DE102020123038A1 - pressure vessel assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the invention, the technology disclosed here relates to a pressure vessel assembly 10 having one or more pressure vessels 30 for storing gaseous fuel and an enclosure 20 which surrounds the pressure vessels 30 in a liquid-tight manner.

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a pressure vessel assembly having one or more pressure vessels for storing gaseous fuel. Such pressure vessel assemblies can be used in particular in motor vehicles in order to supply them with gaseous fuel such as hydrogen or natural gas. This can be used, for example, to operate a fuel cell or a gas-powered internal combustion engine.

It is a preferred object of the technology disclosed herein to mitigate or obviate at least one disadvantage of a previously known solution or to propose an alternative solution. In particular, it is a preferred object of the technology disclosed herein to protect pressure vessels from environmental influences. Other preferred objects may arise from the beneficial effects of the technology disclosed herein. The objects are solved by the subject matter of patent claim 1. The dependent claims represent preferred developments.

The technology disclosed herein relates to a pressure vessel assembly comprising (i) one or more pressure vessels for storing gaseous fuel and (ii) an enclosure liquid-tightly surrounding the pressure vessels. It can thereby be achieved that the surrounding liquid does not come into contact with the pressure vessels and the pressure vessels are thus protected against influences from this liquid. This can be particularly advantageous when the pressure vessel assembly is arranged at a point on a motor vehicle below a fording depth and it is therefore to be expected that the pressure vessel assembly will be immersed in water at least in certain driving situations, for example when driving through a flooded underpass. Furthermore, the enclosure can provide protection against fires as the enclosure slows the propagation of heat to the pressure vessels and thus protects them from heating up quickly.

The enclosing can in particular be a complete enclosing, which means that the housing completely encloses the pressure vessel in a liquid-tight manner. This means that liquid cannot reach the pressure vessels from any side.

A liquid-tight design can be understood, for example, as meaning that the housing withstands at least an external pressure of approximately 50 mbar. This corresponds, for example, to a maximum wading depth of 500 mm. However, other values are also possible here. Withstanding can in particular be understood to mean that such a pressure can be applied without the housing being damaged.

The housing can in particular have at least one degassing unit for discharging fuel which has diffused out of the pressure vessel or vessels. The degassing unit can be used in particular to discharge gaseous fuel and thus prevent the gaseous fuel from accumulating inside the housing, as a result of which safety can be increased. Although typical pressure vessels have only a small diffusion of gaseous fuel out of the interior of the pressure vessel, depending on the type of gaseous fuel and depending on the type of pressure vessel, the diffusion is not zero and must therefore be taken into account in the design.

The degassing unit can in particular have a flexible membrane. This can in particular be liquid-tight. For a definition of the term “liquid-tight”, reference is made to the statements above. The flexible membrane can be used to allow gaseous fuel to diffuse out. Furthermore, penetration of liquid, in particular water, can nevertheless be prevented. Due to the flexible design of the membrane, it can tolerate a certain excess or negative pressure within the housing without causing damage.

A membrane is to be understood in particular as a flat piece of plastic, fabric or another suitable material which is liquid-tight under the given conditions. Typically, the membrane is also elastic, so that in the absence of acting forces it assumes an initial state, which in particular can be flat.

The degassing unit can in particular have at least one destruction element which is designed to destroy the membrane when the membrane bulges out at a predetermined level and/or at a predetermined excess pressure within the housing. The destruction element can ensure that the membrane is destroyed above a predefined overpressure, so that an unimpeded pressure equalization between a space enclosed by the housing and a surrounding atmosphere is then made possible. This can prevent further damage. The destruction element can be, in particular, a mandrel, which can be pointed, for example, and is at a predetermined distance from the membrane in a state of rest. If the membrane now bulges so far that it comes into contact with the mandrel, a point force acts on the membrane, which leads to tearing and thus to the destruction of the membrane leads. A lattice can be arranged on the inside or opposite the mandrel, which in particular can support the membrane on the inside. As a result, inward deflection of the membrane, ie towards the area enclosed by the housing, can be limited. This also limits the stress on seams, for example weld seams, with which the membrane is attached to a housing or the housing, for example. The grid can be made of plastic, for example, but can also be made of another material.

