DE102022203607A1 - Storage device, fuel cell assembly, hydrogen internal combustion engine system and hydrogen powered vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Storage device (1), comprising at least two tank containers (2) for storing hydrogen, at least one connecting line (52) and a supply line (4) which can be connected to the tank containers (2) by means of the connecting line (52). The tank containers (2) each have ends (20, 21), at which ends (20, 21) the tank containers (2) each have a tank container opening (54). In addition, an adapter device (400) is arranged in the tank container opening (54). The invention further relates to a fuel cell arrangement (70), a hydrogen internal combustion engine system (71) and a hydrogen-powered vehicle (72) with such a storage device (1 ).

Description

The present invention relates to a storage device for storing hydrogen, in particular for use in a fuel cell arrangement or in a hydrogen internal combustion engine system. These are used, for example, in hydrogen-powered vehicles.

State of the art

The DE 10 2020 201 169 A1 describes a tank device for a fuel cell system, wherein the tank device comprises at least two tank containers for storing hydrogen, a frame-shaped housing element and a supply line that can be connected to the tank containers. Furthermore, the frame-shaped housing element surrounds the at least two tank containers and a supply line.

In particular, hydrogen-carrying components, such as the connection between the tank containers and the supply line, must withstand high pressures, temperature changes and hydrogen permeation in order to ensure safety-relevant properties and reliable sealing.

Typically, elastic seals, such as O-rings, are used to seal the tank containers, but over time due to the influences mentioned and the resulting possible leaks due to hydrogen embrittlement, these can function worse, which in turn leads to a short service life of the hydrogen-carrying seals components could lead.

Advantages of the invention

The storage device according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1 has the advantage that by using an adapter device according to the invention, the number of elastic seals can be reduced and safety-relevant factors can be met.

For this purpose, the storage device has at least two tank containers for storing hydrogen, at least one connecting line and a supply line that can be connected to the tank containers by means of the connecting line. The tank containers each have ends at which the tank containers each have a tank container opening. In addition, an adapter device is arranged in the tank container opening.

By using an adapter device, elastic seals such as O-rings can easily be eliminated. The tightness in the tank containers can thus be achieved in a structurally simple manner.

In a first advantageous development, it is provided that the adapter device comprises an adapter element which has a cone seat, which cone seat interacts with a cone seat formed on the tank container opening as a mechanical stop and so the tank container opening can be sealed. The adapter device advantageously comprises a union screw, the adapter element being at least partially arranged in the union screw and at least partially surrounded by the union screw. In this way, low pressure forces on the structural components and a high level of tightness of the storage device can be achieved.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the adapter element is essentially cylindrical. The union screw is advantageously designed to be hollow cylindrical. In this way, a compact design can be achieved in a structurally simple manner.

In an advantageous further development, it is provided that the adapter element at least partially encompasses the connecting line. In this way, a structurally compact design of the entire storage device can be achieved.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the adapter element has a T-piece-shaped region which includes the connecting line and at least partially the supply line.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the adapter device is firmly connected to the connecting line and/or the supply line by means of a screw element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the adapter element has an L-shaped region which includes the connecting line and at least partially the supply line. In this way, the tank container can be sealed in a structurally simple manner without the use of additional sealing elements.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that the connecting line and the supply line are designed as a T-piece-shaped element. In this way, a reduction in the installation space length can be achieved in a simple manner.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the at least two tank containers are made of steel. In this way, cost savings are achieved in a simple manner through the use of materials.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously provided that each of the at least two tank containers has a shut-off valve and/or a safety valve. In this way it can be ensured that in the event of an accident to the entire vehicle and damage to one of the tank containers, the latter can be at least fluidly separated from the rest of the tank device by means of the respective valve on the respective tank container. Furthermore, it can be prevented that the fuel can escape from at least more than one tank container, whereby the risk of accidents and explosion following an accident involving the entire vehicle due to escaping fuel can be prevented or at least reduced.

The storage device described is preferably suitable in a fuel cell arrangement with a storage device for storing hydrogen for the operation of a fuel cell.

The storage device described is also preferably suitable in a hydrogen internal combustion engine system with a storage device for storing hydrogen.

The storage device described is also preferably suitable in a hydrogen-powered vehicle with a storage device for storing compressed fluids.

