EP4143464A1 - Tank assembly for a hydrogen fuel cells automotive system - Google Patents

Tank assembly for a hydrogen fuel cells automotive system

Info

Publication number
EP4143464A1
EP4143464A1 EP21726977.8A EP21726977A EP4143464A1 EP 4143464 A1 EP4143464 A1 EP 4143464A1 EP 21726977 A EP21726977 A EP 21726977A EP 4143464 A1 EP4143464 A1 EP 4143464A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
channel
assembly
tank
per
tank assembly
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP21726977.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Fatima AMORES
Francesco MONDINELLI
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.)
OMB Saleri SpA
Original Assignee
OMB Saleri SpA
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 OMB Saleri SpA filed Critical OMB Saleri SpA
Publication of EP4143464A1 publication Critical patent/EP4143464A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
    • F16K1/30—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces specially adapted for pressure containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K27/00—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor
    • F16K27/003—Housing formed from a plurality of the same valve elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
    • F16K37/0025—Electrical or magnetic means
    • F16K37/005—Electrical or magnetic means for measuring fluid parameters
    • 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
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • 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
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/08—Mounting arrangements for vessels
    • F17C13/084—Mounting arrangements for vessels for small-sized storage vessels, e.g. compressed gas cylinders or bottles, disposable gas vessels, vessels adapted for automotive use
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/04104—Regulation of differential pressures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03309—Tanks specially adapted for particular fuels
    • B60K2015/03315—Tanks specially adapted for particular fuels for hydrogen
    • 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
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • 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
    • F17C2201/0138—Shape tubular
    • 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
    • F17C2201/056—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
    • F17C2203/06—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
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F17C2205/0142—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels bundled in parallel
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F17C2205/0146—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels with details of the manifold
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0305—Bosses, e.g. boss collars
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0311—Closure means
    • F17C2205/0314—Closure means breakable, e.g. with burst discs
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0341—Filters
    • 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
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • 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
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • 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
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • 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
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0636—Flow or movement of content
    • 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
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/018—Adapting dimensions
    • 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
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/023—Avoiding overheating
    • 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
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/066—Fluid distribution for feeding engines for propulsion
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/20—Fuel cells in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention belongs to the field of components for automotive systems comprising hydrogen- powered fuel cells.
  • the present invention relates to a tank assembly for storing hydrogen on board the vehicle.
  • ⁇ -powered fuel cells include a single tank in which hydrogen is stored at high pressure; a multifunction valve (OTV valve), for refueling hydrogen and supplying a fuel cell supply line, provided with several accessory devices, such as shut-off valves, exhaust valves, thermal safety devices etc., is attached to one flange of the tank.
  • OTV valve multifunction valve
  • accessory devices such as shut-off valves, exhaust valves, thermal safety devices etc.
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a tank assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a section of the tank assembly in
  • FIG. 1 which shows a main inlet assembly of the tank assembly
  • FIG. 4 shows an enlargement of box IV in Figure 1, which shows a bottom assembly of the tank assembly
  • FIG. 5 shows a section of the tank assembly in Figure 1, according to the section plane V-V in Figure 1
  • FIG. 6 shows an enlargement of Figure 5, which shows a thermal safety device of the tank assembly
  • FIG. 7 shows an enlargement of box VII in Figure 1, which shows a main outlet assembly of the tank assembly;
  • Figure 8 shows a section of the main outlet assembly in Figure 7, according to the section plane VIII-VIII in Figure 7.
  • reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a tank assembly for an automotive system comprising hydrogen-powered fuel cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the tank assembly 1 comprises a plurality of tanks 4; for example, in the embodiment described, the tank assembly comprises twelve tanks 4.
  • each tank 4 comprises a tank body 6, typically cylindrical in shape, which extends along a central tank axis X, between a top end 6a and a bottom end 6b; preferably, the top end 6a is closed by a cap of the tank body 6, while a bottom assembly 40 is attached to the bottom end 6b in a gas-tight manner, as described below.
  • the tank axes X of all the tanks 4 are parallel to one another and the top ends 6a of all the tanks 4 are arranged on the same side, as all the bottom ends 6b, obviously.
  • the tank assembly 1 comprises a bottom manifold 10b, arranged on the side of the bottom ends 6b, operatively connected to the bottom assemblies of all the tanks 4.