In particular, the membrane can be gas-permeable. This can apply in particular up to a certain mass flow. As a result, gaseous fuel, for example, can diffuse out or an exchange of air can be made possible, such an air exchange being relevant, for example, when the air pressure of a surrounding atmosphere changes relatively quickly. This is the case, for example, when transporting a motor vehicle in an airplane. In this way, it is also possible in particular to avoid the previously mentioned destructive effect of a destructive element already occurring in the event of relatively small and/or slow pressure changes, so that the membrane does not have to be replaced. If the mass flow of gas diffusing through the membrane is no longer sufficient, the membrane can be destroyed as just described, so that an even higher air exchange is possible and thus further damage is avoided.

In particular, the housing can be completely or partially white, light gray or gray on the inside and/or designed as a mirror. This can in particular be understood to mean that the housing has a high reflectivity in the visible spectrum and/or in the infrared spectrum on the inside. In this way it can be avoided that, in the event of a fire or another heat effect, a particularly high level of thermal radiation is emitted onto the pressure vessel, so that the heating thereof is reduced. A white, light gray or gray design can in particular be understood to mean that the housing has a shade of gray on the inside, which is, for example, at most 10% or at most 20%. An embodiment as a mirror can mean in particular that impinging electromagnetic rays are at least predominantly reflected. The housing can be designed accordingly in its entirety or only part of it can be designed accordingly.

The housing can be completely or partially lined with an intumescent layer on the inside. An intumescent layer can be understood in particular as meaning that the layer has a fire-retardant effect, i.e. in particular that it expands under the action of flames and/or heat and thus reduces or delays the spread of a fire. This can further increase safety in the event of a fire.

In particular, the housing can have one or more stiffening elements on the underside and/or on its base. It can also have one or more stiffening elements, in particular on the top and/or on its cover. As a result, the housing can be mechanically stabilized so that, for example, in the event of an accident, damage to the pressure vessel is prevented and reduced. The reinforcement elements can be designed as struts, for example, for which struts with a specific cross section, for example a square, rectangular, T-shaped or double-T-shaped cross section, can be used. However, other designs are also possible.

The housing can in particular be made entirely or partially of steel, aluminum or plastic. Such materials have proven themselves for typical applications. However, other materials are also possible.

In particular, at least one base and/or a cover of the housing and/or a layer on the base and/or on the cover can be made entirely or partially of steel. As a result, the particularly high stability of steel can be used at these points to increase stability and/or to prevent a fire from spreading. For example, the layer mentioned or a base or cover can be used in addition to a housing otherwise made of a different material, for example aluminum or plastic, so that the advantages of such a material are otherwise effective.

According to one embodiment, a thermal pressure relief device is connected to one, some or all of the pressure vessels and/or to a line within the housing. Such a thermal pressure relief device can be used in particular to reduce pressure in a targeted manner in the event of an increased temperature. The thermal pressure relief device can be designed in particular to release pressure from the inside of one or more pressure vessels and/or from a line, so that safety is increased.

In particular, an exhaust opening of one, some or all of the thermal pressure relief equipment must be brought out of the enclosure. A blow-out opening is to be understood in particular as the opening through which a thermal pressure relief device releases gas flowing out in the event of activation. Leading out of the housing prevents a pressure increase within the housing, as a result of which the vented gas is routed directly to the outside and does not have to be removed by other mechanisms such as the degassing unit already described above. This can, for example, prevent the degassing unit or its membrane from being destroyed.

In particular, the pressure vessel assembly may include one or more heat transfer elements, heat pipes, or rods that thermally connect one or more thermal pressure relief devices to the enclosure. As a result, heat can be conducted from the environment to a thermal pressure relief device particularly quickly, so that a thermal pressure relief device opens when the temperature outside the housing is increased, for example due to a fire. In principle, heat can also spread independently of the heat transfer elements a pressure relief device, but the housing has a heat-insulating effect, which is also desirable with regard to slower heating of the pressure vessel in the event of a fire. Faster triggering can be ensured by the heat transfer elements. For example, a copper wire can be used for this purpose, which can have a diameter of between 2 mm and 8 mm, or 4 mm, for example. Heat pipes and rods can also be understood as examples of heat transfer elements.

