EP1749169A1 - Cryogenic fuel tank and use thereof in a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Cryogenic fuel tank and use thereof in a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number
EP1749169A1
EP1749169A1 EP04816571A EP04816571A EP1749169A1 EP 1749169 A1 EP1749169 A1 EP 1749169A1 EP 04816571 A EP04816571 A EP 04816571A EP 04816571 A EP04816571 A EP 04816571A EP 1749169 A1 EP1749169 A1 EP 1749169A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
envelope
tank according
internal envelope
support structure
internal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04816571A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Laurent Allidieres
Alain Ravex
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Publication of EP1749169A1 publication Critical patent/EP1749169A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F17C3/04—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation by insulating layers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F17C3/08—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation by vacuum spaces, e.g. Dewar flask
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/035—Orientation with substantially horizontal main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/054—Size medium (>1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
    • F17C2203/014—Suspension means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
    • F17C2203/0308—Radiation shield
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0391—Thermal insulations by vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0626—Multiple walls
    • F17C2203/0629—Two walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/043—Localisation of the removal point in the gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/031—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer
    • F17C2260/033—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer by enhancing insulation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to cryogenic fluid reservoirs, in particular for the on-board storage of liquid cryogenic fuels, of the type comprising an external envelope and an internal envelope, the space between the internal and external envelopes being occupied by a multilayer insulation structure.
  • the production of tanks with multilayer insulation poses significant difficulties in terms of labor cost.
  • the automation of the manufacture of multi-layer insulation remains hypothetical due to the numerous connections and piping entering and leaving the tank (filling and withdrawal of liquid, withdrawal of the gas phase, various connections, etc.).
  • the support of the internal tank is generally obtained by relatively sophisticated neck or tie systems made of non-conductive materials, which, in the particular case of tanks for motor vehicles, must be mechanically oversized in order to withstand levels of significant accelerations imposed by the manufacturers.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a cryogenic fluid reservoir structure greatly reducing the above drawbacks and making it possible to produce in a simple and effective manner a reservoir with improved thermal insulation and also improved impact resistance.
  • the internal envelope is supported on a point of articulation formed by a support structure integral with the external reservoir, and extending in the latter, the point of articulation being located at - above the center of gravity of the internal tank.
  • the support structure extends in a hollow volume of the internal tank, typically of vertical axis, - the internal envelope is of generally cylindrical configuration with a longitudinal axis, - the lines for transferring fluids or electrical signals communicating with the interior of the internal envelope extend outwards in the support structure.
  • the present invention also relates to the use of such a tank in a motor vehicle, for the storage of an energetic fluid usable by the vehicle, in particular for its traction.
  • FIG. 1 is a view in longitudinal schematic section of an embodiment of a reservoir according to the invention
  • - Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank of Figure 1
  • - Figure 3 is a schematic view in partial section of an example of an articulation zone of the reservoir of Figure 1.
  • Figures 1 and 2 we recognize a reservoir structure for the storage of liquid cryogenic fluid L confined in an internal envelope 1 entirely disposed in an external envelope 2, the space between the envelopes 1 and 2 being occupied by a multilayer insulation structure 3 and placed under high vacuum.
  • the multilayer insulation structure 3 is advantageously constituted by an alternation of reflective / intermediate layers constituted by layers of terephthalic polyethylene of the aluminized Mylar TM type and of sandpaper of the Dextar TM or Lydall type. TM.
  • the vacuum in the space between the envelopes is at a pressure typically less than 10 ⁇ 4 millibars.
  • the internal envelope 1 is supported in an articulated manner, at a point A, situated in the normal configuration of use of the reservoir above the center of severity G of the envelope 1 containing a liquid storage L.
  • the articulation A is formed between the bottom 4 of a bell-shaped structure 5 extending vertically from the bottom of the internal envelope 1, to which it is secured, up to in the vicinity of the upper wall of the latter, and by the upper end of a tubular structure 6 extending vertically, in the bell 5 coaxially with the latter, from the bottom of the internal envelope 1 to which it is secured.
  • the bell structure 5 and the tubular structure 6 can be assembled to the casings 1 and 2 by flange systems as shown in Figure 1.