  • the bottom manifold 10b internally comprises a bottom channel 12b, extending transversely to the tank axes X, intercepting each of these, for example orthogonally. Pressurized hydrogen is supplied at one end IN of the bottom channel 12b for refueling the tanks of the whole tank assembly 1, while at an opposite end OUT of the bottom channel 12b, gas is supplied to use devices.
  • the bottom manifold 10b is made from a semi-finished product made of metal material, typically extruded aluminum, provided with the bottom channel, then subjected to chip removal machining, for example to manufacture the seats for the connection with the bottom assemblies or for further finishing processes.
  • the tank assembly 1 comprises a main inlet assembly 20 (Figure 3), arranged at the end IN, integrated with the bottom manifold 10b.
  • the main inlet assembly 20 comprises a main inlet body 21, preferably in a single piece with the bottom manifold 10b.
  • a main inlet door 22 is formed, in which a main inlet connection 24 is preferably housed for the connection with a fueling device for the supply of pressurized hydrogen.
  • a main inlet channel 26 is also formed, being connectable to the bottom channel 12b.
  • the main inlet assembly 20 also comprises a main shut-off valve 28, which is manually operated and normally open. Said main shut-off valve 28 may be closed manually to close the communication between the main inlet channel 26 and the bottom channel 12b, for example, in order to perform maintenance interventions.
  • the main inlet assembly 20 preferably comprises a non-return valve 30, which operates along the main inlet channel 26, so as to allow the passage of the hydrogen flow from the main inlet door 22 towards the bottom channel 12b during the refueling operations and so as to prevent the gas from returning from the bottom channel 12b towards the main inlet door 22 during the normal use of the tank assembly.
  • the main inlet assembly 20 preferably comprises a filter 32, which operates along the main inlet channel 26, preferably between the main inlet door 22 and the non-return valve 30.
  • a bottom assembly 40 is attached to each bottom end 6b ( Figure 4), preferably attached directly to the tank body 6 in a gas-tight manner and configured to put in communication the inner compartment 6c of the tank 4 with the bottom channel 12b.
  • the bottom assembly 40 comprises a bottom body 42, preferably in a single piece, for example made of aluminum, comprising a coupling portion 44 attached to the bottom end 6b of the tank body 6, and a main portion 46 which cooperates with the bottom manifold 10b.
  • the bottom assembly 40 also comprises a detection channel 54, having an inner detection opening 56 on the outer surface of the coupling portion 44, in the inner compartment 6c of the tank 4, and an outer detection opening 58 on the outer surface of the main portion 46 in communication with the external environment with respect to the bottom manifold 10b.
  • the bottom assembly 40 also comprises a temperature detection device 60 suitable for detecting the temperature of the gas in the inner compartment 6c and inserted into the detection channel 54.
  • said temperature detection device 60 comprises a protective cap 62 protruding into the inner compartment 6c from the inner detection opening 56, and a temperature sensor (not shown) housed in the protective cap 62, having a signal cable housed in the detection channel 54 and exiting from the outer detection opening 58.
  • the protective cap 62 may be inserted into the detection channel 54 from the side of the outer detection opening 58 and, once in position, it is fixed in said position by means of a threaded spacer 64, screwed into the detection channel 54.
  • the tank assembly 1 also comprises at least one thermal safety device 70 suitable for releasing the gas contained in a predetermined tank or in all the tanks of the tank assembly into an emission zone if a temperature exceeds a preset threshold temperature ( Figures 5 and 6).
  • the thermal safety device 70 is integrated in the bottom manifold 10b.
  • the bottom manifold 10b internally comprises a safety channel 72, which branches off from the bottom channel 12b, and an exhaust channel 74 in communication with an emission zone by means of an exhaust opening 76 obtained in an outer surface of the bottom manifold 10b.
  • the thermal safety device 70 operates between the safety channel 72 and the exhaust channel 74 and is normally closed to prevent the gas from transiting from the safety channel 72 to the exhaust channel 74, while it switches to an opening configuration if a temperature exceeds a preset threshold temperature.
  • the thermal safety device 70 comprises an ignition having a breakable bulb 78 and an interception piston 80.
  • the interception piston 80 intercepts the connection between the safety channel 72 and the exhaust channel 74, thus preventing hydrogen from escaping under normal operating conditions.