In particular, at least one heat transfer element, at least one heat pipe or at least one rod can be connected to an area of the housing that is made exclusively of plastic. In this way it can be achieved that this area melts very quickly in the event of a fire or any other significant heat effect and the heat thus reaches the heat transfer element, the heat pipe or the rod directly. This can further improve the response time. In particular, such an area can be designed in such a way that outside of this area the housing is additionally made of a different material, such as steel or aluminum, for example, or is made entirely of a different material. The area can thus form a kind of window in the housing, in which only plastic forms the housing.

According to one embodiment, a service flap can be formed in the housing. A viewing window can also be formed in the housing. A service flap can be used, for example, to enable components to be replaced or other maintenance work to be carried out. A viewing window can be used, for example, to ensure that stickers or other visually visible information can also be recognized from outside the housing. For example, a viewing window can have an area of up to 250 cm ² or up to 300 cm ² or up to 350 cm ² . A service flap can, for example, have an area of up to 100 cm ² or up to 150 cm ² . However, other sizes are also possible. For example, a service flap can be designed as a small round service flap with an inner diameter of, for example, 4 mm to 8 mm, or 6 mm. A service flap can be watertight, in particular when it is closed, and can be opened from this. A viewing window is, in particular, an optically transparent area of the housing which, however, does not interrupt the watertight design.

In particular, one, some or all of the pressure vessels may include a tank isolation valve, wherein the pressure vessel assembly may include remote control means for operating the tank isolation valve, which may include an actuator operable from outside the enclosure, and power transmission means between the actuator and the tank isolation valve. This enables a tank shut-off valve to be actuated from the outside. In particular, this means that pressure vessels can be shut off without having to intervene in the housing, for example in order to be able to remove them safely.

According to respective embodiments, the housing has a passage for a refueling line, a passage for a withdrawal line, a passage for a common filling and withdrawal line, a passage for one or more sensor or actuator cables, a passage for a connection cable of a control device and/or formed a flushing port. In particular, these can each be sealed off from the surrounding housing, so that the watertightness is not interrupted as a result. A refueling line can be used in particular for filling the pressure vessel. Correspondingly, a withdrawal line can be used to withdraw gaseous fuel from the pressure vessels. A common filling and extraction line can be used for both purposes. A sensor or actuator cable can in particular conduct electrical current and/or electrical signals between inside and outside of the housing. A Flushing connection can be used in particular to introduce gas into the housing in a targeted manner in order to discharge any gaseous fuel that may be present.

As a result, security can be increased, for example, before maintenance work is carried out.

The pressure vessel assembly is particularly useful for storing fuel that is gaseous under ambient conditions. The pressure vessel assembly can be used, for example, in a motor vehicle that is operated with compressed (also called Compressed Natural Gas or CNG) or liquefied (also called Liquid Natural Gas or LNG) natural gas or with hydrogen. The pressure vessel assembly is typically in fluid communication with at least one energy converter configured to convert the chemical energy of the fuel into other forms of energy.

Such a pressure vessel assembly comprises at least one pressure vessel, although there can also be a plurality of pressure vessels, in particular a composite overwrapped pressure vessel. The pressure vessel can be, for example, a cryogenic pressure vessel or a high-pressure gas vessel. High-pressure gas tanks are designed to permanently store fuel at ambient temperatures at a nominal operating pressure (also called nominal working pressure or NWP) of at least 350 bar overpressure (= excess pressure compared to atmospheric pressure) or at least 700 bar overpressure. A cryogenic pressure vessel is suitable for storing the fuel at the aforementioned operating pressures even at temperatures that are significantly (for example more than 50 K or more than 100 K) below the operating temperature of the motor vehicle.

The pressure vessels can form a permanently connected unit, in particular with supporting, fastening and/or protective elements (e.g. protective shields, shields, barrier layers, covers, coatings, wrappings, etc.), which can be mounted in particular in the underfloor area below the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle can. Longitudinal axes of the pressure vessels can run parallel to one another in an installation position and/or individual pressure vessels can each have a length-to-diameter ratio with a value between 5 and 200, preferably between 7 and 100, and particularly preferably between 9 and 50.

