DE102017217347A1 - Pressure vessel system and method for supplying fuel from a pressure vessel system - Google Patents

Abstract

A pressure vessel system (10) for a vehicle is proposed, wherein the pressure vessel system (10) comprises at least one cryogenic pressure vessel (20) for storing fuel, in particular hydrogen, a first high-pressure gas vessel (40) for storing fuel, and a second High pressure gas container (60) for storing fuel, wherein an inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) via a connecting line (17) with a filling opening (15) for filling the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) is fluidly connected, wherein an outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel (20 ) via a shut-off connection line (25) with an inlet / outlet of the first high-pressure gas container (40) and via a closable connection line (27) with an inlet of the second high-pressure gas container (60) is fluidly connected, wherein an outlet of the first high-pressure gas container (40) via a closable connecting line (46) with the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel (2 0) is fluidly connected, and wherein an outlet of the second high-pressure gas container (60) via a connecting line (65) with a fuel consumer (80) is fluidly connected.

Description

The invention relates to a pressure vessel system for a vehicle and to a method for supplying fuel from a pressure vessel system to a fuel consumer.

In vehicles that are powered by hydrogen, a pressure vessel system is usually arranged. The pressure vessel system often includes a cryogenic pressure vessel in which hydrogen is primarily stored. In previously known systems, the cryogenic pressure vessel or fuel must be heated therein when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel falls below a threshold. The minimum pressure defined by the threshold is needed to supply the fuel to the fuel cell of the vehicle. In order to remove the remaining fuel, which is still in the cryogenic pressure vessel, the cryogenic pressure vessel, the fuel must be heated in the cryogenic pressure vessel in previously known pressure vessel systems by means of a tank heat exchanger.

The disadvantage of this is that the pressure vessel system has high production costs and is technically complex.

For Brennstoffvorkonditionierung for the fuel consumer, a heat exchanger is typically required.

High-pressure gas containers or high-pressure gas container systems (also called "CGH2 systems") are designed to permanently store fuel at ambient temperatures at a pressure of about 350 bar (= overpressure relative to the atmospheric pressure), furthermore preferably above about 500 bar and especially preferably above save about 700 cash.

Cryogenic pressure vessel systems (also called "CcH2 systems") are known from the prior art. For example, the EP 1 546 601 B1 such a system.

It is a preferred object of the technology disclosed herein to reduce or eliminate at least some of the disadvantages of the previously known solutions. 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 patent claim 1 of the independent claims and the subject of claim 5 of the independent claims. The dependent claims are preferred embodiments.

In particular, the object is achieved by a pressure vessel system for a vehicle, wherein the pressure vessel system - at least one cryogenic pressure vessel for storing fuel, in particular hydrogen, - a first high-pressure gas container for storing fuel, and - a second high-pressure gas container for storing fuel, wherein a Inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel via a connecting line with a filling opening for filling the cryogenic pressure vessel is fluidly connected, wherein an outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel via a shut-off connection line to an inlet / outlet of the first high pressure gas container and via a shut-off connection line with an inlet of the second high-pressure gas container fluidly connected wherein an outlet of the first high-pressure gas container is fluidly connected to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel via a shut-off connection line, and wherein an outlet of the second high-pressure gas uckgasbehälters fluidly connected via a connecting line with a fuel consumer.

An advantage of this is that no tank heat exchanger (TWT) is needed to heat the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel. The cryogenic pressure vessel can also be further fuel removed when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel initially falls below the limit (then, in particular by supplying fuel from the first high-pressure gas container in the cryogenic pressure vessel, the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel again, preferably above the limit, and thus be further taken from this fuel). This increases the maximum range of the vehicle. In addition, the pressure vessel system is technically simple. Also, the pressure vessel system has low manufacturing costs. Furthermore, no coolant heat exchanger (KWT) is required for the preconditioning of the fuel since the fuel in the second high-pressure gas container and / or the first high-pressure gas container can be preconditioned or heated. This further reduces complexity and manufacturing costs.