  • the piston 80 frees the passage between the safety channel 72 and the exhaust channel 74, so that hydrogen can escape from the exhaust opening 76 towards the emission zone.
  • the thermal safety device 70 comprises an ignition comprising at least one wire that has at least one portion made of a shape-memory material (SMA).
  • SMA shape-memory material
  • the tank assembly 1 also comprises a main outlet assembly 90 ( Figures 7 and 8), for example, integrated in the bottom manifold 10b or attached thereto.
  • the main outlet assembly 90 comprises a main outlet body 92, preferably made of aluminum, having a main outlet channel 94 having a first branch 96 in direct communication with the bottom channel 12b, a second branch 98 which is connectable to the first branch 96, and a third branch 100 which is connectable to the second branch 98 and ending in a main outlet door 102, at the end OUT, for hydrogen to flow towards the use devices.
  • a main outlet connection 104 is preferably inserted into the main outlet door 102.
  • the main outlet assembly 90 comprises a first electromagnetically operated shut-off valve 106 which operates between the first branch 96 and the second branch 98, is normally closed and openable in an electrically controlled manner to allow hydrogen to flow towards the use devices.
  • the shut-off valve 106 comprises a solenoid 108, a piston 110 which obstructs the passage between the first branch 96 and the second branch 98 and magnetically operable by the solenoid 108, and an electrical socket 112 for the electrical supply of the solenoid 108 and preferably for the connection with the temperature detection devices 60 of the tanks 4 of the tank assembly
  • the main outlet assembly 90 further comprises a second manually operated shut-off valve 118, which operates along the main outlet channel 94 downstream of the region in which the first shut-off valve 106 operates, is normally open and closable to obstruct permanently the passage of hydrogen from the bottom channel 12b towards the main outlet door 102, for example in order to perform maintenance work.
  • a second manually operated shut-off valve 118 which operates along the main outlet channel 94 downstream of the region in which the first shut-off valve 106 operates, is normally open and closable to obstruct permanently the passage of hydrogen from the bottom channel 12b towards the main outlet door 102, for example in order to perform maintenance work.
  • the second shut-off valve 118 operates at the connection between the second branch 98 and the third branch 100 of the main outlet channel 94.
  • the main outlet body 92 comprises a bypass channel 114, which forms a direct connection between the bottom channel 12b and the main outlet door 102.
  • the main outlet assembly 90 further comprises a third manually operated shut-off valve 120, which operates along the bypass channel 114, is normally closed and openable to bypass the first shut-off valve 106 and to directly discharge the hydrogen from the bottom channel 12b towards the main outlet door 102.
  • the main outlet assembly 90 preferably comprises an excess flow valve 130, which is normally open and suitable for closing the passage of the gas when the flow of gas exceeds a prefixed threshold flow, arranged between the main outlet channel 94 and the bottom channel 12b, and preferably a filter 132 arranged between the main outlet channel 94 and the bottom channel 12b, for example downstream of the excess flow valve 130.
  • the filter 132 is arranged upstream of the bypass channel 114.
  • the tank assembly according to the present invention meets the needs of the field and overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.

Abstract

A tank assembly (1) for an automotive system comprising hydrogen-powered fuel cells is provided with a plurality of tanks (4), a bottom manifold (10b), and a plurality of bottom assemblies (40).

Description

TANK ASSEMBLY FOR A HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEM
[0001]The present invention belongs to the field of components for automotive systems comprising hydrogen- powered fuel cells. In particular, the present invention relates to a tank assembly for storing hydrogen on board the vehicle.
[0002]Most automotive systems comprising hydrogen-powered fuel cells include a single tank in which hydrogen is stored at high pressure; a multifunction valve (OTV valve), for refueling hydrogen and supplying a fuel cell supply line, provided with several accessory devices, such as shut-off valves, exhaust valves, thermal safety devices etc., is attached to one flange of the tank.
[0003]Recently, the need has arisen to use a plurality of smaller tanks to replace a single larger tank, in order to use conveniently some spaces of the vehicle and allow electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles to share the same architecture, as it already occurs with petrol and diesel vehicles.
[0004]Such smaller tanks have some drawbacks. For example, it is not possible to attach a traditional OTV valve of the type described above thereto, due to the overall dimensions which do not allow it to be attached to the flange.
