DE102016207886A1 - Adapter for limiting refueling pressure - Google Patents

Abstract

The technology disclosed herein relates to an adapter for limiting the refueling pressure with which a motor vehicle can be refueled with fuel. The adapter comprises a motor vehicle interface that can be connected to a motor vehicle; a gas station interface connectable to a refueling line of a gas station; a fuel flow path connecting the motor vehicle interface to the gas station interface; and at least one pressure regulator limiting the pressure within the flow path to a pressure below a maximum refueling pressure of the motor vehicle.

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to an adapter for limiting refueling pressure. Such adapters are particularly suitable for motor vehicles that are operated with gaseous fuel. The fuel is stored in pressure vessels. Cryogenic pressure vessels (also called CcH2) and high-pressure gas vessels (also called CGH2) are known from the prior art. Automotive hydrogen pressure vessels are constantly evolving. Currently high-pressure gas cylinders are available on the market, which store the fuel at a pressure of up to 350 bar or up to 700 bar. Accordingly, the filling station infrastructure is set up to refuel the containers with approximately up to 350 bar or approximately up to 700 bar. In order to prevent refueling of a 350 bar pressure vessel with 700 bar, a 700 bar filling station coupling does not fit on the vehicle coupling of a motor vehicle with a 350 bar pressure vessel. This incorrect refueling prevention is desirable to avoid a safety-critical situation by overpressure of the 350 bar pressure vessel. In contrast, a refueling of a 700 bar pressure vessel by a 350 bar gas station clutch is not excluded and desirable.

Currently, the 700 bar filling station infrastructure is being further developed. For 350 bar pressure vessels, however, the expansion of the filling station infrastructure will not be forced any further. It is conceivable that in the future, the 350 bar tank couplings will be replaced by 700 bar tank couplings. Thus, motor vehicles with 350 bar pressure vessels could no longer be refueled and operated in the future. Furthermore, in the case of cryogenic pressure vessel systems, it is likewise possible to use pressure vessels which, compared with high-pressure gas vessels, have lower refueling pressures, for example of 350 bar. Furthermore, it is conceivable that motor vehicles with a lot of installation space (for example: city buses) manage with a 350 bar pressure vessel. In the future, such motor vehicles may also be equipped with tank couplings which are not designed for the 700 bar system.

It is a preferred object of the technology disclosed herein to reduce or eliminate the disadvantages of the previously known solutions. In particular, it is an object of the technology disclosed herein to provide an adapter that allows flexible, fail-safe, reliable, comfortable and / or cost-efficient refueling of a 350 bar pressure vessel by a 700 bar refueling system. Other preferred objects may result from the beneficial effects of the technology disclosed herein. The object (s) is / are solved by the subject matter of claim 1. The dependent claims are preferred embodiments.

The technology disclosed herein relates to an adapter for limiting refueling pressure. Such adapters are used, for example, for refueling motor vehicles with gaseous fuel, for example hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The adapter comprises a motor vehicle interface which can be connected to a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle interface can also be referred to as a motor vehicle clutch of the adapter, which can be connected to a tank coupling of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle interface is essentially shaped like a coupling of a gas station. The tank coupling of motor vehicles are i.d.R. standardized for a given maximum refueling pressure. The motor vehicle interface can be adapted to this standard tank coupling of the motor vehicle. For example, the motor vehicle interface may be configured for a (first) maximum refueling pressure of the pressure vessel of the motor vehicle (e.g., 1.25 x 350 bar). This first maximum refueling pressure is lower than the (second) maximum refueling pressure of a gas station (e.g., 1.25.times.700 bar), to which the adapter can be connected via the petrol station interface explained below.

The adapter disclosed herein further includes a gas station interface connectable to a refueling line of a gas station. This gas station interface can in particular be designed as a tank coupling of a motor vehicle with a pressure vessel, the max for the second. Refueling pressure is designed. In this case, a pressure vessel for the first max. Refueling pressure a lower maximum accumulator pressure than a container for the second max. Fueling pressure. Thus, a coupling of a refueling line of the filling station designed for the second maximum refueling pressure to the adapter via the filling station interface is advantageously connectable. The motor vehicle interface of the same adapter, however, can be connected to a tank coupling of a motor vehicle with a pressure vessel that can be filled with the first maximum refueling pressure.

The adapter further includes at least one flow path for the fuel. The flow path is fluidly coupled to the motor vehicle interface and to the gas station interface. The flow path is formed inside the adapter.