In particular, the object is also achieved by a method for supplying fuel from a pressure vessel system arranged in a vehicle to a fuel consumer, wherein the pressure vessel system at least one cryogenic pressure vessel for storing fuel, in particular hydrogen, a first high-pressure gas container for storing fuel, and a second High-pressure gas container for storing fuel, the method comprising the following steps: - when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel is equal or is higher than a threshold and is higher than the pressure of the fuel in the second high-pressure gas container: flowing the fuel from the cryogenic pressure container into the second high-pressure gas container; when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel is lower than the limit and lower than the pressure of the fuel in the first high pressure gas vessel: flowing the fuel from the first high pressure gas container into the cryogenic pressure vessel to increase the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel ; and - flowing the fuel from the second high pressure gas container to the fuel consumer.

An advantage of this method is that no tank heat exchanger (TWT) is needed to heat the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel. The cryogenic pressure vessel can also be further fuel removed when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel initially falls below the limit (then, in particular by supplying fuel from the first high-pressure gas container in the cryogenic pressure vessel, the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel again, preferably above the limit, and thus be further taken from this fuel). This increases the maximum range of the vehicle. Also, the process is technically very simple. In addition, the method can be carried out with a technically simple pressure vessel system, which has low production costs. Furthermore, the method does not require a coolant heat exchanger (KWT) for preconditioning the fuel because the fuel in the second high pressure gas container and / or the first high pressure gas container is preconditioned or heated. It is also possible that the fuel from the first high-pressure gas container is allowed to flow into the cryogenic pressure vessel for increasing the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel is lower than the limit and lower than the pressure of the fuel in the first high-pressure gas container and a fuel density in the cryogenic pressure vessel is above a minimum fuel density.

Also, it is possible that besides the condition "when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel is equal to or higher than a threshold and higher than the pressure of the fuel in the second high-pressure gas can", one or more other conditions must be satisfied the fuel is allowed to flow from the cryogenic pressure vessel into the second high pressure gas container. Another condition may be e.g. be that the pressure and / or the density of the fuel in the first and / or the second high-pressure gas container drops below a minimum value. Also, the fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel can be flowed into the first high-pressure gas container, if appropriate pressure differences are present.

It is also possible that in addition to the condition "when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel is lower than the limit and lower than the pressure of the fuel in the first high-pressure gas container", one or more other conditions must be satisfied for the fuel to be satisfied from the first high pressure gas container is allowed to flow into the cryogenic pressure vessel. Another condition may be e.g. be that the pressure and / or the density of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel drops below a minimum value.

Moreover, when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel is equal to or higher than a threshold and higher than the pressure of the fuel in the first high pressure gas vessel, it is possible to flow the fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel into the first high pressure gas vessel. This can e.g. take place during filling of the pressure vessel system. Preferably, the fuel is not allowed to flow from the first high-pressure gas container into the cryogenic pressure vessel and immediately thereafter allowed to flow back into the first high-pressure gas container.

According to one embodiment, the pressure vessel system further comprises a control unit for opening and closing the connecting lines, wherein the control device is designed such that the control device, - if the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel is equal to or higher than a limit value and higher than the pressure of Fuel in the second high-pressure gas container, opens the connection line from the outlet of the cryogenic pressure container to the inlet of the second high-pressure gas container and closes the connection line from the outlet of the first high-pressure gas container to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure container, and, if the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic Pressure vessel is lower than the limit and is lower than the pressure of the fuel in the first high-pressure gas container, the connecting line opens from the outlet of the first high-pressure gas container to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel. As a result, the pressure vessel system is technically particularly easy to operate or it can be taken from the cryogenic pressure vessel technically particularly easy fuel, even if the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel by removal initially falls below the limit (hereinafter in particular, the pressure can be increased again by supplying fuel from the high-pressure gas container into the cryogenic pressure vessel). In particular, the controller may be configured such that the controller is when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel is lower than the threshold and lower than the pressure of the fuel in the first high pressure gas container and a fuel density in the cryogenic pressure vessel is above a minimum fuel density , which opens connection line from the outlet of the first high-pressure gas container to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure container.