Short description of the drawing

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

• 1 eine schematische Draufsicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Speichervorrichtung,
• 2 eine Seitenansicht einer aus Tankbehältern bestehenden erfindungsgemäßen Speichervorrichtung zum Speichern von Wasserstoff,
• 3a eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht der 2 im Bereich I mit einer Adapter-Vorrichtung,
• 3b eine vergrößerte Ansicht der Adapter-Vorrichtung aus 3a,
• 4a eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht der 2 im Bereich I mit einer Adapter-Vorrichtung,
• 4b eine vergrößerte Ansicht der Adapter-Vorrichtung aus 4a,
• 5a eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht der 2 im Bereich I mit einer Adapter-Vorrichtung,
• 5b eine vergrößerte Ansicht der Adapter-Vorrichtung aus 5a,
• 6 eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht der 2 im Bereich I mit einer Adapter-Vorrichtung,
• 7 eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht der 2 im Bereich I mit einer Adapter-Vorrichtung,
• 8 wasserstoffbetriebenes Fahrzeug mit einer Brennstoffzellenanordnung oder einem Wasserstoff-Verbrennungsmotorsystem mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Speichervorrichtung in vereinfachter schematischer Ansicht.

It shows:

• 1 a schematic top view of a storage device according to the invention,
• 2 a side view of a storage device according to the invention consisting of tank containers for storing hydrogen,
• 3a an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device,
• 3b an enlarged view of the adapter device 3a ,
• 4a an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device,
• 4b an enlarged view of the adapter device 4a ,
• 5a an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device,
• 5b an enlarged view of the adapter device 5a ,
• 6 an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device,
• 7 an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device,
• 8th Hydrogen-powered vehicle with a fuel cell arrangement or a hydrogen internal combustion engine system with a storage device according to the invention in a simplified schematic view.

All figures are merely schematic representations of the storage device according to the invention or its components according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. In particular, distances and size relationships are not shown to scale in the figures.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

According to the representation 1 is a schematic top view of a storage device 1 according to the invention for a consumer system 31. The storage device 1 has at least two tank containers 2 for storing hydrogen, as well as a frame-shaped housing element 24 and a supply line 4 that can be connected to the tank containers 2. The frame-shaped housing element 24 surrounds the at least two tank containers 2 and the supply line 4, with the at least two tank containers 2 running parallel to a longitudinal axis 9. Each of the at least two tank containers 2, which are essentially cylindrical and made of steel, have at least one valve 8, 10. This at least one valve 8, 10 is a shut-off valve 8 and/or a safety valve 10.

In an exemplary embodiment of the storage device 1, the at least two tank containers 2 each have the shut-off valve 8 at a first end 20 and the safety valve 10 at a second end 21, the respective ends 20, 21 being in the direction of the longitudinal axis 9 on the respective tank container 2 condition. The two tank containers 2 are at least approximately tubular.

Furthermore, in 1 shown that the shut-off valve 8 is arranged between the respective tank container 2 and the supply line 4, where the supply line 4 connects the respective tank containers 2 to the consumer system 31.

In the area of the second end 21 of the respective tank container 2, on which the tank container 2 has the safety valve 10, the tank container 2 is connected to a connecting line 11 via the safety valve 10. In the event of an accident and/or a fire, the connecting line 11 serves to lead hydrogen from the respective tank container 2 out of the storage device 1 and thus counteract the bursting of the respective tank container 2. At the end of the connecting line 11 facing away from the safety valve 10 and/or the tank container 2, in particular at its downstream end, there can be a drain valve 12 through which, in the event of an accident or fire, the hydrogen can be drained into an environment 33 of the vehicle. especially in an area where igniting hydrogen can no longer damage or injure the entire vehicle and the occupants.

In an exemplary embodiment, the safety valve 10 can be a so-called TPRD (Thermal Pressure Relief Device) valve 10, which has a temperature-sensitive element in order to trigger the safety valve 10 to open in an emergency when heat is applied to the tank containers 2. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the respective tank container 2 is connected with its first end 20 to the supply line 4 via the shut-off valve 8 and/or with its second end 21 to the connecting line 11 via the safety valve 10, which is designed in particular as a melt safety valve 10 tied together.

Furthermore, there can be another valve in the area of the connecting line 11, in particular between the safety valve 10 and the drain valve 12.

Steel is advantageously used for the production of the tubular tank containers 2. Steel is very robust on the one hand and very cost-effective on the other. The advantage is that steel is very easy to process. The high ductility of steel results in improved crash safety for vehicles with tubular tank containers 2.

In 2 an exemplary embodiment of the storage device 1 according to the invention is shown in a side view. The storage device 1 has a plurality of tank containers 2, which are essentially cylindrical. The respective ends 20, 21 of the respective tank container 2 have a conical taper 6 and thus a typical bottleneck structure.