In particular, the pressure vessel assembly (also called “container assembly”) may include the pressure vessels as well as supporting, fastening, and/or protective elements permanently connected to pressure vessels (e.g. protective shields, shields, barrier layers, covers, coatings, wrappings, etc.). Likewise, the pressure vessel assembly also has the housing. The supporting, fastening and/or protective elements can expediently only be dismantled temporarily and preferably only by specialist personnel and/or cannot be dismantled non-destructively. Such a pressure vessel assembly is particularly suitable for flat installation spaces, especially in the underfloor area below the vehicle interior. The pressure vessel assembly can preferably be installed as a whole in the installation space provided in the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the pressure vessel assembly can have common body connection points, by means of which the system can be fastened as a whole in the motor vehicle. Preferably, the pressure vessel assembly includes more than three, or more than five, or more than seven, or more than ten pressure vessels.

The pressure vessels can have circular or oval cross-sections. The individual pressure vessels can be designed as storage tubes. For example, several pressure vessels can be provided, the longitudinal axes of which run parallel to one another in the installed position. The individual pressure vessels can each have a length-to-diameter ratio with a value between 5 and 200, preferably between 7 and 100, and particularly preferably between 9 and 50. The length-to-diameter ratio is the quotient of the total length of the individual pressure vessels (e.g. total length of a storage tube without fluid connectors) in the numerator and the larger outside diameter of the pressure vessel in the denominator. The individual pressure vessels can be arranged directly adjacent to one another, for example at a distance from one another of less than 20 cm or less than 15 cm or less than 10 cm or less than 5 cm.

In one embodiment, the pressure vessels are connected in series. As a rule, curved fluid connection elements can be provided between the individual pressure vessels. Particularly preferably, the pressure vessel and the fluid connection elements can be designed in such a way that both can be produced together in a continuous production process. For this purpose, for example, a common liner can be provided, which is produced in a continuous extrusion process and around which reinforcing fibers are braided or (spirally) wrapped in a likewise continuous process. This type of tube storage system is also known as chain tank, snake tank or conformable storage. In order to avoid overheating in "dead ends" when refueling, the end of the serially connected containers can be reconnected be connected to the beginning in order (for example with a Venturi nozzle) to allow flow through when refueling.

In one embodiment, the pressure vessels are connected in parallel. In this case, a common distribution pipe can be provided. The multiple pressure vessels are usually connected directly to the distributor pipe, without a separate tank shut-off valve that can be electrically actuated from the outside being provided between the distributor pipe and the individual pressure vessels. Advantageously, the several pressure vessels are connected to the distribution pipe in a material-to-material manner (by means of adhesion and/or by means of welding), so that the individual pressure vessels cannot be detached from the distribution pipe without being destroyed. The manifold is used to establish fluid communication with the individual pressure vessels. Furthermore, the distribution pipe can be used to mechanically couple the individual pressure vessels and possibly form common body connection points. The distributor pipe can thus form a unit that can be integrated as a whole into the motor vehicle. A combination of parallel and series connection is also possible.

An electrically actuable and normally closed tank shut-off valve can be provided on the pressure vessel assembly or on the distributor pipe, which is set up to shut off the pressure vessel assembly or the distributor pipe from the other fuel-carrying lines of the fuel supply system leading to the energy converter. This valve has the function of an on-tank valve of a conventional pressure vessel. Only one tank shut-off valve, which is closed when de-energized, is expediently provided. The tank shut-off valve can, for example, be screwed directly onto the pressure vessel assembly or onto the distributor pipe. The tank isolation valve is the first valve provided downstream of each of the pressure tanks connected to the common rail. A pipe rupture valve, also known as an excess flow valve, can be provided on any pressure vessel or on the distribution pipe.

A tank shut-off valve is in particular a valve whose inlet pressure (substantially) corresponds to the tank pressure. The tank shut-off valve is in particular a controllable or regulatable and in particular normally closed valve. The tank shut-off valve is usually integrated into an on-tank valve. In Regulation (EU) No. 406/2010 of the Commission of April 26, 2010 for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No. 79/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the type approval of hydrogen-powered motor vehicles, such a tank shut-off valve is also referred to as the first valve.