According to one embodiment, the first high-pressure gas container and / or the second high-pressure gas container comprise a heat insulating material comprising airgel, the pressure container system additionally comprising at least one vacuum pump, in particular at least two vacuum pumps, for generating a variably adjustable negative pressure in the airgel. As a result, the heat insulation of the first high-pressure gas container and / or the second high-pressure gas container can be technically easily changed.

According to one embodiment, the control device for adjusting a pressure in the airgel of the respective high-pressure gas container is formed depending on whether fuel is supplied, stored and / or removed from the respective high-pressure gas container. An advantage of this is that when supplying fuel into the first high-pressure gas container and / or the second high-pressure gas container and storing the fuel, the heat insulation can be set to a high value, while in the removal of fuel from the first high-pressure gas container and / or the second High-pressure gas container, the heat insulation can be set to a lower value to heat or precondition the fuel.

According to one embodiment, when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel reaches a maximum operating pressure of the cryogenic pressure vessel by heating, fuel is allowed to flow from the cryogenic pressure vessel into the first high pressure gas vessel and / or into the second high pressure gas vessel. An advantage of this is that no blow-off management (BMS) system is needed to convert the fuel to a non-combustible material. In addition, the fuel blown off from the cryogenic pressure vessel can be used at a later time or supplied to the fuel consumer. This saves fuel and thus lowers operating costs.

According to one embodiment, when filling the pressure vessel system with fuel, the fuel is flowed through the cryogenic pressure vessel into the first high-pressure gas vessel and / or into the second high-pressure gas vessel and stored in the first high-pressure gas vessel and / or the second high-pressure gas vessel until a maximum operating pressure and / or pressure Maximum fuel storage density of the first high-pressure gas container and / or the second high-pressure gas container is achieved. As a result, the cryogenic pressure vessel is cooled during filling of the pressure vessel system, so that a high fuel density can be achieved in the cryogenic pressure vessel. This increases the maximum range of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the first high-pressure gas container and / or the second high-pressure gas container comprise a heat insulating material comprising airgel, wherein a pressure in the airgel for changing a thermal insulation quality of the first high-pressure gas container and / or the second high-pressure gas container is changed. An advantage of this method is that the heat insulation of the first high-pressure gas container and / or the second high-pressure gas container can be technically easily changed.

According to an embodiment, the pressure in the airgel of the first high-pressure gas container and the second high-pressure gas container is adjusted to a first pressure value during filling and / or storage of the respective high-pressure gas container, and the pressure in the airgel of the first high-pressure gas container and the second high-pressure gas container, respectively during a removal of fuel from the respective high-pressure gas container set to a second value, wherein the first value is smaller than the second value, in particular the first value is at most half as large as the second value. An advantage of this method is that the fuel is as little as possible heated by the environment when filling the pressure vessel system, while the fuel is heated by the environment when removing the fuel from the pressure vessel system. As a result, the fuel can be taken from the pressure vessel system technically simple or preconditioned and fed to the fuel consumer. Furthermore, even with cryogenic refueling or filling, a high storage density in the cryogenic pressure vessel can be achieved.

The technology disclosed herein relates to a compressed hydrogen storage (CHS) system for storing gaseous fuel 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 in used in a motor vehicle, which is operated for example with compressed ("compressed natural gas" = CNG) or liquefied (LNG) natural gas or with hydrogen. Such a pressure vessel may be, for example, a cryogenic pressure vessel (= CcH2 system) or a high-pressure gas vessel (= CGH2 system).

High-pressure gas container systems (= CGH2 systems) or high-pressure gas containers are formed, substantially at ambient temperatures, fuel (for example hydrogen) permanently at a max. Operating pressure (also called maximum operating pressure or MOP) of about 350 barü (= overpressure relative to the atmospheric pressure), further preferably of about 500 barü and more preferably of about 700 barü store.