This is in 2 shown that the frame-shaped housing element 24, into which the tank containers 2 are installed, has a peripheral wall 26 and a bottom wall 25, the bottom wall 25 being located at the geodetically lowest point in the storage device 1 and/or in the vehicle. The peripheral wall 26 of the frame-shaped housing element 24 has a front wall 28, a left wall 32, a right wall 34 and a rear wall 30. Furthermore, the tank containers 2 are pre-assembled before assembly as a tank container module, which can consist of at least two tank containers 2 including valves 8, 10 and other components. The bottom wall 25 has at least one rib 27, in particular at least one stiffening rib 27, with the at least one rib 27 running parallel to the longitudinal axis 9 and/or the tank containers 2 and over at least almost the entire length of the bottom wall 25, in particular in the area of a Space 14 between the at least two tank containers 2. The at least one rib 27 is in contact with at least two tank containers 2, in particular at least almost orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 9, in which way the stability and crash safety of the storage device 1 according to the invention can be improved . In addition, the individual tubes can be fixed in the housing and positioned relative to one another in this way.

In addition, it is in 2 shown that the frame-shaped housing element 24 has a circumferential shoulder 15 on the side of the peripheral wall 26 facing away from the bottom wall 25, the shoulder 15 running parallel to the bottom wall 25 and having at least two bores 17. These bores 17 run at least almost orthogonally to the plane of the bottom wall 25 and/or the plane of the shoulder 15, whereby the frame-shaped housing element 24 can be mounted on the entire vehicle by means of the bores 17 and, for example, screw connections.

• ■ Umwelteinflüssen, wie beispielsweise korrosiven Medien, Feuchte,
• ■ Mechanischen Belastungen, wie beispielsweise Kontakt mit der Fahrbahn oder Steinschlag,
• ■ Thermischen Belastungen, wie beispielsweise Feuer, Heißluft, Strahlung oder Konvektion.

The frame-shaped housing element 24 encloses the tank containers 2 and/or the tank container module with attachments at least almost completely and is firmly connected to the tank containers 2 by means of a fastening element 3. In addition, the frame-shaped housing element 24 protects it from:

• ■ Environmental influences, such as corrosive media, moisture,
• ■ Mechanical stress, such as contact with the road or falling rocks,
• ■ Thermal stress, such as fire, hot air, radiation or convection.

The frame-shaped housing element 24 can, for example, be designed in such a way that it also takes on a stiffening function for the body of the vehicle. Furthermore, a connection of the storage device 1 to an external refueling system can be improved by means of the frame-shaped housing element 24, since the accessibility to the storage device 1 is improved. In addition, easier integration of sensors and/or valves and/or line systems and/or other components can be ensured by means of the frame-shaped housing element 24.

3a shows an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device 400. The sectional view shows a possible exemplary embodiment of a connection between one of the tank containers 2 with the supply line 4. Each of the tank containers 2 has a longitudinal axis 64 and a tank container opening 54 arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis 64. Hydrogen can be directed from a tank container interior 48 in the direction of the supply line 4 via the tank container opening 54. The adapter device 400 is at least partially accommodated in the tank container opening 54 of the tank container 2. The adapter device 400 is arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis 64 of the tank container 2.

The adapter device 400 includes an adapter element 40 which has a conical seat 50 which interacts with a conical seat 46 formed on the tank container opening 54 as a mechanical stop. Furthermore, the adapter device 400 comprises a union screw 42, wherein the adapter element 40 is at least partially arranged in the union screw 42 and is at least partially surrounded by the union screw 42 (as in 3b shown). The adapter element 40 is essentially cylindrical here, with the union screw 42 being hollow cylindrical.

During assembly, the adapter device 400 is inserted into the tank container opening 54 in such a way that the union screw 42 is screwed in with a defined torque and takes the adapter element 40 with it by means of a mechanical stop. The insertion process ends as soon as the adapter element 40 abuts with its conical seat 50 on the conical seat 46 of the tank container opening 54 and thus seals it.

The adapter element 40 at least partially comprises a connecting line 52. The connecting line 52 is further formed in a T-piece-shaped element 60, in which the supply line 4 is also partially formed.

The adapter device 400 is firmly connected to the T-piece-shaped element 60 by means of a screw element 62.

4a shows an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device 400. The sectional view shows a further exemplary embodiment of the connection between one of the tank containers 2 with the supply line 4. Reference numbers with the same function were designated with the same reference number. The adapter device 400 is again arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis 64 of the tank container 2.

The exemplary embodiment from the 4a The structure and functionality essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment from the 3a . The difference is that in the exemplary embodiment from the 4a the supply line 4 and at least partially the connecting line 52 are formed in the adapter element 40 of the adapter device 400. The adapter element 40 here has a T-shaped region 56, in which the connecting line 52 and at least partially also the supply line 4 are formed (as in 4b shown). Furthermore, the adapter element 40 is essentially cylindrical except for the T-piece-shaped region 56, with the union screw 42 being hollow cylindrical. In this exemplary embodiment, the screw element 62 and the T-piece-shaped element 60 are omitted.

For example, a round wire snap ring can be used for assembly and as a driver of the adapter element 40.

