DE102004010937A1 - Cartridge for coupling to a liquid hydrogen user or filling station, and especially for an aircraft, has a tank with an insulated inner lining to hold the liquid or partially-liquid hydrogen and a release connection coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

The change cartridge for coupling to a user or filling station, using liquid hydrogen, has a release connection coupling (39) and a tank (1) to hold the liquid hydrogen. The tank assembly has an inner tank (112) and an outer tank (114), with a super insulation (113) between them as a thermally insulating layer e.g. as a vacuum for the inner tank, when filled with liquid or partially-liquid hydrogen. A protective cap for the coupling has a space to hold a catalyst. An immersion tube (12) with a heat exchanger (13) delivers heat into the inner tank to give a supply of hydrogen gas for the user motor.

Description

The The present invention relates to the storage of hydrogen preferably in vehicles, such as aircraft. In particular, it concerns the present invention an interchangeable cartridge for coupling a consumer or a filling station, a connection coupling for a consumer or a filling station, an aircraft with a corresponding removable cartridge and a method for handling a removable cartridge.

hydrogen will be in liquid Form used for some time in industry and space. In gaseous form Hydrogen is offered in metal hybrids or pressure accumulators. For liquid hydrogen So far no corresponding system is available.

It It is an object of the present invention to provide a handling of liquid To simplify hydrogen.

According to one embodiment The present invention as defined in claim 1, the above task by an interchangeable cartridge for coupling to a Consumer or a filling station solved, wherein the interchangeable cartridge at least one detachable connection coupling to Has connection with the consumer or the filling station. Further the replaceable cartridge has a tank for holding liquid hydrogen on.

The Replaceable cartridge, for example, is recyclable. Advantageous can by the design of the interchangeable cartridge for storage from liquid Hydrogen a very high energy density at comparatively low Weight can be achieved. This is particularly advantageous in one Storage capacity of more than 5 kg. Moreover, by providing the removable cartridge safe, fast and easy handling of energy storage with the liquid Achieved hydrogen.

In In this context, it should be noted that in the following For the sake of simplicity, only liquid hydrogen is mentioned. It should be noted, however, that the present Invention also to the use of partially hydrogenated refers to so-called "slush hydrogen "in others In words, the term liquid Hydrogen here for liquid Hydrogen and partially hydrogenated hydrogen used together.

The Configuration of the interchangeable cartridge for storing the liquid hydrogen allows storing a relatively large amount of hydrogen preferably small space and low memory weight and thus an optimization of Energy storage when the hydrogen is considered energy storage becomes.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention as stated in claim 2, an interchangeable cartridge specified for use in aircraft.

For example can change the cartridge according to this embodiment for a On-board water generation system (OBOWAGS) used on the operation of a fuel cell based. In an advantageous manner, this can be done using of hydrogen and oxygen always a consistent highest water quality realized because pure water can be produced directly. That so recovered water can, for example, directly for a toilet flush and / or a Cab humidification can be used. By adding to minerals can you get drinking water. This allows, for example, the provision of water in an airplane, without the water being fueled on the ground got to. moreover falls by this process so much electrical energy that, for example a part of the electrical system can be supplied with it. One in this Process incurred thermal power can also be used, to meet a need for electrical heat reduce. This can, for example, the thermal power for heating the passenger cabin are used. Overall, the leads Use of such a system in conjunction with the interchangeable cartridge according to the invention to a significant weight reduction and thus to cost advantages.

moreover is due to the interchangeable cartridge according to the invention the generation of water on board an aircraft usually only allows, there so far neither on board an airplane nor at airports of the needed Hydrogen provided has been. According to the present Invention can now be realized an exchange cartridge system, where the removable cartridges can be replaced if necessary. Such Removable cartridges can easy and unproblematic to be stored at an airport. Moreover, it is in liquid Hydrogen in an emergency no direct blast gas explosion too expect what increased security to disposal provides.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, as stated in claim 3, the tank of the interchangeable cartridge for receiving liquid or partially liquefied hydrogen is formed. In order to provide gaseous hydrogen to a consumer, the liquid or partially liquefied hydrogen is introduced in Heat is supplied to the tank, so that it goes into a gaseous state of matter. Then the gaseous hydrogen is passed on, for example via the connection couplings to a consumer.