A thermal pressure relief device, also known as a thermal pressure relief device (= TPRD) or thermal fuse, is usually provided adjacent to the pressure vessel. When exposed to heat (e.g. from flames), the TPRD releases the fuel stored in the pressure vessel into the environment. The pressure relief device releases the fuel as soon as the trigger temperature of the TPRD is exceeded (= is thermally activated). It can also be provided trigger lines. Such a system for thermal pressure relief is for example in the German patent application with the publication number DE 10 2015 222 252 A1 shown.

A heat pipe can be set up in particular to at least partially transport the thermal energy released to the heat pipe by a thermal event to at least one of the pressure relief devices. A heat pipe is a heat exchanger that passively transports heat using the heat of vaporization of a medium. In other words, a heat pipe is an element in which a substance is stored that at least partially completes a phase transition to transport the heat from the local event to the pressure relief device. Such a heat pipe can be designed in different ways and is known as such to a person skilled in the art. With such a heat pipe, a comparatively high heat flow can advantageously be transmitted with a comparatively low thermal resistance. In this way, weight and/or installation space can be reduced, in particular in comparison to pure heat conduction through metal struts.

In other words, in the future, underfloor tanks will be accommodated in former battery rooms. There they are below the wading depth. Typical exemplary barrel-type hydrogen tanks also meet all requirements below the fording depth without any further housing. However, with underfloor tanks, in particular chain tanks, it can become challenging to control the event of fire if they are built into a motor vehicle without any additional housing, like today's barrel tanks. Due to the larger tank surface and smaller tank wall thickness, more heat is introduced into the hydrogen in the event of a fire. The pressure or temperature increases faster. Therefore, the tanks or pressure vessels can be installed in a watertight housing. The housing or housing can preferably withstand a few millibars of external pressure and about 100 mbar of internal pressure. In order to meet these requirements, the large areas such as the top and bottom can be provided with reinforcement elements. In the case of the floor, in particular, the plate and/or its reinforcement elements can be somewhat more massive in order to additionally meet the requirements requirement to meet bollard protection. The housing material can be aluminum, steel or plastic, for example. The bottom and top are typically either steel or, if not, then at least one layer of the wall may be steel, for example. Steel does not melt in the relevant fire situations.

• - Durchtritt für Wasserstoffleitung zu Receptacle (Betankungsleitung bzw. Befüllleitung),
• - Durchtritt für Wasserstoffleitung zu FCS (= Fuel Cell System) (Entnahmeleitung),
• - Durchtritt für Sensor- und Aktorkabel, falls kein Steuergerät im Gehäuse ist,
• - Durchtritt für Steuergeräte-Anschlusskabel, falls das Steuergerät im Gehäuse ist,
• - Entgasungseinheit,
• - Wärmeleitungselemente vom Gehäuse zur TPRD-Erkennungseinheit,
• - Serviceklappe,
• - Sichtfenster,
• - Kraftübertragungselement,
• - Spülanschluss,
• - innere Beschichtung, Deckel und Bodenplatte.

Furthermore, the following can be provided:

• - Passage for the hydrogen line to the receptacle (refueling line or filling line),
• - Passage for hydrogen line to FCS (= Fuel Cell System) (sampling line),
• - Passage for sensor and actuator cables if there is no control unit in the housing,
• - passage for the control unit connection cable, if the control unit is in the housing,
• - degassing unit,
• - thermal conduction elements from the housing to the TPRD detection unit,
• - service hatch,
• - viewing window,
• - power transmission element,
• - flushing connection,
• - inner coating, lid and base plate.

The degassing unit can be used, in particular as in previous battery systems, in order to create a pressure equalization between the interior of the housing or the housing and the environment and to prevent the ingress of water from the outside. It typically contains a special membrane that lets gases through, but not water. If the battery has a thermal event, gases are created inside the case that increase the pressure. This causes the membrane to deform, and at a specified pressure it hits a spike, rupturing and destroying it. The gases can then leave the housing via the irreversibly open degassing unit.