  • the set of organs for transferring fluids or electrical signals opening into the interior of the internal envelope 1 such as the filling line 7 for liquid in the internal envelope 1, the probe 8 for measuring the level of the liquid L in the envelope 1, or the line 9 for withdrawing the gas neck in the internal envelope 1, pass through the bottom walls of the bell 5 and of the tubular support 6 in the vicinity of the articulation point A and extend into the tubular support 6 towards the outside of the external envelope 2, typically through a valve box 10 containing the valves 11 also placed under vacuum.
  • the internal envelope 1 is suspended pendulumly in the external envelope 2, the angular sloshing of the internal envelope 1 around the point of articulation A under the effect of external accelerations. and / or internal being immediately absorbed by the insulation structure 3 compacted between the envelopes 1 and 2, the internal envelope automatically covering, by simple gravity, its balanced configuration of rest in the absence of accelerations. According to the invention, therefore, the internal envelope is protected against a large number of accidents, which makes it possible to simplify and automate the installation of the insulation around this envelope.
  • the crossings of walls of pipes and conductors are grouped in the narrow articulation zone around the point A inside the internal envelope 1, thus greatly reducing all the thermal bridges to the outside.
  • the articulation point A is produced by a ball joint between the bottom 4 of the bell 5 and an end wall 12 closing the top of the support structure 5 tubing junctions between the bottom 4 and the bottom wall 12 being provided by flexible connections such as 13, for example in corrugated stainless steel.
  • the tubular support can extend downwards, from the top of the external envelope 2, in a shortened bell structure open upwards and extending towards the bottom, from the top of the internal envelope to a point located above the center of gravity G.
  • the articulation point A can be formed between the upper generatrix of a tubular support structure extending horizontally, between the curved ends facing the external envelope 2, in a cylindrical hollow volume also horizontal formed in the 'inner casing 1, between its axially opposite rounded ends, the latter in turn representing a general tubular configuration with a hollow volume eccentrically upwards.
  • the pipes and connection conductors extend outwards from the articulation zone, in the horizontal tubular support, along the latter.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)

Abstract

A cryogenic fluid tank comprising an outer envelope (2) and an inner envelope (1), wherein the space between said envelopes is occupied by a multilayered insulation structure (3) wherein the inner envelope (1) is supported on a point of articulation (A) formed by a support structure (6) coupled to the outer envelope (2) and extending into the latter, wherein the point of articulation is located above the center of gravity (G) of the inner envelope. Applications: cryogenic fuel tanks in motor vehicles.

Description

Réservoir de fluide cryogénique et utilisation dans un véhicule automobile Cryogenic fluid reservoir and use in a motor vehicle
La présente invention concerne des réservoirs de fluides cryogéniques, notamment pour le stockage embarqué de carburants cryogéniques liquides, du type comprenant une enveloppe externe et une enveloppe interne, l'interespace entre les enveloppes interne et externe étant occupé par une structure d'isolation multicouche. La réalisation de réservoirs avec isolation multicouches pose des difficultés importantes en terme de coût de main d'œuvre. L'automatisation de la fabrication des isolations multicouches reste hypothétique en raison des nombreux raccordements et tuyauteries entrant et sortant du réservoir (remplissage et soutirage liquide, soutirage de la phase gazeuse, connexions diverses ...). De plus, le supportage du réservoir interne est généralement obtenu par des systèmes de col ou de tirants relativement sophistiqués en matériaux non conducteurs, qui, dans le cas particulier des réservoirs pour véhicules automobiles, doivent être mécaniquement surdimensionnés afin de résister à des niveaux d'accélérations importants imposés par les constructeurs. Ces cols ou tirants et les piquages de tuyauteries ou de conducteurs créent des discontinuités nuisant à la bonne isolation du réservoir et constituent des sources d'entrée de chaleur importantes réduisant les performances thermiques du réservoir. La présente invention a pour objet de proposer une structure de réservoir de fluide cryogénique réduisant grandement les inconvénients ci-dessus et permettant de réaliser de façon simple et efficace un réservoir à isolation thermique amélioré et à tenue aux chocs également améliorée. Pour ce faire, selon une caractéristique de l'invention, l'enveloppe interne est supportée sur un point d'articulation formé par une structure support solidaire du