In advantageous manner allows the interchangeable cartridge according to the present Invention that an interchangeable cartridge when needed on board an aircraft is brought and then to the hydrogen electrical system of the aircraft can be connected easily. If the cartridge is empty is, d. H. if the hydrogen is used up or some Threshold falls below, the removable cartridge in practical Way exchanged for a full removable cartridge. The empty interchangeable cartridge can then at a corresponding filling station refilled be introduced into the circulation.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention, as indicated for example in claim 5, the tank has an inner tank and an outer tank. Between the inner tank and the outer tank A super insulation is provided which thermally the inner tank and the outer tank decoupled so that the inner tank for storage of liquid or teilverflüssigtem Hydrogen is suitable.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention, as indicated for example in claim 6, can the superinsulation taking into account a temperature the environment and a need, d. H. a hydrogen demand of the Consumer, be designed such that a heat transfer from the environment with the ambient temperature to the inner tank over the Super insulation in the operation is sufficient, the needs of the consumer at gaseous To cover hydrogen. In a simple way can thus one Reciprocating cartridge specified, the "automatically" enough gaseous hydrogen from the liquid Hydrogen forms to meet the needs of the consumer. This allows specifying an interchangeable cartridge that does not have control devices needed to control the output of the hydrogen. On This way, a simple and inexpensive removable cartridge specified become. Also by the fact that a failure of a control system in this embodiment not possible is, a very safe removable cartridge can be specified.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 7, for example. is at least one protective cap on each at least one detachable connection coupling intended. For example, this cap can the connection couplings against mechanical damage protect. As stated in claim 8, the protective cap can be configured in addition to the mechanical protection also a "leakage protection" available put. For that can in a space defined by the protective cap a catalyst be provided by the in the room from the connection coupling evaporating hydrogen is catalytically utilized.

In Advantageously, this is an accumulation of evaporating Hydrogen, for example in cavities in the vicinity of the interchangeable cartridge, avoided.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 9, for example. is a device for feeding of heat provided to the inner tank. By controlling the supplied heat can a discharge of gaseous Be controlled hydrogen, which are delivered to the consumer can. In an advantageous manner, so that the removable cartridge on a wide variety of applications and on a wide variety of consumers be adjusted.

According to one further advantageous embodiment of the present invention as set forth, for example, in claim 10, has the removable cartridge on a coding. By the coding For example, a user, a consumer or the filling station recognize, for example, automatically detect what kind of Replacement cartridge is it. For example, this can be one Type of filling, a temperature of the stored hydrogen, an average discharge amount of gaseous Hydrogen to a consumer, a filling pressure, a shape, a tank size, a Max. Withdrawal quantity, one application, one max. Heat input and / or a max. Operating pressure. Also, for example, a nominal volume be coded.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 10, for example. is the coding by means of the detachable Connection couplings designed. For example, this can be done by configured the shape and / or dimensioning of the connection couplings become. Advantageously, the coding is such that appropriate Connection couplings only to matching or suitable consumers or filling stations can be attached. In this way, safe handling of the removable cartridges be ensured.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a connection coupling for a consumer or a Befüllstati on, wherein the connection coupling is designed for interaction with an interchangeable cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Further is in accordance with the present Invention an aircraft with an interchangeable cartridge according to the present invention Invention specified.

Further The present invention relates to a method for handling a interchangeable cartridge according to the invention, wherein the interchangeable cartridge is disposed in a vehicle and when falling below a certain capacity, the removable cartridge is removed from the vehicle. According to a further embodiment The present invention as set forth in claim 15 is Vehicle an airplane.