[0005]Therefore, there is the need to create a tank assembly, comprising a plurality of tanks, which is suitable for refueling and supplying hydrogen to use devices, and provided with the aforesaid accessory devices.
[0006]It is the object of the present invention to provide a tank assembly capable of meeting the needs of the field and overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks. [0007]Such an object is achieved by a tank assembly according to claim 1. The dependent claims identify further advantageous embodiments of the invention.
[0008]The features and advantages of the tank assembly according to the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non limiting example, according to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009]- Figure 1 shows a plan view of a tank assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0010]- Figure 2 shows a section of the tank assembly in
Figure 1, according to the section plane II-II in Figure i;
[0011]- Figure 3 shows an enlargement of box III in Figure
1 which shows a main inlet assembly of the tank assembly; [0012]- Figure 4 shows an enlargement of box IV in Figure 1, which shows a bottom assembly of the tank assembly; [0013]- Figure 5 shows a section of the tank assembly in Figure 1, according to the section plane V-V in Figure 1; [0014]- Figure 6 shows an enlargement of Figure 5, which shows a thermal safety device of the tank assembly;
[0015]- Figure 7 shows an enlargement of box VII in Figure 1, which shows a main outlet assembly of the tank assembly; [0016]- Figure 8 shows a section of the main outlet assembly in Figure 7, according to the section plane VIII-VIII in Figure 7.
[0017]With reference to the accompanying Figures, reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a tank assembly for an automotive system comprising hydrogen-powered fuel cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]The tank assembly 1 comprises a plurality of tanks 4; for example, in the embodiment described, the tank assembly comprises twelve tanks 4.
[0019]Each tank 4 comprises a tank body 6, typically cylindrical in shape, which extends along a central tank axis X, between a top end 6a and a bottom end 6b; preferably, the top end 6a is closed by a cap of the tank body 6, while a bottom assembly 40 is attached to the bottom end 6b in a gas-tight manner, as described below. [0020]Preferably, the tank axes X of all the tanks 4 are parallel to one another and the top ends 6a of all the tanks 4 are arranged on the same side, as all the bottom ends 6b, obviously.
[0021]The tank assembly 1 comprises a bottom manifold 10b, arranged on the side of the bottom ends 6b, operatively connected to the bottom assemblies of all the tanks 4. [0022]The bottom manifold 10b internally comprises a bottom channel 12b, extending transversely to the tank axes X, intercepting each of these, for example orthogonally. Pressurized hydrogen is supplied at one end IN of the bottom channel 12b for refueling the tanks of the whole tank assembly 1, while at an opposite end OUT of the bottom channel 12b, gas is supplied to use devices.
[0023]According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom manifold 10b is made from a semi-finished product made of metal material, typically extruded aluminum, provided with the bottom channel, then subjected to chip removal machining, for example to manufacture the seats for the connection with the bottom assemblies or for further finishing processes.
[0024]The tank assembly 1 comprises a main inlet assembly 20 (Figure 3), arranged at the end IN, integrated with the bottom manifold 10b.
[0025]The main inlet assembly 20 comprises a main inlet body 21, preferably in a single piece with the bottom manifold 10b. In the main inlet body 21, a main inlet door 22 is formed, in which a main inlet connection 24 is preferably housed for the connection with a fueling device for the supply of pressurized hydrogen.
[0026]In the main inlet body 21, a main inlet channel 26 is also formed, being connectable to the bottom channel 12b.
[0027]The main inlet assembly 20 also comprises a main shut-off valve 28, which is manually operated and normally open. Said main shut-off valve 28 may be closed manually to close the communication between the main inlet channel 26 and the bottom channel 12b, for example, in order to perform maintenance interventions.
[0028]Furthermore, the main inlet assembly 20 preferably comprises a non-return valve 30, which operates along the main inlet channel 26, so as to allow the passage of the hydrogen flow from the main inlet door 22 towards the bottom channel 12b during the refueling operations and so as to prevent the gas from returning from the bottom channel 12b towards the main inlet door 22 during the normal use of the tank assembly. [0029]Furthermore, the main inlet assembly 20 preferably comprises a filter 32, which operates along the main inlet channel 26, preferably between the main inlet door 22 and the non-return valve 30.
[0030]At the tanks, a bottom assembly 40 is attached to each bottom end 6b (Figure 4), preferably attached directly to the tank body 6 in a gas-tight manner and configured to put in communication the inner compartment 6c of the tank 4 with the bottom channel 12b.