The pressure vessel system comprises a cryogenic pressure vessel (= CcH2 pressure vessel). The cryogenic pressure vessel may store fuel in the liquid or supercritical state. A supercritical state of aggregation is a thermodynamic state of a substance which has a higher temperature and a higher pressure than the critical point. The critical point denotes the thermodynamic state in which the densities of gas and liquid of the substance coincide, that is, it is single-phase. While one end of the vapor pressure curve in a pT diagram is marked by the triple point, the critical point represents the other end. For hydrogen, the critical point is 33.18 K and 13.0 bar. 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 of the motor vehicle (usually about - 40 ° C to about + 85 ° C). The fuel may be, for example, hydrogen, which is stored at temperatures of about 34 K to 360 K in the cryogenic pressure vessel. The cryogenic pressure vessel may in particular comprise an inner container which is designed for max. Operating pressures (also called maximum operating pressure or MOP) to about 350 barü (= overpressure relative to the atmospheric pressure), preferably up to about 500 barü, and particularly preferably up to about 700 barü. The fuel is stored in the inner container. The outer container preferably closes off the pressure vessel to the outside. Preferably, the cryogenic pressure vessel comprises a vacuum with an absolute pressure in the range of 10 ^-9 mbar to 10 ^-1 mbar, further preferably from 10 ^-7 mbar to 10 ^-3 mbar and particularly preferably from about 10 ^-5 mbar that at least partially between the inner container and the outer container in an evacuated (intermediate) space or vacuum V is arranged. Storage at temperatures (just) above the critical point has the advantage over storage at temperatures below the critical point that the storage medium is present in a single phase. For example, there is no interface between liquid and gaseous.

In particular, the fuel may be a fuel which is gaseous under normal conditions (pressure of 1.013 bar and temperature of 0 ° C).

The limit value may be a predetermined pressure value, below which a direct supply of fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel to the pressure regulator or fuel consumer is no longer possible or is possible only with a very low efficiency or with a reduction in power. The limit may e.g. 5 barü, 20 barü or 50 barü. The threshold may be the minimum operating pressure of a pressure regulator disposed between the second high pressure gas container and the fuel consumer.

The minimum fuel density may be a density of fuel at which further removal of fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel is no longer possible or undesirable. The minimum fuel density may e.g. 0.15 g / l, 0.8 g / l or 1.6 g / l.

The maximum operating pressure of the cryogenic pressure vessel may be e.g. about 350 barü, about 500 barü or about 700 barü amount. The maximum operating pressure of the first high-pressure gas container and the second high-pressure gas container may be e.g. about 350 barü, about 500 barü or about 700 barü amount. The maximum fuel storage density of the first high pressure gas container and / or the second high pressure gas container, i. the maximum density of fuel in the first high pressure gas container and / or the second high pressure gas container may e.g. about 23 g / l, about 30 g / l or about 40 g / l amount.

The high-pressure gas containers can in each case in particular be pressure containers which are designed to store non-cryogenic fuel or gaseous fuel. However, it is also possible for the fuel to be (partially) cryogenic when the fuel is supplied to the first high-pressure gas container and / or into the second high-pressure gas container. The cryogenic pressure vessel may be designed in particular for storing cryogenic and / or gaseous fuel. In particular, the high-pressure gas containers may differ from the cryogenic pressure container in that the cryogenic pressure container is highly thermally insulated in order to cryogenically cryogenically heat the cryogenic fuel in the cryogenic pressure container at low temperatures (compared to the cryogenic pressure vessel) Operating temperature of the vehicle). The high-pressure gas containers may in particular each have no, only a small or a variable heat insulation, so that the fuel in the high pressure gas container is heated by the environment or the vehicle or the waste heat of the vehicle.