• - Abfuhr des Wasserstoffs, der aus den Tanks durch die Tankwand in das Gehäuse permeiert ist,
• - Abfuhr des Wasserstoffs, der im Fehlerfall „Leckage Tank-Leitung-Verschraubung“ austritt,
• - im Brandfall: Abfuhr des Wasserstoffs, der bei geöffnetem TPRD (thermisches Sicherheitsventil) austritt,
• - Fehlerfall Überdruck in Mitteldruckleitung: Abfuhr des Wasserstoffs, der bei offenem MPRV (Druckentlastungsventil) austritt.

The same degassing unit can also be used in a hydrogen tank system, for example. Your tasks are for example:

• - removal of the hydrogen that has permeated from the tanks through the tank wall into the housing,
• - removal of the hydrogen that escapes in the event of a "leakage tank-line-screw connection",
• - in the event of fire: removal of the hydrogen that escapes when the TPRD (thermal safety valve) is open,
• - Overpressure error in the medium-pressure line: removal of the hydrogen that escapes when the MPRV (pressure relief valve) is open.

Background for heat conduction elements from the housing or housing to the TPRD detection unit: the tanks or pressure vessels are somewhat better protected against fire by the housing. This is also desirable because they can be more sensitive to it. At the same time, it would be good to quickly transport the heat to the TPRD detection unit so that it empties the pressure vessels in time.

If the housing is made of steel, it is helpful to bond the heat conduction elements to the housing with one good thermal contact and to the TPRD detection unit with a second good thermal contact. If the housing or housing is made of plastic on the inside (and has a steel layer on the outside), then the plastic has a thermally insulating effect. Here it is worthwhile locally not to apply the steel layer so that in the event of a fire the plastic melts away and the fire acts directly on the heat conduction elements.

• - große Serviceklappe,
• - kleine Serviceklappe (zum Beispiel mit Innendurchmesser 6 mm) für Durchführung eines Endoskops,
• - Sichtfenster.

A requirement for the technical inspection is to be able to see the COPV sticker. This could be achieved with the following elements:

• - large service hatch,
• - small service flap (e.g. with an inner diameter of 6 mm) for passage of an endoscope,
• - viewing window.

• - Serviceklappe,
• - Kraftübertragungselement (zum Beispiel ein Zylinder, der mit einer dynamischen Dichtung im Gehäuse abgedichtet ist und kraftschlüssig an das Manual Valve angeschlossen ist, so dass, wenn man den Zylinder dreht, auch das Manual Valve gedreht und damit geschlossen und geöffnet wird).

A service requirement is being able to open and close the manual valves (often part of the OTV). This can be achieved with the following elements:

• - service hatch,
• - Power transmission element (e.g. a cylinder sealed with a dynamic seal in the housing and frictionally connected to the manual valve, so that when you turn the cylinder, the manual valve is also turned and thus closed and opened).

Background to the flushing connection: If the solenoid valve no longer works, the tank system can be removed from the vehicle and that The housing or the housing can be opened in order to use the bleed port or bleed valve for defuelling. Residual hydrogen could escape when the housing is opened and endanger the safety of the service personnel. Therefore, a purge port would be helpful to allow nitrogen (or other inert gas) to flow in before opening the enclosure to create a non-flammable atmosphere. An alternative for the flushing connection is to pierce the membrane of the degassing unit with a lancet and use it to introduce inert gas into the housing.

The protective effect of the housing or the enclosure in the event of a fire can be further improved by reducing the heat radiated from the housing to the tanks. This is possible by reducing the emissivity of the inner surface of the housing and/or the outer surface of the tank. This can be done, for example, by coating, painting, gluing or polishing the surfaces. In the case of the housing, the treatment of the surface of the base and lid would be particularly advantageous.

The technology disclosed herein is particularly advantageous for Type IV pressure vessels. Permeation is typically not relevant for Type I or Type II containers. Nevertheless, the technology disclosed here can be applied, for example a degassing unit can help to cover the error cases described above.

• 1: eine Druckbehälterbaugruppe, und
• 2: eine Entgasungseinheit.

The technology disclosed here will now be described with reference to the figures. show:

• 1 : a pressure vessel assembly, and
• 2 : a degassing unit.

1 12 shows a pressure vessel assembly 10 according to one embodiment. This is a purely schematic representation in a lateral cross-sectional view.