The adapter comprises at least one pressure regulator, which limits the pressure within the flow path to a pressure below the maximum refueling pressure of the motor vehicle, the is lower than the second filling station side maximum refueling pressure.

A pressure regulator or gas pressure regulator or gas regulator or gas pressure regulator serves to provide a defined pressure of the fuel gas. There are direct acting (working without auxiliary energy) and indirectly acting (using energy) pressure regulator. The at least one pressure regulator disclosed here is designed to limit the pressure to a pressure below a maximum refueling pressure of the motor vehicle (= first maximum refueling pressure). Appropriately, it is a pressure reducer. Pressure reducers as such are known. A pressure reducer is a device that, despite different pressures on its input side (inlet pressure) ensures that on the output side of the pressure reducer a certain maximum output pressure (here the first maximum refueling pressure) is not exceeded.

The adapter disclosed here further comprises at least one pressure limiter, wherein the at least one pressure limiter and the at least one pressure regulator are connected in series in the flow path, that is, one behind the other. As a pressure limiter, for example, a shut-off valve or a pressure reducer can be used.

The at least one pressure regulator and the at least one pressure limiter are not identical. In other words, not two identical components are used.

The at least one pressure regulator disclosed herein and the at least one pressure limiter disclosed herein have different actuators and / or different control mechanisms. In other words, the at least one pressure regulator and / or the at least one pressure limiter have different functional elements and / or different functional mechanisms which bring about the pressure reduction. Due to the differences between the at least one pressure regulator and the at least one pressure limiter, different causes of failure are intended. Thus, the probability can be reduced that both components of a common cause fail (common cause failure). The at least one pressure regulator and the at least one pressure limiter can each have a different actuator from the group of following actuators: electric actuator, pneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuator, mechanical actuator.

The pressure regulator may be a mechanically actuated pressure regulator, and the pressure limiter may be an electrically actuated pressure limiter. Alternatively, the pressure regulator may be an electrically actuated pressure regulator, and the pressure limiter may be a mechanically actuated pressure limiter.

The adapter disclosed herein may further include at least one vent valve fluidly connected to the flow path. The at least one venting valve is designed to vent the at least one flow path. The at least one venting valve may in particular be designed to depressurize the adapter after refueling. For example, the vent valve can release the vent path to the environment and / or to a suction point, which at least partially relaxes the fuel to ambient pressure in an expedient embodiment in the flow path. The at least one venting valve may be configured to close the venting path during refueling so that a pressure for refueling the motor vehicle can build up in the flow path. Preferably, the at least one venting valve may be arranged on the low-pressure side (= outlet side of the pressure reducer) of the at least one pressure regulator.

The adapter may further comprise a housing in which the at least one flow path, the at least one pressure vessel, and possibly the at least one pressure limiter and / or the at least one venting valve are accommodated. The housing of the adapter may preferably be substantially hydrogen-tight.

The adapter is designed as a mobile adapter that can be carried for example in the vehicle or stored at the gas station.

The adapter disclosed here can be set up, in particular, for refueling the pressure vessel disclosed here for storing fuel which is gaseous under ambient conditions. Such a pressure vessel is in particular a pressure vessel which is installed or can be installed in a motor vehicle. The pressure vessel can be used in a motor vehicle, which is operated for example with compressed ("compressed natural gas" = CNG) or liquefied (LNG) natural gas or with hydrogen. The pressure vessel may be, for example, a cryogenic pressure vessel (CcH2) or a high-pressure gas vessel (CGH2). High pressure gas containers are designed to hold fuel (e.g., hydrogen) at ambient temperatures substantially at a max. Operating pressure (also called maximum operating pressure or MOP) of about 350 barü (= pressure over the atmospheric pressure), further preferably from about 700 barü store. The maximum filling pressure occurring during refueling may be higher than the max. Operating pressure (e.g., around 25%).

A cryogenic pressure vessel is particularly suitable for storing the fuel at temperatures significantly below the operating temperature (meaning the temperature range of the vehicle environment in which the vehicle is to be operated) of the motor vehicle, for example at least 50 Kelvin, preferably at least 100 Kelvin or At least 150 Kelvin below the operating temperature (usually about -40 ° C to about + 85 ° C) of the motor vehicle. The fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel at a max. Operating pressure (also called maximum operating pressure or MOP) of about 350 barü (= overpressure relative to the atmospheric pressure), further preferably stored from about 700 barü.