The first high pressure gas container and / or the second high pressure gas container may be a Type III pressure vessel. Type III pressure vessels may consist of two components: an inner liner of metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) and a carbon fiber composite material surrounding the inner liner and primarily providing compressive strength.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Druckbehältersystems; und
• 2 eine schematische Ansicht eines Hochdruckgasbehälters, der mittels eines ein Aerogel umfassendes Wärmeisolationsmaterial gegenüber der Umgebung wärmeisoliert ist.

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

• 1 a schematic view of an embodiment of the pressure vessel system according to the invention; and
• 2 a schematic view of a high pressure gas container, which is thermally insulated from the environment by means of an airgel comprehensive thermal insulation material.

1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the pressure vessel system according to the invention. The pressure vessel system 10 includes three pressure vessels: a cryogenic pressure vessel 20 , a first high-pressure gas container 40 and a second high-pressure gas container 60 , The two high pressure gas tanks 40 . 60 may in particular be non-cryogenic pressure vessels. It is also possible that the fuel when feeding the fuel into the first high-pressure gas container 40 and / or in the second high-pressure gas container 60 (partially) cryogenic. The three pressure vessels are each designed to store fuel, in particular hydrogen.

The cryogenic pressure vessel 20 or an inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is via a connection line 17 with a filling opening / tank coupling 15 connected. The filling opening / tank coupling 15 can be connected to a filling source, eg a fuel station. The fuel passes through the filling opening / tank coupling 15 in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 and is stored in it. A shut-off valve (first shut-off valve 22 ) is in the connection line 17 between the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 and the tank coupling arranged. The shut-off valve or the first shut-off valve 22 can be a three-way valve.

An outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is via a connection line 25 with an inlet / outlet of the first high-pressure gas container 40 connected. At the outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is a shut-off valve (second shut-off valve 23 ) for shutting off the outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 arranged.

The first high-pressure gas container 40 has an inlet / outlet (in 1 left) and an outlet (in 1 right). It is a shut-off valve (third shut-off valve 42 ) to shut off the inlet / outlet and a shut-off valve (fourth shut-off valve 43 ) arranged to shut off the outlet.

The outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is also via a connection line 27 with an inlet of the second high-pressure gas container 60 fluidly connected. The connection line 25 . 27 between the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 and the first high-pressure gas container 40 or the second high-pressure gas container 60 branches off from a first connecting line, which connects to the outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 fluidly connected. However, it is also conceivable that the connecting lines 25 . 27 from the outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 to the first high-pressure gas container 40 and to the second high pressure gas container 60 have no common part.

In the connection line 27 between the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 and the second high pressure gas container 60 is a shut-off valve (fifth shut-off valve 62 ) arranged.

An outlet of the first high-pressure gas container 40 is via a connection line 46 with the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 or the three-way valve in the connecting line 17 or the first shut-off valve 22 connected. As a result, fuel, in particular "warm" or heated by the environment, fuel from the first high-pressure gas tank 40 the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 be supplied. However, it is also possible to use fuel from the second high-pressure gas container 40 through the third shut-off valve 42 and the connection line 25 and the second shut-off valve 23 in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 to flow, in particular to the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 by means of the "warm" or heated by the environment fuel from the first high-pressure gas container 40 to warm up. In this way, in particular, the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 be increased above the limit.

An outlet of the second high pressure gas container 60 is via a connection line 65 with a fuel consumer 80 connected. In this connection line 65 may be arranged a pressure regulator, which regulates the pressure of the fuel to the pressure that the fuel consumer 80 needed or to a high efficiency of fuel consumer 80 leads. In addition, in this connection line 65 a shut-off valve (sixth shut-off valve 64 ) can be arranged.

The fuel consumer 80 may include or be a fuel cell. For example, the fuel cell may be the vehicle in which the pressure vessel system 10 is arranged, drive.