[0031]The bottom assembly 40 comprises a bottom body 42, preferably in a single piece, for example made of aluminum, comprising a coupling portion 44 attached to the bottom end 6b of the tank body 6, and a main portion 46 which cooperates with the bottom manifold 10b.
[0032]An inlet/outlet channel 48, having an inner inlet/outlet opening 50 on the outer surface of the coupling portion 44 in the inner compartment 6c of the tank 4, and an outer inlet/outlet opening 52 on the outer surface of the main portion 46 in communication with the bottom channel 12b are obtained in the bottom body 42. [0033]The bottom assembly 40 also comprises a detection channel 54, having an inner detection opening 56 on the outer surface of the coupling portion 44, in the inner compartment 6c of the tank 4, and an outer detection opening 58 on the outer surface of the main portion 46 in communication with the external environment with respect to the bottom manifold 10b.
[0034]The bottom assembly 40 also comprises a temperature detection device 60 suitable for detecting the temperature of the gas in the inner compartment 6c and inserted into the detection channel 54. For example, said temperature detection device 60 comprises a protective cap 62 protruding into the inner compartment 6c from the inner detection opening 56, and a temperature sensor (not shown) housed in the protective cap 62, having a signal cable housed in the detection channel 54 and exiting from the outer detection opening 58.
[0035]Preferably, for the mounting of the temperature detection device 60, the protective cap 62 may be inserted into the detection channel 54 from the side of the outer detection opening 58 and, once in position, it is fixed in said position by means of a threaded spacer 64, screwed into the detection channel 54.
[0036]The tank assembly 1 also comprises at least one thermal safety device 70 suitable for releasing the gas contained in a predetermined tank or in all the tanks of the tank assembly into an emission zone if a temperature exceeds a preset threshold temperature (Figures 5 and 6). [0037]According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal safety device 70 is integrated in the bottom manifold 10b. [0038]To this end, the bottom manifold 10b internally comprises a safety channel 72, which branches off from the bottom channel 12b, and an exhaust channel 74 in communication with an emission zone by means of an exhaust opening 76 obtained in an outer surface of the bottom manifold 10b.
[0039]The thermal safety device 70 operates between the safety channel 72 and the exhaust channel 74 and is normally closed to prevent the gas from transiting from the safety channel 72 to the exhaust channel 74, while it switches to an opening configuration if a temperature exceeds a preset threshold temperature.
[0040]For example, the thermal safety device 70 comprises an ignition having a breakable bulb 78 and an interception piston 80.
[0041]The interception piston 80 intercepts the connection between the safety channel 72 and the exhaust channel 74, thus preventing hydrogen from escaping under normal operating conditions. When the bulb 78 breaks, the piston 80 frees the passage between the safety channel 72 and the exhaust channel 74, so that hydrogen can escape from the exhaust opening 76 towards the emission zone.
[0042]According to a further example, the thermal safety device 70 comprises an ignition comprising at least one wire that has at least one portion made of a shape-memory material (SMA).
[0043]The tank assembly 1 also comprises a main outlet assembly 90 (Figures 7 and 8), for example, integrated in the bottom manifold 10b or attached thereto. [0044]The main outlet assembly 90 comprises a main outlet body 92, preferably made of aluminum, having a main outlet channel 94 having a first branch 96 in direct communication with the bottom channel 12b, a second branch 98 which is connectable to the first branch 96, and a third branch 100 which is connectable to the second branch 98 and ending in a main outlet door 102, at the end OUT, for hydrogen to flow towards the use devices. [0045]A main outlet connection 104 is preferably inserted into the main outlet door 102. [0046]The main outlet assembly 90 comprises a first electromagnetically operated shut-off valve 106 which operates between the first branch 96 and the second branch 98, is normally closed and openable in an electrically controlled manner to allow hydrogen to flow towards the use devices.
[0047]The shut-off valve 106 comprises a solenoid 108, a piston 110 which obstructs the passage between the first branch 96 and the second branch 98 and magnetically operable by the solenoid 108, and an electrical socket 112 for the electrical supply of the solenoid 108 and preferably for the connection with the temperature detection devices 60 of the tanks 4 of the tank assembly
1.