• – 350 bar kraftfahrzeugseitige Tankkupplung (= Kraftfahrzeugschnittstelle);
• – 700 bar tankstellenseitige Tankkupplung (= Tankstellenschnittstelle);
• – Druckminderer (= Druckregler);
• – Druckentlastungsventil (= Entlüftungsventil).

In other words, the technology disclosed herein relates to an adapter for refueling a motor vehicle. At the 700 bar petrol station, the adapter is to be offered, which allows refueling of a 350 bar tank system with the pressure vessel disclosed here. The adapter includes the following components:

• - 350 bar motor vehicle side tank coupling (= motor vehicle interface);
• - 700 bar tank-side tank coupling (= petrol station interface);
• - pressure reducer (= pressure regulator);
• - Pressure relief valve (= vent valve).

The vehicle tank system is connected to the 350 bar tank coupling. At the 700 bar coupling the connection line of the filling station is connected. The pressure reducer of the adapter reduces the pressure from the maximum of 700 bar to a maximum pressure of approx. 350 bar. If the pressure on the 350 bar side (vehicle side) reaches a maximum of 350 bar, the pressure reducer closes. Overpressure of the tank system can thus be safely avoided. To release the clutch, the clutch is relieved via the pressure relief valve. In order to reduce the probability of failure of the pressure reducer, a second pressure reducer (= pressure limiter) can be connected in series with another technology (to avoid a common cause failure or a pressure limiting valve) The bleeder valve is located on the 350 bar low-pressure side of the pressure reducer and is ideally switched when the 350 bar tank coupling is opened, and if necessary there is a non-return valve behind the 700 bar coupling on the service station hose side to allow it to flow Preferably, the adapter is designed so that there is minimal dead volume when the adapter is plugged in. This prevents air from entering the tank system and escaping through the vent valve de minimized fuel quantity.

With the technology disclosed herein, it is advantageously possible for gas stations to be migrated to higher refueling pressures without at the same time refueling vehicles having lower maximum refueling pressures. Both older vehicles and future pressurized vehicle vehicles designed for lower maximum refueling pressures may continue to operate. On the gas station side, the capacity utilization of the individual gas stations can be increased. The utilization of the filling station infrastructure is a decisive cost factor, especially with the market introduction of pressure vessel technology. Furthermore, no 350 bar technology (for example 350 bar overflow bundles) must be installed on the filling station side. The pressure adapter disclosed here is comparatively compact and reliable and can also be offered free of charge.

The technology disclosed herein will now be explained with reference to the figures. Show it:

1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the disclosed here adapter 100 ;

2 a further schematic cross-sectional view of the disclosed here adapter 100 ; and

3 a further schematic cross-sectional view of the disclosed here adapter 100 ,

The 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the adapter disclosed here 100 , The adapter 100 includes a motor vehicle interface 110 , which is connected to a tank coupling of a motor vehicle (not shown). Further, in the housing 130 of the adapter 100 a gas station interface 120 housed, which is connected to a tank coupling of the refueling line of the gas station (not shown). Both the motor vehicle interface 110 as well as the petrol station interface 120 can each have check valves, which are the influx of ambient air and contaminants in the adapter 100 avoid. The motor vehicle interface 110 can be, for example, a 350 bar tank coupling. The gas station interface 120 can be, for example, a 700 bar tank coupling. Appropriately, the motor vehicle side coupling 110 designed for a lower maximum refueling pressure than the filling station side coupling 120 , Between the motor vehicle interface 110 and the gas station interface 120 the flow path extends 140 , In the flow path 140 is the pressure regulator 142 arranged here as a mechanical pressure reducer 142 is executed. But that does not have to be this way. The pressure regulator 142 can also be designed as an electronic pressure regulator or as a differently actuated pressure regulator. Down from the pressure regulator 142 is on its output side or low pressure side of the vent valve 146 with the flow path 140 fluidly connected. During refueling (shown here) is the vent valve 146 closed. Thus, the fuel on the low pressure side of the pressure regulator 142 not through the venting path 148 escape. Now, if the refueling is completed, for example, by a corresponding communication signal or by reaching the maximum refueling pressure of the motor vehicle, the adapter can be decoupled from the gas station and / or from the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the first advantage is the vent valve 146 Pressed so that the pressure in the flow path 140 reduced, for example, to the ambient pressure (not shown). Thus, the pressure-relieved adapter can be 100 just uncouple.