réservoir externe, et s'étendant dans cette dernière, le point d'articulation étant situé au-dessus du centre de gravité du réservoir interne. Selon d'autres caractéristiques plus particulières de l'invention : - la structure support s'étend dans un volume en creux du réservoir interne, typiquement d'axe vertical, - l'enveloppe interne est de configuration générale cylindrique avec un axe longitudinal, - les lignes de transfert de fluides ou de signaux électriques communiquant avec l'intérieur de l'enveloppe interne s'étendent vers l'extérieur dans la structure support. La présente invention concerne également l'utilisation d'un tel réservoir dans un véhicule automobile, pour le stockage d'un fluide énergétique utilisable par le véhicule, notamment pour sa motricité. D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de descriptions suivantes, de modes de réalisation, donnés à titre illustratif mais nullement limitatif, faite en relation avec les dessins annexés, sur lesquels : - la figure 1 est une vue en coupe schématique longitudinale d'un mode de réalisation d'un réservoir selon l'invention ; - la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale du réservoir de la figure 1 ; et - la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe partielle d'un exemple d'une zone d'articulation du réservoir de la figure 1. Sur les figures 1 et 2, on reconnaît une structure de réservoir pour le stockage de fluide cryogénique liquide L confiné dans une enveloppe interne 1 entièrement disposée dans une enveloppe externe 2, l'interespace entre les enveloppes 1 et 2 étant occupé par une structure d'isolation multicouche 3 et placé sous vide poussé. Selon un aspect de l'invention, la structure d'isolation multicouches 3 est avantageusement constituée d'une alternance de couches réfléchissantes / intercalaires constituées par des couches de polyéthylène terephtalique de type Mylar™ aluminisé et de papier de verre de type Dextar™ ou Lydall™. Le vide dans l'interespace entre les enveloppes est à une pression typiquement inférieure à 10"4 millibars. Comme on le voit bien sur les figures 1 et 2, si les enveloppes 1 et 2 ont une configuration générale cylindrique d'axe longitudinal horizontal et agencées coaxialement l'une par rapport à l'autre. Selon un aspect de l'invention, l'enveloppe interne 1 est supportée de façon articulée, en un point A, situé en configuration normale d'utilisation du réservoir au-dessus du centre de gravité G de l'enveloppe 1 renfermant un stockage de liquide L. L'articulation A est formée entre le fond 4 d'une structure en cloche 5 s'étendant verticalement depuis le fond de l'enveloppe interne 1 , auquel elle est solidarisée, jusqu'au voisinage de la paroi supérieure de cette dernière, et par l'extrémité supérieure d'une structure tubulaire 6 s'étendant verticalement, dans la cloche 5 coaxialement à cette dernière, depuis le fond de l'enveloppe interne 1 auquel elle est solidarisée. Pour faciliter le démontage pour inspection et maintenance, la structure en cloche 5 et la structure tubulaire 6 peuvent être assemblées aux enveloppes 1 et 2 par des systèmes à brides comme représenté sur la Figure 1. Comme représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, l'ensemble des organes de transfert de fluides ou de signaux électriques débouchant dans l'intérieur de l'enveloppe interne 1 tels que la canalisation de remplissage 7 de liquide dans l'enveloppe interne 1, la sonde 8 de mesure de niveau du liquide L dans l'enveloppe 1, ou la canalisation 9 de soutirage du col gazeux dans l'enveloppe interne 1 , traversent les parois de fond de la cloche 5 et du support tubulaire 6 au voisinage du point d'articulation A et s'étendent dans le support tubulaire 6 vers l'extérieur de l'enveloppe externe 2, typiquement à travers une boîte à vannes 10 renfermant les vannes 11 également placées sous vide. On comprendra qu'avec un tel agencement, l'enveloppe interne 1 est suspendue de façon pendulaire dans l'enveloppe externe 2, les ballottements angulaires de l'enveloppe interne 1 autour du point d'articulation A sous l'effet d'accélérations externes et/ou internes étant immédiatement amortis par la structure d'isolation 3 compactée entre les enveloppes 1 et 2, l'enveloppe interne recouvrant automatiquement, par simple gravité, sa configuration équilibrée de repos en l'absence d'accélérations. Selon l'invention, donc, l'enveloppe interne est prémunie contre un grand nombre d'accidents, ce qui permet de simplifier et d'automatiser la mise en place de l'isolation autour de cette enveloppe. De plus, les traversées de parois de tuyauteries et conducteurs sont regroupées dans l'étroite zone d'articulation autour du point A à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe interne 1 , réduisant ainsi grandement tous les ponts thermiques vers l'extérieur. Dans le mode de réalisation particulier représenté sur la figure 3, le point d'articulation A est réalisé par un assemblage en rotule entre le fond 4 de la cloche 5 et une paroi d'extrémité 12 fermant le haut de la structure support 5 