[0048]The main outlet assembly 90 further comprises a second manually operated shut-off valve 118, which operates along the main outlet channel 94 downstream of the region in which the first shut-off valve 106 operates, is normally open and closable to obstruct permanently the passage of hydrogen from the bottom channel 12b towards the main outlet door 102, for example in order to perform maintenance work.
[0049]For example, the second shut-off valve 118 operates at the connection between the second branch 98 and the third branch 100 of the main outlet channel 94. [0050]Furthermore, the main outlet body 92 comprises a bypass channel 114, which forms a direct connection between the bottom channel 12b and the main outlet door 102.
[0051]The main outlet assembly 90 further comprises a third manually operated shut-off valve 120, which operates along the bypass channel 114, is normally closed and openable to bypass the first shut-off valve 106 and to directly discharge the hydrogen from the bottom channel 12b towards the main outlet door 102. [0052]Furthermore, the main outlet assembly 90 preferably comprises an excess flow valve 130, which is normally open and suitable for closing the passage of the gas when the flow of gas exceeds a prefixed threshold flow, arranged between the main outlet channel 94 and the bottom channel 12b, and preferably a filter 132 arranged between the main outlet channel 94 and the bottom channel 12b, for example downstream of the excess flow valve 130. [0053]According to a preferred embodiment, the filter 132 is arranged upstream of the bypass channel 114. [0054]Innovatively, the tank assembly according to the present invention meets the needs of the field and overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.
[0055]It is apparent that, in order to meet contingent needs, those skilled in the art may make changes to the tank assembly described above, all contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

Claims
1. A tank assembly (1) for an automotive system comprising hydrogen-powered fuel cells, comprising:
- a plurality of tanks (4), in which each tank comprises a tank body (6) that delimits an inner compartment (6c) and extends between a top end (6a) and a bottom end (6b) along a tank axis (X), said top end (6a) being closed by a cap of the tank body (6);
- a bottom manifold (10b) arranged at the bottom ends (6b) of the tanks (4) and provided with a bottom channel
(12b) on the inside;
- a plurality of bottom assemblies (40), in which each bottom assembly (40) is attached to the bottom end (6b) of a particular tank (4) and to the bottom manifold (10b) in a gas-tight manner; wherein the bottom assembly (40) comprises
- a bottom body (42) provided with a coupling portion (44) attached to the bottom end (6b) of the tank body (6) and a main portion (46) that cooperates with the bottom manifold (10b), an inlet/outlet channel (48) that communicates with the inner compartment (6c) and with the bottom channel (12b) and a detection channel (54) that communicates with the inner compartment (6c) and with an environment that is external to the bottom manifold (10b) being formed in said bottom body (42); - a temperature detection device (60) suitable for detecting the temperature of the gas in the inner compartment (6c), comprising a protective cap (62) that is inserted into the detection channel (54) and protrudes into the inner compartment (6c), and a temperature sensor, which is housed in the protective cap (62), comprises a signal cable that is accommodated in the detection channel (54), and passes out into the external environment . 2. A tank assembly as per claim 1, comprising at least one thermal safety device (70) suitable for releasing the gas contained in a predetermined tank or in all the tanks of the tank assembly into an emission zone if a temperature exceeds a preset threshold temperature. 3. A tank assembly as per claim 2, wherein the thermal safety device (70) is integrated in the bottom manifold (10b) or attached thereto.
4. A tank assembly as per either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the bottom manifold (10b) comprises a safety channel (72) on the inside, which branches off from the bottom channel (12b), and a exhaust channel (74) that communicates with an emission zone by means of a exhaust opening (76) made in an outer surface of the bottom manifold (10b).
5 . A tank assembly as per claim 4, wherein the thermal safety device (70) operates between the safety channel (72) and the exhaust channel (74).
6. A tank assembly as per any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the thermal safety device (70) comprises an ignition having a breakable bulb (78).
7 . A tank assembly as per any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the thermal safety device (70) comprises an ignition comprising a wire that has at least one portion that is made of a shape-memory material (SMA).
