31 Jul 2019
| Reference numerals | 84 | methanol drain valve | |
| 10 | tank | 85 | methanol drain valve |
| 11 | tank | 86 | methanol drain valve |
| 12 | tank | 87 | methanol drain valve |
| 13 | tank | 90 | methanol drain connection |
| 14 | tank | 100 | pump |
| 15 | tank | 101 | pump |
| 16 | tank | 110 | water drain valve |
| 17 | tank | 111 | water drain valve |
| 20 | outlet valve | 112 | water drain valve |
| 21 | outlet valve | 114 | water drain valve |
| 22 | outlet valve | 115 | water drain valve |
| 24 | outlet valve | 116 | water drain valve |
| 25 | outlet valve | 117 | water drain valve |
| 26 | outlet valve | 120 | pump |
| 27 | outlet valve | 121 | pump |
| 30 | inlet valve | 130 | inert gas reservoir |
| 31 | inlet valve | 132 | inert gas line |
| 32 | inlet valve | 134 | inert gas regulator |
| 34 | inlet valve | 140 | overflow |
| 35 | inlet valve | 141 | overflow |
| 36 | inlet valve | 142 | overflow |
| 37 | inlet valve | 143 | overflow |
| 40 | outlet connection | 144 | overflow |
| 50 | inlet connection | 150 | water drain connection |
| 60 | pump | 200 | to the first reformer |
| 70 | refueling coupling | 210 | to the second reformer |
| 80 | methanol drain valve | 220 | to the first reformer |
| 81 | methanol drain valve | 230 | to the second reformer |
| 82 | methanol drain valve | 240 | from the fuel cell |
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- 122017294424 31 Jul 2019
250 from the reformer
260 defueling coupling
270 from the reformer
300 manual shutoff valve
310 filter
Claims (25)
- Claims1. A submarine having at least a first fuel cell and at least a first reformer, where the at least one first reformer is configured for producing hydrogen from methanol, where the5 submarine comprises at least a first tank, a second tank, and a third tank, where the first tank can be connected to the reformer for fluid transport, where the second tank can be connected to the reformer for fluid transport, where the third tank can be connected to the reformer for fluid transport, where the first tank can be connected to the second tank for fluid transport, where the first tank can be connected to the third tank for fluid 10 transport, where the second tank can be connected to the third tank for fluid transport, where the first tank is connected at the bottom side to a first outlet valve, in that the first tank is connected at the top side to a first inlet valve, in that the second tank is connected at the bottom side to a second outlet valve, in that the second tank is connected at the top side to a second inlet valve, in that the third tank is connected at the bottom side to a third 15 outlet valve, and in that the third tank is connected at the top side to a third inlet valve.
- 2. The submarine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first outlet valve, the second outlet valve, and the third outlet valve are connected via an outlet connection.20
- 3. The submarine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first inlet valve, the second inlet valve, and the third inlet valve are connected via an inlet connection.
- 4. The submarine as claimed in claim 2 and 3, wherein the inlet connection and the outlet connection are connected to one another via a pump.
- 5. The submarine as claimed in either of claims 3 and 4, wherein the inlet connection is connected to a refueling coupling.
- 6. The submarine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tank is30 connected at the bottom side to a first methanol drain valve, in that the second tank is connected at the bottom side to a second methanol drain valve, and in that the third tank is connected at the bottom side to a third methanol drain valve.10962571_1 (GHMatters) P110385.AU- 142017294424 31 Jul 2019
- 7. The submarine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first methanol drain valve, the second methanol drain valve, and the third methanol drain valve are connected via a methanol drain connection.
- 8. The submarine as claimed in claim 7, wherein the methanol drain connection is connected via at least a first methanol drain pump to the at least one first reformer.
- 9. The submarine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tank is
- 10 connected at the bottom side to a first water drain valve, in that the second tank is connected at the bottom side to a second water drain valve, and in that the third tank is connected at the bottom side to a third water drain valve.10. The submarine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first water drain valve, the second water15 drain valve, and the third water drain valve are connected via a water drain connection.
- 11. The submarine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the water drain connection is connected via at least a first water drain pump to the at least one first reformer.20
- 12. The submarine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tank, the second tank, and the third tank are closed off to the atmosphere of the submarine, where the submarine comprises an apparatus for introducing inert gas into at least the first tank, the second tank, and the third tank.25
- 13. The submarine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, argon, or a mixture thereof.
- 14. The submarine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two tanks are disposed mutually adjacently, where the two mutually adjacent tanks are connected at 30 the top side to an overflow pipe, where the connections between the overflow pipe and the tanks are each disposed on the side opposite the adjacent tank.10962571_1 (GHMatters) P110385.AU- 15 2017294424 31 Jul 2019
- 15. The submarine as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the submarine comprises at least one degassing tank.
- 16. The submarine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the submarine comprises a cathode-side5 water separator, where the cathode-side water separator is connected to the cathode side of the at least one fuel cell, the cathode-side water separator being connected to the degassing tank.
- 17. The submarine as claimed in either of claims 15 and 16, wherein the degassing tank is10 connected to the reformer for the purpose of transferring condensate from the reformer into the degassing tank.
- 18. The submarine as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the degassing tank is connected to the atmosphere of the submarine.