The 2 shows a further embodiment of the disclosed here adapter 100 , Below, only the differences are explained in more detail. Downstream of the at least one pressure regulator 142 Here is a pressure sensor 145 as well as an electronic shut-off valve 144 arranged. This becomes active when a malfunction of the pressure regulator 142 is present. The pressure sensor 145 is designed, the pressure on the low pressure side downstream of the pressure regulator 142 the flow path 140 to eat. Records the pressure sensor 145 an increase in pressure above a certain limit value, for example the (first) maximum refueling pressure of the motor vehicle, then a control, not shown here, can be set up for the shut-off valve 144 to press. Once the shut-off valve 145 is closed, this is also registered by the gas station due to the strong increase in pressure. The refueling is interrupted at the latest when the pressure upstream of the shut-off valve 144 rises to the (second) maximum refueling pressure of the gas station. Thus, an overpressure refueling of the motor vehicle is effectively avoided. Instead of the electronic shut-off valve shown here 144 Also other shut-off valves are conceivable, which are actuated differently. Preferably, the pressure sensor 145 Registered increased pressure rise in the adapter by a control unit as a fault message communicated to a user, for example by the adapter and / or the gas station issues a corresponding warning / issue. Is the gas station interface 120 equipped with a communication unit (eg IrDA), the controller can at a limit value exceeding the pressure sensor 145 initiate a refueling stop on the service station side by transmitting an abort signal.

The 3 shows a further embodiment of the disclosed here adapter 100 , Deviating from the embodiment according to the 2 here is no electronic shut-off valve 144 shown, but another pressure reducer 144 Being here as an electronic, pneumatic, or hydraulic pressure reducer 144 can be designed. Particularly preferred is the further pressure reducer 144 an electronic pressure regulator 144 , Now falls the first pressure regulator 142 off, this leads to a pressure increase upstream of the second pressure reducer 144 , An overpressure refueling of the motor vehicle, however, continues to be safely avoided since the second pressure regulator 144 limits the pressure to the (first) maximum refueling pressure of the motor vehicle. Also in this embodiment, the pressure sensor 145 be provided, which is an impermissible pressure increase in the event of failure of the first pressure reducer 142 registered. It can be like with the 2 again issued a warning to the user and possibly initiate a refueling termination via a communication interface on gas station side.

The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention. Various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention and its equivalents.

Claims (9)

Adapter ( 100 ) for limiting the refueling pressure with which a motor vehicle can be refueled with fuel, comprising: a motor vehicle interface ( 110 ), which is connectable to a motor vehicle; - a gas station interface ( 120 ) with a refueling line ( 122 ) is connectable to a gas station; A flow path ( 140 ) for the fuel containing the motor vehicle interface ( 110 ) with the filling station interface ( 120 ) connects; and at least one pressure regulator ( 142 ), which determines the pressure within the flow path ( 140 ) is limited to a pressure below a maximum refueling pressure of the motor vehicle. Adapter ( 100 ) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure limiter ( 144 ), wherein the at least one pressure regulator ( 142 ) and the at least one pressure limiter ( 144 ) in the flow path ( 140 ) are connected in series. Adapter ( 100 ) according to claim 2, wherein the pressure regulator ( 142 ) and the pressure limiter ( 144 ) are not identical. Adapter ( 100 ) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pressure regulator ( 142 ) and the pressure limiter ( 144 ) have different actuators and / or different control mechanisms. Adapter ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the pressure regulator ( 142 ) a mechanically actuated pressure regulator ( 142 ), and wherein the pressure limiter ( 144 ) an electrically actuated pressure limiter ( 144 ); or where the pressure regulator ( 142 ) an electrically actuated pressure regulator ( 142 ), and wherein the pressure limiter ( 144 ) a mechanically actuated pressure limiter ( 144 ). Adapter ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the pressure limiter ( 144 ) a pressure reducer ( 144 ) or a shut-off valve ( 144 ). Adapter ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one venting valve ( 146 ), which is in the flow path ( 140 ) or with the flow path ( 140 ) is fluidly connected. Adapter according to claim 7, wherein the venting valve ( 146 ), after refueling the adapter ( 100 ) relieve pressure; and wherein the vent valve ( 146 ), while refueling a venting path ( 148 ) to close. Adapter ( 100 ) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the vent valve ( 146 ) on the low pressure side of the at least one pressure regulator ( 142 ) is arranged.

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