8. A tank assembly as per any one of the preceding claims, comprising a main inlet assembly (20) that allows hydrogen to enter during refueling, which is integrated with the bottom manifold (10b) or attached thereto. 9. A tank assembly as per claim 8, wherein the main inlet assembly (20) comprises
- a main inlet body (21) having a main inlet channel (26) connectable to the bottom channel (12b);
- a manually operated main shut-off valve (28), which operates between the main inlet channel (26) and the bottom channel (12b);
- a non-return valve (30), which operates along the main inlet channel (26) so as to allow the passage of the flow of hydrogen towards the bottom channel (12b) during refueling and so as to prevent the gas from returning to the bottom channel (12b); and - a filter (32) that operates along the main inlet channel (26) upstream of the non-return valve (30).
10. A tank assembly as per any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a main outlet assembly (90) for controlling the flow of hydrogen towards use devices, and is integrated in the bottom manifold (10b) or attached thereto.
11. A tank assembly as per claim 10, wherein the main outlet assembly (90) comprises: - a main outlet body (92) having a main outlet channel (94) that has a first branch (96) that directly communicates with the bottom channel (12b), a second branch (98) connectable to the first branch (96), and a third branch (100) connectable to the second branch (98) and ends in a main outlet door (102) for the flow of the hydrogen towards use devices;
- a first electromagnetically operated shut-off valve (106) that operates between the first branch (96) and the second branch (98), is normally closed and openable in an electrically controlled manner to allow the hydrogen to flow towards the use devices.
12. A tank assembly as per claim 11, wherein the main outlet assembly (90) also comprises a second manually operated shut-off valve (118), which operates along the main outlet channel (94) downstream of the region in which the first shut-off valve (106) operates, is normally open and closable in order to permanently obstruct the passage of the hydrogen from the bottom channel (12b) towards the main outlet door (102).
13. A tank assembly as per claim 12, wherein the second shut-off valve (118) operates at the connection between the second branch (98) and the third branch (100) of the main outlet channel (94).
14. A tank assembly as per any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein - the main outlet body (92) comprises a bypass channel
(114), which forms a direct connection between the bottom channel (12b) and the main outlet door (102); and - the main outlet assembly (90) also comprises a third manually operated shut-off valve (120), which operates along the bypass channel (114), is normally closed and openable to bypass the first shut-off valve (106) and to directly discharge the hydrogen from the bottom channel (12b) towards the main outlet door (102).
15. A tank assembly as per any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the main outlet assembly (90) comprises an excess flow valve (130), which is normally open and suitable for closing the passage of the gas when the flow of gas exceeds a prefixed threshold flow, and is arranged between the main outlet channel (94) and the bottom channel (12b).
16. A tank assembly as per claim 15, wherein the main outlet assembly (90) comprises a filter (132) arranged between the main outlet channel (94) and the bottom channel (12b). 17. A tank assembly as per claim 16 when also dependent on claim 14, wherein the filter (132) is arranged upstream of the bypass channel (114).
18. A tank assembly as per any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom body (42) is a single piece made of metal material, for example aluminum.
EP21726977.8A 2020-04-29 2021-04-26 Tank assembly for a hydrogen fuel cells automotive system Pending EP4143464A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102020000009409A IT202000009409A1 (en) 2020-04-29 2020-04-29 CYLINDER GROUP FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE HYDROGEN FUEL CELL SYSTEM
PCT/IB2021/053407 WO2021220128A1 (en) 2020-04-29 2021-04-26 Tank assembly for a hydrogen fuel cells automotive system

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DE102021213277A1 (en) * 2021-11-25 2023-05-25 Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Rail for a hydrogen pressure tank system as an extruded profile component
WO2023247755A1 (en) 2022-06-23 2023-12-28 Plastic Omnium New Energies France Operation manifold for a vehicle pressurized-fluid storage and distribution assembly
KR20240032198A (en) * 2022-08-30 2024-03-12 영도산업 주식회사 Storage tank assembly for hydrogen fuel
EP4365480A1 (en) * 2022-11-02 2024-05-08 Robert Bosch GmbH Device for storing compressed gas, vehicle

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JP3627670B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2005-03-09 日産自動車株式会社 High pressure gas container mounting structure
DE10206502C1 (en) * 2002-02-16 2003-08-21 Daimler Chrysler Ag Pressurized gas tank with several tanks
US9731593B2 (en) * 2008-08-07 2017-08-15 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Fuel storage system
US8910651B2 (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-12-16 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Thermal pressure relief devices and related systems and methods
DE202015008918U1 (en) * 2015-11-24 2016-02-19 Daimler Ag Electrical connection device
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