- 19. The submarine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the submarine comprises eight tanks in all, where four tanks are disposed on the starboard side and four tanks on the port side.
- 20 20. The submarine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each tank comprises only one inlet for liquids on the top side and one inlet for liquids on the bottom side.
- 21. A method for operating a submarine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, where at least a first tank is filled with methanol, where at least a second tank is filled with water, 25 where methanol from the first tank is conveyed into at least a first reformer, where water from the second tank is conveyed into the at least one first reformer, where water of reaction from the fuel cell is conveyed into the second tank, where condensate from the reformer is conveyed into the second tank.30
- 22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein methanol is withdrawn from the first tank until the fill level is below 5% of the tank volume, preferably below 3% of the tank volume, more preferably below 2% of the tank volume, the fil level being above 1% of the tank volume.10962571_1 (GHMatters) P110385.AU- 162017294424 31 Jul 2019
- 23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein water of reaction from the fuel cell and/condensate from the reformer are/is conveyed into the first tank with a methanol fill level of 1 to 5%, preferably of 1 to 3%, more preferably of 1 to 2% of the tank volume.
- 24. The method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein water is withdrawn from the second tank until the fill level is below 5% of the tank volume, preferably below 3% of the tank volume, more preferably below2% of the tank volume, the fill level being above 1% of the tank volume.
- 25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein methanol is conveyed into the second tank with a water fill level of 1 to 5%, preferably of 1 to 3%, more preferably of 1 to 2% of the tank volume.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102016212186.3A DE102016212186A1 (en) | 2016-07-05 | 2016-07-05 | Tank system for a submarine with fuel cell |
| DE102016212186.3 | 2016-07-05 | ||
| PCT/EP2017/066514 WO2018007326A1 (en) | 2016-07-05 | 2017-07-03 | Tank system for a submarine having a fuel cell |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2017294424A1 AU2017294424A1 (en) | 2019-02-21 |
| AU2017294424B2 true AU2017294424B2 (en) | 2019-08-22 |
Family
ID=59270042
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2017294424A Active AU2017294424B2 (en) | 2016-07-05 | 2017-07-03 | Tank system for a submarine having a fuel cell |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3481715A1 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR102159889B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2017294424B2 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102016212186A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2018007326A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR3091417A1 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2020-07-03 | Naval Group | Fuel cell system for a ship |
| DE102019213991A1 (en) * | 2019-09-13 | 2020-09-03 | Thyssenkrupp Ag | Refueling a submarine at sea |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6063515A (en) * | 1997-12-22 | 2000-05-16 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Integrated fuel cell electric power generation system for submarine applications |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US953881A (en) * | 1906-10-31 | 1910-04-05 | Paul Winand | Method of maintaining equality of weight in submarine boats while in operation. |
| US5401589A (en) * | 1990-11-23 | 1995-03-28 | Vickers Shipbuilding And Engineering Limited | Application of fuel cells to power generation systems |
| US6376113B1 (en) * | 1998-11-12 | 2002-04-23 | Idatech, Llc | Integrated fuel cell system |
| KR100558908B1 (en) * | 2005-02-17 | 2006-03-10 | 대우조선해양 주식회사 | Submarine with common structure of reaction water tank |
| JP2008298103A (en) * | 2007-05-29 | 2008-12-11 | Fujitsu Ten Ltd | Control device, fuel gas supply system and fuel gas vessel |
| DE102008013150B4 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2012-01-26 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Mixing system and method for inerting a gas volume and their use |
| DE102009040379B3 (en) * | 2009-09-07 | 2011-07-28 | Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH, 24143 | Submarine with a compressor |
| KR101572982B1 (en) * | 2014-03-27 | 2015-11-30 | 대우조선해양 주식회사 | Waste heat recycling system for ship mounted with fuel cell |
-
2016
- 2016-07-05 DE DE102016212186.3A patent/DE102016212186A1/en active Pending
-
2017
- 2017-07-03 AU AU2017294424A patent/AU2017294424B2/en active Active
- 2017-07-03 EP EP17734740.8A patent/EP3481715A1/en active Pending
- 2017-07-03 WO PCT/EP2017/066514 patent/WO2018007326A1/en unknown
- 2017-07-03 KR KR1020197000201A patent/KR102159889B1/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6063515A (en) * | 1997-12-22 | 2000-05-16 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Integrated fuel cell electric power generation system for submarine applications |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP3481715A1 (en) | 2019-05-15 |
| AU2017294424A1 (en) | 2019-02-21 |
| KR102159889B1 (en) | 2020-09-25 |
| WO2018007326A1 (en) | 2018-01-11 |
| DE102016212186A1 (en) | 2018-01-25 |
| KR20190015498A (en) | 2019-02-13 |
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| HB | Alteration of name in register |
Owner name: THYSSENKRUPP MARINE SYSTEMS GMBH Free format text: FORMER NAME(S): THYSSENKRUPP MARINE SYSTEMS GMBH; THYSSENKRUPP AG Owner name: THYSSENKRUPP AG Free format text: FORMER NAME(S): THYSSENKRUPP MARINE SYSTEMS GMBH; THYSSENKRUPP AG |
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| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) |