In In other words, according to the present Invention, a removable cartridge system specified for storage from liquid or partially liquefied Hydrogen is configured. In particular, the cartridge system be provided with a coded connection coupling system, the in each case only be connected with appropriate connection couplings can. In this way, a simple and safe handling from save for liquid Hydrogen are given, which also has a high level of user-friendliness having. Especially when used in aircraft allows the present invention a simple and safe handling. Also A hydrogen infrastructure at the airport can be provided by the present Invention are reduced to a corresponding storage location, the as needed from a central filling and maintenance station for the removable cartridges is supplied.

in the The following will be advantageous embodiments with reference to the figures of the present invention.

1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of an interchangeable cartridge according to the present invention.

2 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of an interchangeable cartridge according to the present invention in a storage state.

3 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of an interchangeable cartridge according to the present invention in a hydrogen extraction.

4 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of an interchangeable cartridge according to the present invention for a hydrogen refueling.

It should be noted that in the 1 and 4 Block diagrams have been used to simplify the illustration for various elements. In the following description of the 1 to 4 the same reference numbers are used for identical or corresponding elements.

1 shows a sectional view through an interchangeable cartridge with an embodiment of the present invention for coupling to a consumer or to a filling station. The interchangeable cartridge includes a plurality of releasable couplings, which are described in more detail below, for connection to the consumer or the filling station and a tank 1 for receiving liquid hydrogen. The Tank 1 includes an external tank 114 as well as an inner tank 112 , The outer tank 114 and the inner tank 112 are thermally by means of an insulation, such as a superinsulation 113 , decoupled. The super insulation 113 can be configured for example by means of a vacuum. Preferably, this decoupling is designed such that at an ambient temperature at a site and a predefined consumption or demand of the consumer of gaseous hydrogen, a heat transfer from the environment with the ambient temperature to the inner tank 112 is sufficient to bring a quantity of hydrogen from the liquid or partially liquid state in a gaseous state, which corresponds to the needs of the consumer. In this way, a self-sufficient system can be made available, which automatically emits a constant amount of gaseous hydrogen to a consumer at a constant ambient temperature. Also, for example, a delivery of gaseous hydrogen to the consumer can be controlled by controlling the ambient temperature. Also, an interchangeable cartridge can be provided, which does not have to have a control system. In particular, this makes it possible to specify a very safe replaceable cartridge since no failure of a control system can occur and the discharge quantity of gaseous hydrogen can always be predicted on the basis of the ambient temperature.

However, according to the present invention, a dip tube may also be used 12 with a heat exchanger 13 be made available to targeted and controlled the inner tank 112 Add heat and to control the discharge of gaseous hydrogen.

The interchangeable cartridge also has a shut-off valve 2 on, for example, to control a heat supply to the inner tank 112 over the dip tube 12 and the heat exchanger 13 serves. Furthermore, another shut-off valve 3 be provided, which to a sampling tube 7 coupled to that from an outside of the tank 1 through the outer tank 114 and the insulation 113 in the inner tank 112 enough. About the valves 2 and 3 a hydrogen extraction and filling can be carried out. The sampling tube 7 is also with pressure relief valves 4 and 5 coupled, for example, the occurrence of overpressure in the inner tank 112 Can release pressure to an environment. The pressure relief valves 4 and 5 but also in connection with exhaust pipes 9 for the discharge of exhaust gases from the inner tank 112 be arranged. An exhaust gas may for example be gaseous hydrogen (GH ₂ ).

Moreover, the interchangeable cartridge according to this embodiment has a relief tube 8th from the outside of the interchangeable cartridge into the inner tank 112 extends. On the discharge pipe 8th is a pressure relief valve 6 arranged.

The reference number 14 denotes a shut-off valve, which with a clutch 15 and a closure cap is provided. The closure cap can for example be designed such that it protects the coupling from mechanical effects. But moreover, the cap can be configured, a space such around the clutch 15 form that evaporating hydrogen is collected in this room. In an advantageous manner, a catalyst is then provided in this space, which automatically further utilizes the evaporating hydrogen and, for example, converts it into water that can be handled without any problems. (Does this have to be a catalyst or what is advantageous?)