When the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is higher than a limit or pressure limit, the fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 over the connecting line 27 the second high-pressure gas container 60 supplied or through the second high-pressure gas container 60 guided. As a result, the fuel is heated, since the second high-pressure gas tank 60 No or only a small heat insulation (at least at this time or during the removal of the fuel from the pressure vessel system). Thus, the fuel is preconditioned. A coolant heat exchanger for heating the fuel before supplying the fuel to the fuel consumer or the pressure regulator is not needed or is not necessary.

When the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is higher than a threshold, is the trunk 46 from the outlet of the first high pressure gas container 40 to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 closed.

The fuel in the first high-pressure gas container 40 and / or in the second high-pressure gas container 60 is heated by the environment.

When the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 below the threshold, but the density of fuel or fuel density in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 above a minimum fuel density or a minimum value, the connecting line 27 from the outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 to the inlet of the second high-pressure gas container 60 closed. In addition, when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 below the threshold, the density of fuel or fuel density in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 above a minimum fuel density or a minimum value, the connecting line 46 coming from the outlet of the first high-pressure gas tank 40 to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 runs, opened. As a result, warm fuel from the first high-pressure gas container passes 40 in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 , As a result, the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is heated or it creates a mixture of cold fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 was present or stored, and warm fuel from the first high-pressure gas tank 40 comes. This increases the pressure in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 , When the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 (again) is above the limit, the connecting line 46 closed and the connection line 27 open. Now the fuel flows out of the cryogenic pressure vessel again 20 in the second high pressure gas container 60 or by the second high-pressure gas container 60 to the fuel consumer 80 ,

The cryogenic pressure vessel 20 For example, fuel is only extracted (except for the case of reaching a maximum operating pressure of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 ) when the fuel consumer 80 Fuel needed.

If the pressure of the fuel, eg due to a longer service life, a maximum operating pressure or maximum operating pressure of the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 reaches or exceeds fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 in the first high-pressure gas container 40 and / or in the second high-pressure gas container 60 allowed to flow (so-called blow-off). Thus, no blow-off management system is needed to convert the fuel to a non-combustible material.

The pressure vessel system 10 can be operated such that the second high-pressure gas tank 60 remains nearly empty of fuel (has a low state-of-charge), that is, that the fuel is passed substantially through the second high-pressure gas container, and the first high-pressure gas container 40 (most of the time) is relatively full or has a high state-of-charge (SOC). It is also possible from the second high pressure gas container 60 first remove fuel until it is (almost) empty. Thus, storage capacity is in the second high-pressure gas container 60 for the absorption of fuel, as a blow-off due to excessive pressure from the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is blown off. Consequently, little or no fuel has to be blown off the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 be discharged into the environment.

The pressure vessel system 10 can include more than three pressure vessels. The further pressure vessels may be cryogenic pressure vessels and / or high-pressure gas vessels.

The pressure vessel system 10 may also include a controller (not shown) that controls the valves in the connecting lines 17 . 25 . 27 . 46 . 65 of the pressure vessel system 10 or the connecting lines 17 . 25 . 27 . 46 . 65 of the pressure vessel system 10 each opens and closes, allowing the fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 in the first High-pressure gas tank 40 and / or second high-pressure gas container 60 and finally to the fuel consumer 80 as well as from the first high-pressure gas tank 40 in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 over the connecting line 46 is returned.

When filling the pressure vessel system 10 The fuel is first through the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 allowed to flow and into the first high pressure gas tank 40 and / or in the second high-pressure gas container 60 flowed and stored in it. This cools the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 from. Here, the density of the fuel in the two high pressure gas tank 40 . 60 supervised. When the density of the fuel in the respective high pressure gas container 40 . 60 reaches a critical value or maximum allowed value, a further inflow of fuel into the respective high-pressure gas container 40 . 60 prevented. Further the pressure vessel system 10 supplied fuel is in the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 saved. It is also conceivable that only the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 is filled.