5a shows an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device 400. The sectional view shows a further exemplary embodiment of the connection between one of the tank containers 2 and the supply line 4.

Reference numbers with the same function were designated with the same reference number. The adapter device 400 is again arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis 64 of the tank container 2.

The exemplary embodiment from the 5a The structure and functionality essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment from the 4a . The difference is that the adapter element 40 here has an L-shaped region 80, in which the connecting line 52 and at least partially also the supply line 4 are formed (as in 5b shown). Furthermore, the adapter element 40 is essentially cylindrical except for the L-piece-shaped region 80, with the union screw 42 being hollow cylindrical. The adapter element 40 with the L-piece shape The area 80 is used in particular at the end areas 90, since they only require a connection to an adjacent tank container 2.

6 shows an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device 400. The sectional view shows a further exemplary embodiment of the connection between one of the tank containers 2 with the supply line 4. Reference numbers with the same function were designated with the same reference number. The adapter device 400 is again arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis 64 of the tank container 2.

The exemplary embodiment from the 6 The structure and functionality essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment from the 3a . The difference is that in the exemplary embodiment from the 6 There is no union screw 42, but rather the adapter element 40 of the adapter device 400 is inserted directly into the tank container opening 54. The adapter device 400 is then installed directly by screwing in the adapter element 40 with a defined torque until the adapter element 40 with its conical seat 50 abuts the conical seat 46 of the tank container opening 54 and thus seals it. The screwing in of the adapter element 40 is supported by means of an annular groove-shaped projection 66, which is formed on the adapter element 40.

7 shows an enlarged sectional view of the 2 in area I with an adapter device 400. Reference numbers with the same function were designated with the same reference number. In this exemplary embodiment, the adapter device 400 is designed as a plug. This means that the tank container interior 48 of the tank container 2 is sealed by the adapter device 400, which is arranged in the tank container opening 54 and acts here as an encapsulation element. As a result, the tank container 2 can also be sealed by the adapter device 400 if the respective end 20, 21 is not to be connected to a line, for example the supply line 4. Furthermore, the adapter device 400 can be designed as a seal for the tank container 2 in a structurally simple manner without the need for additional sealing elements.

8th shows a simplified schematic view of a fuel cell-operated vehicle 72, which can be operated, for example, with a fuel cell arrangement 70 or a hydrogen internal combustion engine system 71. The fuel cell arrangement 70 or the hydrogen internal combustion engine system 71 has the storage device 1 according to the invention for the provision of hydrogen.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102020201169 A1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Storage device (1), comprising at least two tank containers (2) for storing hydrogen, at least one connecting line (52) and a feed line (4) which can be connected to the tank containers (2) by means of the connecting line (52), the tank containers (2) each Ends (20, 21), at which ends (20, 21) the tank containers (2) each have a tank container opening (54), characterized in that an adapter device (400) is in the tank container opening (54). is arranged. Storage device (1). Claim 1 , characterized in that the adapter device (400) comprises an adapter element (40) which has a cone seat (50), which cone seat (50) with a cone seat (46) formed on the tank container opening (54) as a mechanical stop interacts and so the tank container opening (54) can be sealed. Storage device (1). Claim 2 , characterized in that the adapter device (400) comprises a union screw (42), wherein the adapter element (40) is at least partially arranged in the union screw (42) and is at least partially surrounded by the union screw (42). Storage device (1). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the adapter device (400) is essentially cylindrical. Storage device (1). Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the union screw (42) is hollow cylindrical. Storage device (1) according to one of the Claims 2 , 3 or 5 , characterized in that the adapter element (40) at least partially comprises the connecting line (52). Storage device (1) according to one of the Claims 2 , 3 , 5 or 6 , characterized in that the adapter element (40) has a T-piece-shaped region (56) which comprises the connecting line (52) and at least partially the supply line (4). Storage device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the adapter device (400) is firmly connected to the connecting line (52) and/or the supply line (4) by means of a screw element (62). Storage device (1) according to one of the Claims 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 or 7 , characterized in that the adapter element (40) has an L-piece-shaped region (80) which comprises the connecting line (52) and at least partially the supply line (4). Storage device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the connecting line (52) and the supply line (4) are designed as a T-piece-shaped element (60). Storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two tank containers (2) are made of steel. Storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the at least two tank containers (2) has a shut-off valve (8) and/or a safety valve (10). Fuel cell arrangement (70) with a storage device (1) for storing hydrogen for operating a fuel cell according to one of the preceding claims. Hydrogen internal combustion engine system (71) with a storage device (1) for storing hydrogen according to one of Claims 1 until 12 . Hydrogen-powered vehicle (72) with a storage device (1) for storing compressed fluids according to one of Claims 1 until 12 .

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