The reference numbers 30 and 31 Designate pressure gauges, which may be configured for example with a slave pointer function. The pressure gauges show a pressure in the inner tank 112 at. The reference number 32 denotes a thermometer, which may also have a drag pointer function and a temperature in the inner tank 112 the removable cartridge indicates. In conjunction with the manometers 30 and 31 and the thermometer 32 are couplings 33 . 34 and 35 provided, which serve to connect the removable cartridge with the consumer. These couplings allow the consumer, for example, a pressure or a pressure development in the inner tank of the interchangeable cartridge 112 to capture or a temperature in the inner tank 112 take.

The reference number 37 denotes a level transmitter in the inner tank 112 , with a corresponding level indicator 38 , which is arranged on an outer side of the interchangeable cartridge, cooperating and the filling state of the inner tank 112 indicates with liquid hydrogen outside. The level can also be from a consumer, for example by means of a clutch 39 be tapped.

The reference numbers 110 and 111 denote clutches with caps over the shut-off valves 2 and 3 are provided. Preferably, the load on the couplings 110 and 111 connected. The shut-off valves 2 and 3 Prevent leakage of hydrogen when the tank is not completed. The couplings are advantageous 110 and 111 coaxially arranged and the valves 2 and 3 Close or open automatically during the connection process or during decoupling.

The couplings 110 and 111 can be provided with appropriate caps, which are the valves 2 and 3 protect mechanically. In addition, the caps of the couplings can 110 and 111 , similar to the cap of the coupling 15 , be designed such that they define a space in which, for example, a catalyst is provided. By means of the catalyst evaporating hydrogen can be catalytically utilized in the space, whereby leakage of gaseous hydrogen, which happens unintentionally, can be prevented or such hydrogen can be bound.

The reference number 120 refers to a monitoring system with the appropriate couplings 39 . 35 . 34 . 33 connected is. For clarity, these compounds are in 1 not shown. Furthermore, the monitoring system 120 be configured, a function or an actuation of the valves 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 and 14 to control or to control.

Also, the monitoring system can 120 be configured, a heat supply via the heat exchanger 13 and thus to control a discharge amount of gaseous hydrogen.

The monitoring system 120 is preferably with the level sensor 37 and the level gauge 38 coupled, the temperature sensor and indicator 32 , the internal pressure transmitter and indicator 31 and a measuring system 30 (the manometer) to monitor the negative pressure between the inner tank 112 and external tank 114 , The appropriate connections between the monitoring system 120 are in for clarity 1 not shown. For example, however, there may be a connection between the corresponding sensors and valves and the monitoring system 120 out by means of appropriate electrical connections be staltet. Upon connection of the interchangeable cartridge to the consumer, these signals can be displayed on-board the consumer, such as at corresponding display devices in an aircraft.

As previously mentioned, the valves are 4 . 5 and 6 designed as pressure relief valves. Valve 5 responds, for example, when the pressure level p _{2 is} reached and the outgassing process starts due to "overlapping" 4 It responds when the pressure level p ₃ (P ₃ > p ₂ ) is reached, ie the pressure through the valve s can no longer be reduced. In a case where the internal pressure p _{3 is} exceeded or the line 7 or / and subsequent lines are blocked in the flow, opens the pressure relief valve 6 at a pressure of p ₄ .

For example, the shut-off valve 14 and the clutch 15 be designed as a connection element to a vacuum pump.

2 shows the in 1 illustrated interchangeable cartridge in storage condition. In the storage condition and / or transport condition no consumer is connected to the interchangeable cartridge. According to the present invention, the valves are 2 and 3 closed. As previously described, protective caps can 110 and 111 be provided, which protect the corresponding connection couplings. Such protective caps can for example also be designed by means of blind caps.

At the valves 4 . 5 and 6 can couplings 50 . 51 and 52 be provided. About the clutch 52 can the valve 6 with an exhaust pipe 55 get connected.