The pressure vessel assembly 10 has an enclosure 20 . This surrounds a watertight, sealed space in which three pressure vessels 30 are present. The housing 20 has a cover 22 on the top and a bottom 24 on the bottom. It has a continuous flushing connection 21 through which gas can be blown into the interior of the housing 20 . It also has a service flap 26 which is arranged at the top and can be opened in order to carry out maintenance work. When closed, however, it is waterproof. Furthermore, the housing 20 has a viewing window 28 at the bottom, through which one of the pressure vessels 30 can be observed visually. This enables, for example, an identifier to be read or a barcode to be scanned.

Each of the pressure vessels 30 has a respective boss 32 . So he is on a holder 64 on. The pressure vessels 30 have respective longitudinal axes which are parallel to one another and transverse to the plane of the paper 1 extend.

Respective struts 90 are arranged on the underside between the pressure vessels 30 . These increase the stability and in the present case also serve to support the holder 64. The struts 90 are therefore stiffening elements.

A degassing unit 40 is formed on the present left side of the housing 20 . This is referred to below 2 be described in more detail. It is basically waterproof, but lets gases through and will self-destruct if the internal pressure is too high. This allows any gaseous fuel, in particular hydrogen, that may have diffused out of the pressure vessels 30 to be discharged, so that an accumulation in the housing 20 is avoided.

Furthermore, a refueling line 50 is formed, which passes through the housing 20 through a watertight opening 51 . The refueling line 50 transitions into a rail 59 which is connected to the pressure vessels 30 . The rail 59 is fastened to the holder 64 via fastening screws 65 . A tank shut-off valve 80 is arranged opposite the refueling line 50 and acts simultaneously for all pressure vessels 30 . This gaseous fuel can be transferred from the pressure vessels 30 into an extraction line 60 which is connected via a pressure regulator 62 to a medium-pressure extraction line 63 which in turn is routed through a further passage 61 through the housing 20 to the outside.

Furthermore, a connecting cable 70 is provided, which also passes through the housing 20 through a passage 71 . This allows the tank shut-off valve 80 to be controlled. In addition, a remote control device 81 is provided for actuating the tank shut-off valve 80, which has an actuating device 84 which is accessible from outside the housing 20 and can be actuated, for example, by means of a hexagonal wrench or a similar tool. The actuating device 84 is connected to the tank shut-off valve 80 via a power transmission device 82 which also belongs to the remote control device 81 . This allows manual actuation of the tank shut-off valve 80 even if an electrical actuation fails, without an intervention within the housing 20 being necessary for this.

Furthermore, inside the housing 20 is a thermal pressure relief device (TPRD=Thermal Pressure Relief Device) 52 is formed. This is connected to Rail 59. A blow-out opening 53 is led to the outside of the housing 20, so that any gaseous fuel that may have been blown out is not discharged into the air space enclosed by the housing 20, but is guided directly to the outside. This prevents an excessive increase in pressure within the housing 20 .

The thermal pressure relief device 52 basically vents gaseous fuel when the temperature gets too high. In order to reduce the response time, a first heat pipe 54 and a second heat pipe 56 are provided which connect the thermal pressure relief device 52 to the cover 22 and the base 24, respectively. As a result, any heating of the housing 20 is passed on to the thermal pressure relief device 52 more quickly, so that it can trigger earlier.

2 shows the degassing unit 40 in greater detail. The degassing unit 40 has a housing 42 which holds the components described below. A membrane 44 is attached to the housing 42, which is flexible and connected to the in 2 illustrated, upward-facing surface to the interior of the housing 20 has. Opposite this top surface, housing 42 has formed therein a tab 46 which diaphragm 44 will contact if it overextends outwardly. The mandrel 46 is therefore a destruction element. Such destruction of the membrane 44 can occur if the pressure within the enclosure 20 becomes too high. Basically, the membrane 44 is able to prevent the ingress of water or other liquids, while at the same time allowing gases to pass through. On the one hand, this can be used to discharge any gaseous fuel that may have diffused out, but on the other hand it can also be used to equalize the pressure between the interior of the housing 20 and a surrounding atmosphere. If, for example, a motor vehicle is transported in an airplane, relatively rapid pressure changes can occur during ascent or descent, which can be compensated for by the membrane 44 . However, if the pressure rises too much within the housing 20, the membrane 44 touches the mandrel 46 and is destroyed as a result. This allows gas to flow out of the interior of the housing 20 directly and significantly more intensively, so that other damage is avoided.