In principle, it is also possible to use all three pressure vessels, ie the cryogenic pressure vessel 20 , the first high-pressure gas container 40 and the second high pressure gas container 60 to fill with warm fuel or non-cryogenic fuel. Although this reduces the maximum amount of fuel in the pressure vessel system 10 can be included, however, the pressure vessel system 10 can also be filled at a 35 MPa filling station and / or at a 70 MPa filling station. For a filling of the pressure vessel system 10 at a 70 MPa you can use a filling coupling via the connecting line 25 and / or the connection line 27 connect. The second shut-off valve 23 can be closed here. Alternatively, it can be closed upon reaching a pressure of the fuel of 35 MPa. Also a filling of the pressure vessel system 10 over the tank coupling 15 is possible, with the connecting line 46 , the third shut-off valve 42 and that the fourth shut-off valve and the connecting line 62 be opened.

In the first high-pressure gas container 40 the fuel is preconditioned. This means in particular that the fuel is heated by heat input from the environment. Additionally or alternatively, in the second high-pressure gas container 60 the fuel is heated by heat input from the environment.

2 shows a schematic view of the first high-pressure gas container 40 by means of an airgel 115 comprehensive insulating material is thermally insulated from the environment. The second high-pressure gas container 60 can be designed identical to this.

The insulation material is located between an inner shell 110 and an outer shell 100 of the first high pressure gas container 40 , One, two or more than two vacuum pumps connected in series 120 . 120 ' can be a negative pressure relative to the environment or to the ambient pressure in the airgel 115 produce. The vacuum is variably adjustable. When filling the pressure vessel system 10 or the two high-pressure gas tank 40 . 60 becomes a first high heat insulation value, ie the fuel is well insulated from the environment. When removing the fuel from the respective high pressure gas tank 40 . 60 The heat insulation is set to a second value by the negative pressure or pressure in the airgel 115 is increased. This leads to a deliberately poorer thermal insulation. As a result, the fuel heats up in the respective high-pressure gas container 40 . 60 through the environment while cooling by removing fuel. This usually leads to a small cooling of the fuel compared to the case in which the heat insulation is kept constant. Other elements or valves for increasing the pressure or equalizing the pressure in the airgel 115 to the ambient pressure are in 2 Not shown.

For the sake of legibility, the term "at least one" has been omitted for simplicity. If a feature of the technology disclosed herein is described in the singular or indefinite (eg, the / a cryogenic pressure vessel, the / a first high-pressure gas tank, the / a second high-pressure gas tank, the / a controller, etc.) at the same time also their plurality with be disclosed (eg, the at least one cryogenic pressure vessel, the at least one first high-pressure gas tank, the at least one second high-pressure gas tank, the control unit, etc.).

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.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Pressure vessel system

15

Filling / tanker coupling

17

Connecting line from the tank coupling to the cryogenic pressure vessel

20

cryogenic pressure vessel

22

first shut-off valve

23

second shut-off valve

25

Connecting line from the cryogenic pressure vessel to the first high pressure gas container

27

Connecting line from the cryogenic pressure vessel to the second high-pressure gas container

40

first high-pressure gas container

42

third shut-off valve

43

fourth shut-off valve

46

Connecting line from the outlet of the first high pressure gas container to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel

60

second high-pressure gas container

62

fifth shut-off valve

64

sixth stop valve

65

Connecting line from the second high-pressure gas tank to the fuel consumer

80

fuel consumers

100

outer shell

110

interior Skin

115

airgel

120, 120 '

vacuum pump

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1546601 B1 [0006]

Claims (9)