les jonctions de tubulures entre le fond 4 et la parai de fond 12 étant assurée par des raccords flexibles tels que 13 par exemple en acier inoxydable annelé. Quoique que l'invention ait été décrite en relation avec des modes de réalisation particuliers, elle ne s'en trouve pas limitée mais est susceptible de modifications et de variantes qui apparaîtront à l'homme du métier dans le cadre des revendications ci-après. Ainsi, en variante des modes de réalisation des Figures 1 à 3, le support tubulaire peut s'étendre vers le bas, depuis le haut de l'enveloppe externe 2, dans une structure en cloche raccourcie ouverte vers le haut et s'étendant vers le bas, depuis le haut de l'enveloppe interne jusqu'à un point situé au-dessus du centre de gravité G. D'autre part, en place et lieu d'un support tubulaire 6 s'étendant verticalement dans une cloche également verticale 5, le point d'articulation A peut être formé entre la génératrice supérieure d'une structure support tubulaire s'étendant horizontalement, entre les extrémités bombées en regard de l'enveloppe externe 2, dans un volume en creux cylindrique également horizontal formé dans l'enveloppe interne 1, entre ses extrémités bombées axialement opposées, cette dernière représentant à son tour une configuration générale tubulaire avec un volume en creux excentré vers le haut. Dans ce cas, également, les tuyauteries et conducteurs de raccordement s'étendent vers l'extérieur depuis la zone d'articulation, dans le support tubulaire horizontal, le long de ce dernier. The present invention relates to cryogenic fluid reservoirs, in particular for the on-board storage of liquid cryogenic fuels, of the type comprising an external envelope and an internal envelope, the space between the internal and external envelopes being occupied by a multilayer insulation structure. The production of tanks with multilayer insulation poses significant difficulties in terms of labor cost. The automation of the manufacture of multi-layer insulation remains hypothetical due to the numerous connections and piping entering and leaving the tank (filling and withdrawal of liquid, withdrawal of the gas phase, various connections, etc.). In addition, the support of the internal tank is generally obtained by relatively sophisticated neck or tie systems made of non-conductive materials, which, in the particular case of tanks for motor vehicles, must be mechanically oversized in order to withstand levels of significant accelerations imposed by the manufacturers. These necks or tie rods and the tapping of pipes or conductors create discontinuities which affect the good insulation of the tank and constitute significant sources of heat input reducing the thermal performance of the tank. The object of the present invention is to provide a cryogenic fluid reservoir structure greatly reducing the above drawbacks and making it possible to produce in a simple and effective manner a reservoir with improved thermal insulation and also improved impact resistance. To do this, according to a characteristic of the invention, the internal envelope is supported on a point of articulation formed by a support structure integral with the external reservoir, and extending in the latter, the point of articulation being located at - above the center of gravity of the internal tank. According to other more specific characteristics of the invention: the support structure extends in a hollow volume of the internal tank, typically of vertical axis, - the internal envelope is of generally cylindrical configuration with a longitudinal axis, - the lines for transferring fluids or electrical signals communicating with the interior of the internal envelope extend outwards in the support structure. The present invention also relates to the use of such a tank in a motor vehicle, for the storage of an energetic fluid usable by the vehicle, in particular for its traction. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following descriptions of embodiments, given by way of illustration but in no way limiting, made in relation to the appended drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a view in longitudinal schematic section of an embodiment of a reservoir according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank of Figure 1; and - Figure 3 is a schematic view in partial section of an example of an articulation zone of the reservoir of Figure 1. In Figures 1 and 2, we recognize a reservoir structure for the storage of liquid cryogenic fluid L confined in an internal envelope 1 entirely disposed in an external envelope 2, the space between the envelopes 1 and 2 being occupied by a multilayer insulation structure 3 and placed under high vacuum. According to one aspect of the invention, the multilayer insulation structure 3 is advantageously constituted by an alternation of reflective / intermediate layers constituted by layers of terephthalic polyethylene of the aluminized Mylar ™ type and of sandpaper of the Dextar ™ or Lydall type. ™. The vacuum in the space between the envelopes is at a pressure typically less than 10 −4 millibars. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, if the envelopes 1 and 2 have a general cylindrical configuration with a horizontal longitudinal axis and arranged coaxially with respect to one another According to one aspect of the invention, the internal envelope 1 is supported in an articulated manner, at a point A, situated in the normal configuration of use of the reservoir above the center of severity G of the envelope 1 containing a liquid storage L. The articulation A is formed between the bottom 4 of a bell-shaped structure 5 extending vertically from the bottom of the internal envelope 1, to which it is secured, up to in the vicinity of the upper wall of the latter, and by the upper end of a tubular structure 6 extending vertically, in the bell 5 coaxially with the latter, from the bottom of the internal envelope 1 to which it is secured. To facilitate disassembly for inspection and maintenance, the bell structure 5 and the tubular structure 6 can be assembled to the casings 1 and 2 by flange systems as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the set of organs for transferring fluids or electrical signals opening into the interior of the internal envelope 1 such as the filling line 7 for liquid in the internal envelope 1, the probe 8 for measuring the level of the liquid L in the envelope 1, or the line 9 for withdrawing the gas neck in the internal envelope 1, pass through the bottom walls of the bell 5 and of the tubular support 6 in the vicinity of the articulation point A and extend into the tubular support 6 towards the outside of the external envelope 2, typically through a valve box 10 containing the valves 11 also placed under vacuum. It will be understood that with such an arrangement, the internal envelope 1 is suspended pendulumly in the external envelope 2, the angular sloshing of the internal envelope 1 around the point of articulation A under the effect of external accelerations. and / or internal being immediately absorbed by the insulation structure 3 compacted between the envelopes 1 and 2, the internal envelope automatically covering, by simple gravity, its balanced configuration of rest in the absence of accelerations. According to the invention, therefore, the internal envelope is protected against a large number of accidents, which makes it possible to simplify and automate the installation of the insulation around this envelope. In addition, the crossings of walls of pipes and conductors are grouped in the narrow articulation zone around the point A inside the internal envelope 1, thus greatly reducing all the thermal bridges to the outside. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the articulation point A is produced by a ball joint between the bottom 4 of the bell 5 and an end wall 12 closing the top of the support structure 5 tubing junctions between the bottom 4 and the bottom wall 12 being provided by flexible connections such as 13, for example in corrugated stainless steel. Although the invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, it is not limited thereto but is susceptible to modifications and variants which will appear to a person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims below. Thus, as a variant of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, the tubular support can extend downwards, from the top of the external envelope 2, in a shortened bell structure open upwards and extending towards the bottom, from the top of the internal envelope to a point located above the center of gravity G. On the other hand, in place and instead of a tubular support 6 extending vertically in a bell also vertical 5, the articulation point A can be formed between the upper generatrix of a tubular support structure extending horizontally, between the curved ends facing the external envelope 2, in a cylindrical hollow volume also horizontal formed in the 'inner casing 1, between its axially opposite rounded ends, the latter in turn representing a general tubular configuration with a hollow volume eccentrically upwards. In this case, too, the pipes and connection conductors extend outwards from the articulation zone, in the horizontal tubular support, along the latter.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS 1. Réservoir de fluide cryogénique, comprenant une enveloppe externe (2) et une enveloppe interne (1 ), l'interespace entre les enveloppes étant occupé par une structure d'isolation multicouche (3), caractérisé en ce que l'enveloppe interne (1) est supportée sur un point d'articulation (A) formé par une structure support (6) solidaire de l'enveloppe externe (2) et s'étendant dans cette dernière, le point d'articulation étant situé au-dessus du centre de gravité (G) de l'enveloppe interne. 2. Réservoir selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la structure support (6) s'étend dans un volume en creux (5) de l'enveloppe interne (1). 