A seal 48 , which is arranged in a groove 49 of the housing 42 , is provided to seal off the housing 42 from the housing 20 . This enables the housing 42 to be produced as a separate component and subsequently to be attached in a liquid-tight manner.

For reasons of legibility, the expression “at least one” has been partially omitted for the sake of simplicity. If a feature of the technology disclosed here is described in the singular or indefinitely (e.g. the pressure vessel, the line, etc.), the plural should also be disclosed at the same time (e.g. the at least one pressure vessel, the at least one line , 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 can be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention and its equivalents.

Reference List

10

pressure vessel assembly

20

enclosure

21

flushing connection

22

lid

24

floor

26

service flap

28

viewing window

30

pressure vessel

32

boss

40

degassing unit

42

housing

44

membrane

46

Thorn / element of destruction

48

poetry

49

groove

50

refueling line

51

passage

52

thermal pressure relief device

53

exhaust port

54

heat pipe

56

heat pipe

59

Rail

60

sampling line

61

passage

62

pressure reducer

63

Medium pressure sampling line

64

bracket

65

mounting screws

70

connecting cable

71

passage

80

tank shut-off valve

81

remote switching device

82

power transmission device

84

actuating device

90

bracing

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 406/2010 [0032]
• DE 102015222252 A1 [0033]

Claims (17)

Pressure vessel assembly (10) comprising - one or more pressure vessels (30) for storing gaseous fuel, and - A housing (20) which surrounds the pressure vessel (30) in a liquid-tight manner. pressure vessel assembly (10). claim 1 wherein the housing (20) has at least one degassing unit (40) for discharging fuel that has diffused out of the pressure vessel or vessels (30). pressure vessel assembly (10). claim 2 , wherein the degassing unit (40) has a flexible membrane (44) which is liquid-tight. pressure vessel assembly (10). claim 3 , wherein the degassing unit (40) has at least one destruction element (46) which is designed to destroy the membrane (44) at a predetermined bulging of the membrane (44) and/or at a predetermined overpressure within the housing (20). pressure vessel assembly (10). claim 3 or 4 , wherein the membrane (44) is gas permeable. Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (20) is completely or partially white, light gray or gray on the inside and/or is designed as a mirror. Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (20) is completely or partially lined on the inside with an intumescent layer. Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the housing (20) has one or more stiffening elements (90) on the underside and/or on its base (24), and or - The housing (20) having one or more stiffening elements (90) at the top and/or on its cover (22). Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (20) is formed entirely or partially of steel, aluminum or plastic. Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one base (24) and/or a cover (22) of the housing (20) and/or a layer on the base (24) and/or on the cover (22) is wholly or is partially made of steel. Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thermal pressure relief device (52) is connected to one, some or all of the pressure vessels (30) and/or to a line within the housing (20). pressure vessel assembly (10). claim 11 , A blow-out opening (53) of one, some or all of the thermal pressure relief devices (52) being guided out of the housing (20). pressure vessel assembly (10). claim 11 or 12 wherein the pressure vessel assembly (10) includes one or more heat transfer elements, heat pipes (54, 56) or rods thermally connecting one or more thermal pressure relief devices (52) to the enclosure (20). pressure vessel assembly (10). Claim 13 , wherein at least one heat transfer element, heat pipe (54, 56) or rod is connected to a region of the housing (20) which is formed exclusively of plastic. Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a service flap (28) and/or a viewing window (28) are formed in the housing (20). Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one, some or all of the pressure vessels (30) have a tank shut-off valve (80), and wherein the pressure vessel assembly (10) has a remote switching device (81) for actuating the tank shut-off valve (80), the one actuating device (84) which can be actuated from outside the enclosure and a force transmission device (82) between the actuating device (84) and the tank shut-off valve (80). Pressure vessel assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (20) has one or more of the following components: - passage (51) for refueling line, - passage (61) for extraction line, - passage for common filling and extraction line, - Passage for one or more sensor or actuator cables, passage (71) for a connecting cable of a control device, - flushing connection (21).

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