Pressure vessel system (10) for a vehicle, wherein the pressure vessel system (10) at least one cryogenic pressure vessel (20) for storing fuel, in particular hydrogen, - A first high pressure gas container (40) for storing fuel, and - a second high-pressure gas container (60) for storing fuel, wherein an inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) via a connecting line (17) with a filling opening (15) for filling the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) is fluidly connected, wherein an outlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) via a shut-off connection line (25) with an inlet / outlet of the first high-pressure gas container (40) and via a shut-off connection line (27) with an inlet of the second high-pressure gas container (60) is fluidly connected, wherein an outlet of the first high-pressure gas container (40) is fluidly connected to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) via a shut-off connection line (46), and wherein an outlet of the second high pressure gas container (60) is fluidly connected to a fuel consumer (80) via a connection line (65). Pressure vessel system (10) after Claim 1 , further comprising a control unit for opening and closing the connecting lines, wherein the control unit is designed such that the control unit, - when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) is equal to or higher than a threshold value and higher than the pressure of the fuel in the second high-pressure gas container (60), the connecting line (27) opens from the outlet of the cryogenic pressure container (20) to the inlet of the second high-pressure gas container (60) and the connecting line (46) from the outlet of the first high-pressure gas container (40) Inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) closes, and, if the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) is lower than the limit and lower than the pressure of the fuel in the first high-pressure gas vessel (40), the connection line (46) from the outlet of the first high-pressure gas container (40) opens to the inlet of the cryogenic pressure vessel (20). Pressure vessel system (10) after Claim 1 or 2 wherein the first high-pressure gas container (40) and / or the second high-pressure gas container (60) comprise a thermal insulation material comprising airgel (115), wherein the pressure container system (10) additionally comprises at least one vacuum pump, in particular at least two vacuum pumps, for generating a variably adjustable negative pressure in the Airgel (115) comprises. Pressure vessel system (10) after Claim 3 in that the control device is designed to set a pressure in the airgel (115) of the respective high-pressure gas container (40, 60) depending on whether fuel is stored, stored and / or removed from the respective high-pressure gas container (40, 60). Method for supplying fuel from a pressure vessel system (10) arranged in a vehicle to a fuel consumer (80), the pressure vessel system (10) comprising at least one cryogenic pressure vessel (20) for storing fuel, in particular hydrogen, a first high-pressure gas vessel (40) for storing fuel, and a second high-pressure gas vessel (60) for storing fuel, the method comprising the steps of: when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) is equal to or higher than a threshold and higher than the pressure of the fuel in the second high pressure gas vessel (60): flowing the fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) to the second High pressure gas container (60); when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) is lower than the limit and lower than the pressure of the fuel in the first high pressure gas vessel (40): flowing the fuel from the first high pressure gas vessel (40) into the cryogenic pressure vessel (20); 20) for increasing the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel (20); and - Streaming the fuel from the second high-pressure gas container (60) to the fuel consumer (80). Method according to Claim 5 wherein when the pressure of the fuel in the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) reaches a maximum operating pressure of the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) by heating, fuel from the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) into the first high pressure gas vessel (40) and / or into the second high pressure gas vessel (60 ) is allowed to flow. Method according to Claim 5 or 6 wherein, when filling the pressure vessel system (10) with fuel, the fuel is flowed through the cryogenic pressure vessel (20) into the first high-pressure gas vessel (40) and / or into the second high-pressure gas vessel (60) and into the first high-pressure gas vessel (40) and / or the second high-pressure gas container (60) is stored until a maximum operating pressure and / or a maximum fuel storage density of the first High-pressure gas container (40) and / or the second high-pressure gas container (60) is achieved. Method according to one of Claims 5 to 7 wherein the first high-pressure gas container (40) and / or the second high-pressure gas container (60) comprise heat insulating material comprising airgel (115), wherein a pressure in the airgel (115) for changing a thermal insulation quality of the first high-pressure gas container (40) and / or the second High-pressure gas container (60) is changed. Method according to Claim 8 wherein the pressure in the airgel (115) of the first high-pressure gas container (40) and the second high-pressure gas container (60) is adjusted to a first pressure value during filling and / or storage of the respective high-pressure gas container (40, 60) with fuel, and Pressure in the airgel (115) of the first high-pressure gas container (40) and the second high-pressure gas container (60) during a removal of fuel from the respective high pressure gas container (40, 60) is set to a second value, wherein the first value is smaller than the second Value, in particular the first value is at most half as large as the second value.

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