3. Réservoir selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'elle comporte des lignes de transfert de fluides et/ou de signaux électriques communiquant avec l'intérieur de l'enveloppe interne (1) et s'étendant, vers l'extérieur, dans la structure support (6) 4. Réservoir selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'enveloppe interne (1) est de configuration générale cylindrique avec un axe longitudinal. 5. Réservoir selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la structure support (6) est orthogonale à l'axe longitudinal. 6. Réservoir selon la revendication 2 et la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le volume en creux est formé par une structure de cloche (5) s'étendant transversalement centralement dans l'enveloppe interne (1 ). 7. Réservoir selon l'une des revendications 2 à 6 caractérisé en ce que le point d'articulation est formé par une articulation à rotule (11 ) disposée entre les parois du volume en creux (5) et de la structure support (6). 8. Utilisation d'un réservoir selon l'une des revendications précédentes dans un véhicule automobile. CLAIMS 1. Cryogenic fluid reservoir, comprising an external envelope (2) and an internal envelope (1), the space between the envelopes being occupied by a multilayer insulation structure (3), characterized in that the internal envelope (1) is supported on an articulation point (A) formed by a support structure (6) integral with the external envelope (2) and extending in the latter, the articulation point being located above the center of gravity (G) of the internal envelope. 2. Tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the support structure (6) extends in a hollow volume (5) of the internal envelope (1). 3. Tank according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises lines for transferring fluids and / or electrical signals communicating with the interior of the internal envelope (1) and extending outwards, in the support structure (6) 4. Tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal envelope (1) is of generally cylindrical configuration with a longitudinal axis. 5. Tank according to claim 4, characterized in that the support structure (6) is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. 6. Tank according to claim 2 and claim 5, characterized in that the hollow volume is formed by a bell structure (5) extending transversely centrally in the internal envelope (1). 7. Tank according to one of claims 2 to 6 characterized in that the articulation point is formed by a ball joint (11) disposed between the walls of the hollow volume (5) and the support structure (6) . 8. Use of a tank according to one of the preceding claims in a motor vehicle.
EP04816571A 2004-05-10 2004-12-17 Cryogenic fuel tank and use thereof in a motor vehicle Withdrawn EP1749169A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0405020A FR2869973B1 (en) 2004-05-10 2004-05-10 CRYOGENIC FLUID RESERVOIR AND USE IN A MOTOR VEHICLE
PCT/FR2004/050718 WO2005121631A1 (en) 2004-05-10 2004-12-17 Cryogenic fuel tank and use thereof in a motor vehicle

Publications (1)

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EP1749169A1 true EP1749169A1 (en) 2007-02-07

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EP04816571A Withdrawn EP1749169A1 (en) 2004-05-10 2004-12-17 Cryogenic fuel tank and use thereof in a motor vehicle

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US (1) US20080041091A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1749169A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2007536485A (en)
KR (1) KR20070007919A (en)
CA (1) CA2563473A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2869973B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005121631A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2853324C (en) * 2014-06-03 2016-02-23 Westport Power Inc. Cryogenic storage vessel
JP6500873B2 (en) * 2016-10-21 2019-04-17 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Vacuum insulation structure
FR3107701B1 (en) * 2020-03-02 2022-09-02 Etablissements Magyar Device for holding an inner tank of a cryogenic liquid transport tank
KR102634810B1 (en) 2021-12-31 2024-02-07 (주)동성화인텍 Insulation support and liquid hydrogen storage container containing the insulation support for automotive

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US2863297A (en) * 1955-03-29 1958-12-09 Herrick L Johnston Inc Method and apparatus for storing liquified gases
US3107498A (en) * 1961-03-13 1963-10-22 Conch Int Methane Ltd Portable insulated storage tanks and valve means
FR1417043A (en) * 1963-12-13 1965-11-05 Kieler Howaldtswerke Ag Device for connecting the linings of liquid gas tanks to the watertight bulkheads of ships
US3331525A (en) * 1963-12-13 1967-07-18 Kieler Howaldtswerke Ag Device for connecting liquefied gas tank linings with the bulkheads of a ship
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US20080041091A1 (en) 2008-02-21
WO2005121631A1 (en) 2005-12-22
FR2869973B1 (en) 2006-06-23
JP2007536485A (en) 2007-12-13
CA2563473A1 (en) 2005-12-22
FR2869973A1 (en) 2005-11-11
KR20070007919A (en) 2007-01-16

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