About the clutch 51 can the valve 5 with a recombinator 54 be connected, in turn, with an exhaust pipe 56 is connected, via the example, water can be dispensed. About the clutch 50 can also the valve 4 with another exhaust pipe 53 be connected via which an exhaust gas, such as GH ₂ , can be discharged.

With "normal" heat input and a longer storage, for example, a pressure level p ₂ can be exceeded In such a case, the valve opens 5 and relieves the tank via a recombiner (optional) or via an exhaust gas line (pipe to the outside - not shown). If the heat input by complete loss of insulation, such as by a loss of vacuum of superinsulation 113 , too high, takes a discharge over the valve 4 instead of. In particular, there is a relief valve 4 instead of when a pressure p _{3 is} exceeded and / or a temperature T _{3 is} exceeded.

In front In this background, it is advantageous to have a deposit for such Change cartridges so that, for example, a hydrogen probe is provided in an exhaust stack, the detection of hydrogen in the exhaust chimney triggers an alarm.

If damage occurs during storage or transport, for example as a result of an accident or even higher heat input, the valve opens 6 and thereby prevents the bursting of the tank or the removable cartridge.

3 shows the in 1 illustrated interchangeable cartridge in the hydrogen extraction.

In the in 3 arrangement shown, no relief valves are provided for clarity, no spray system, no pressure reducer or regulator, no driving valves and no check valves. However, such systems may be provided as in known arrangements.

The reference numbers 70 and 71 denote valves that are above the couplings 110 and 111 with the valves 2 and 3 connectable or connected. The valve 71 is by means of a sampling line 73 with a heat exchanger 77 connected, in turn, via inflow pipes 74 , Return lines 75 as well as a valve 76 connected to a consumer. One with the heat exchanger 77 connected return line 72 is with the valve 70 connected.

The consumer, such as an on-board water generator for an aircraft or an internal combustion engine gets air over the air admission 79 , Exhaust gases from the consumer can be removed via a corresponding exhaust system. An exhaust gas of the consumer may be, for example, water.

The valve 6 For example, it may be configured such that GHz, when a pressure p ₅ or a temperature T _{5 is} exceeded, is transferred to the exhaust gas line 55 is delivered.

The reference numbers 90 . 91 . 92 and 93 denote indicating instruments by means of which the corresponding operating states can be displayed to a user.

When the hydrogen is removed, ie in the connected operational state, the tank is usually under an operating pressure of p ₁ to p ₂ at about 20 Kelvin. The consumer removes hydrogen from the gas phase of the inner tank 112 and if necessary in surplus. The extracted gas flows over the pipe 7 , the valve 3 , the coupling 111 , the valve 71 and the line 73 to that heat exchangers 77 to the consumer 78 out. This heat exchanger heats the gas to a temperature which is above the minimum temperature required by the consumer. The withdrawal pressure p ₁ to p ₂ is above the pressure required by the consumer. If more gaseous hydrogen is required by the consumer, the valve can 20 be opened. Gaseous hydrogen is passed through the heat exchanger, heated and then returned to the tank. In this way, a heat input into the tank and leads to an evaporation of the liquid hydrogen.

In the connected idle state, no hydrogen is withdrawn. The tank side valves 2 and 3 stay open. The consumer-side valves are closed and interrupt the hydrogen connection between tank and consumer. All connections are retained. In particular, the function of the safety valves remains advantageous 4 . 5 and 6 receive.

4 shows the interchangeable cartridge of 1 in hydrogen refueling. For filling couplings of the filling system, for example, to the couplings 110 and 111 connected. In this connection process, the valves 2 and 3 open. About the couplings 110 and 111 are the valves 2 and 3 with shut-off valves 100 and 101 connected to an inflow pipe 102 and a compensation line 103 are connected. For filling the shut-off valves 100 and 101 open. Through the line 102 then liquid hydrogen flows from the filling station into the inner tank 112 , A volume compensation then takes place via the line 103 ,

Advantageously, the removable cartridge system is configured in various forms according to the field of application. For example, the replaceable cartridge may be configured in a cylindrical shape for placement in a spare wheel well of a vehicle or, for example, in cube form. Possible tank sizes are for example 5001, 10001 or 15001. A max. Removal amount can be, for example, 250 kW or 500 kW. The exchangeable cartridges can be operated for example stationary, but also in automobiles, aircraft, ground vehicles or ships. A max. Heat input can be on the order of 6 to 72 hours to evaporate. A max. Operating pressure p ₁ to p ₂ may be on the order of 1 to 6 bar. The max. Withdrawal quantities depend of course on the consumers. For example, a withdrawal amount of 250 kW for a consumer would amount to approximately 100 kW electrical power.

Claims (15)

Interchangeable cartridge for decoupling to a consumer or to a filling station, wherein the interchangeable cartridge comprises: at least one detachable connection coupling ( 33 . 34 . 35 . 39 . 50 . 51 ) for connection to the consumer or the filling station; and a tank ( 1 ) for receiving liquid hydrogen. An interchangeable cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the interchangeable cartridge is designed for use in aircraft. An interchangeable cartridge according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the tank ( 1 ) is designed for receiving liquid or partially liquefied hydrogen. An interchangeable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interchangeable cartridge by means of the at least one detachable connection coupling ( 33 . 34 . 35 . 39 . 50 . 51 ) for filling the tank ( 1 ) can be coupled to the filling station; wherein the interchangeable cartridge by means of the at least one detachable connection coupling ( 33 . 34 . 35 . 39 . 50 . 51 ) can be coupled to the consumer in order to provide the consumer with liquid hydrogen; and wherein the interchangeable cartridge, if necessary, simply by means of at least one detachable connection coupling ( 33 . 34 . 35 . 39 . 50 . 51 ) Is detachable from the consumer and is interchangeable with another removable cartridge. An interchangeable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tank is an inner tank ( 112 ) and an external tank ( 114 ) having; and wherein the inner tank ( 112 ) and the outer tank ( 114 ) by superinsulation ( 113 ) are thermally decoupled for the storage of liquid or partially liquefied hydrogen. An interchangeable cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the superinsulation ( 113 ) is configured according to an ambient temperature and a demand of the consumer of gaseous hydrogen such that a heat transfer from the environment with the ambient temperature to the inner tank during operation is sufficient to meet the needs of the consumer. Interchangeable cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one protective cap for the at least one detachable connection coupling ( 33 . 34 . 35 . 39 . 50 . 51 ) is provided; wherein the at least one protective cap for storing or transporting the replaceable cartridge can be arranged above the at least one detachable connection coupling. Interchangeable cartridge according to claim 7, the Protective cap defines a space; wherein in the space a catalyst is provided; and wherein by means of the catalyst of the at least one connection coupling evaporating hydrogen in the Space is catalytically recycled. An interchangeable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a device ( 12 . 13 ) for supplying heat to the inner tank ( 112 ) is provided; wherein the means for supplying heat to the inner tank controls the supplied heat; and wherein by controlling the heat supplied to the inner tank, a discharge amount of gaseous hydrogen to the consumer is controllable. Interchangeable cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the interchangeable cartridge has an encoding, at least a type of removable cartridge called. An interchangeable cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the coding by means of the at least one detachable connection coupling designed such is that only one connection to one of the coding corresponding consumer or to a coding corresponding filling station possible is. Connection coupling for a consumer or a filling station, wherein the connection coupling for cooperation with a connection coupling a Interchangeable cartridge is designed according to one of claims 1 to 11. Airplane with an interchangeable cartridge after one of the claims 1 to 11. Method of handling an interchangeable cartridge one of the claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps: Arranging a filled interchangeable cartridge in a vehicle; and Remove the removable cartridge if it is found that a filling the replaceable cartridge falls below a preset value. The method of claim 14, wherein the vehicle is a Plane is.