EP4222411A1

EP4222411A1 - Cryogenic tank filling arrangement and method

Info

Publication number: EP4222411A1
Application number: EP21791256.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Florian Ehegartner; Bernhard Reiter
Original assignee: Butting Cryo Tech GmbH; Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Butting Cryo Tech GmbH; Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2020-10-02
Filing date: 2021-10-01
Publication date: 2023-08-09
Also published as: US20230408033A1; JP2023543937A; WO2022069078A1; KR20230110498A; AU2021351105A1

Abstract

A cryogenic tank filling arrangement (1) having a coupling device (2) and a receptacle (3), wherein the coupling device (2) and the receptacle (3) are formed so as to be complementary to one another, wherein the cryogenic tank filling arrangement (1) is transferable from an unlocked state (E), in which the coupling device (2) and the receptacle (3) are received at least partially one in the other, such that the coupling device (2) and the receptacle (3) enclose an intermediate space (11) which is closed off from an environment (U) of the cryogenic tank filling arrangement (11) and is arranged between an end face (9) of the coupling device (2) and an end face (10) of the receptacle, with the aid of a pressure change in the intermediate space (11), into a locked state (V), in which the end face (9) of the coupling device (2) is pressed against the end face (10) of the receptacle (3) on account of the pressure change.

Description

description

Cryogenic fueling arrangement and method

The invention relates to a cryo-refueling arrangement and a method for operating such a cryo-refueling arrangement.

A cryogenic refueling system comprises a storage container which can be coupled to a storage container of the vehicle with the aid of a refueling hose or pipe, a coupling device provided on the refueling hose or pipe and a receiving socket provided on a vehicle, so that the vehicle can be supplied with cryogenic media, such as hydrogen, can be refueled. The coupling device is locked to the receiver socket by means of a locking device. This locking is done manually, so that it can only be unlocked manually. In an emergency, for example if there is a leak, this can mean that the lock can no longer be released safely.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved cryogenic fueling arrangement.

Accordingly, a cryo-fuelling arrangement with a coupling device and a receiver nozzle is proposed. The coupling device and the receiver port are designed to complement one another, with the cryo-fueling arrangement being in an unlocked state in which the coupling device and the receiver port are accommodated in one another at least in sections, so that the coupling device and the receiver port form an intermediate space that is closed off from the environment of the cryo-fueling arrangement , which is arranged between an end face of the coupling device and an end face of the receiver socket, can be brought into a locking state with the aid of a pressure change in the intermediate space, in which the end face of the coupling device is pressed against the end face of the receiver socket due to the pressure change. In a further development, a cryo-fuelling arrangement with a coupling device and a receiver nozzle is proposed. The cryo-refuelling arrangement is in an unlocked state, in which the coupling device is accommodated in the receiver socket in such a way that an intermediate space is provided between the coupling device and the receiver socket, which is closed off from an area surrounding the cryo-refuelling arrangement, with the aid of a pressure change in the intermediate space into a Locked state can be brought, in which the coupling device is pressed due to the change in pressure against the receiver port.

Due to the fact that the cryogenic refueling arrangement can be brought from the unlocked state into the locked state with the aid of the pressure change in the intermediate space, manual unlocking can be dispensed with. By pressurizing the intermediate space, the coupling device can be separated from or ejected from the receiver connection piece in a simple and automated manner.

The cryogenic refueling arrangement can also be referred to as a cryogenic refueling arrangement. The coupling device may also be referred to as a clutch, hydrogen coupling device, or hydrogen coupling. The coupling device is adapted to be received in a vehicle's receiver socket for refueling the vehicle. A tank hose is assigned to the coupling device. The tank hose can be part of the coupling device. In the unlocked state, the coupling device is in particular received in the receiver connector to such an extent that the intermediate space is provided on the face side between the coupling device and the receiver connector. Conversely, in the unlocked state, the receiver socket can also be accommodated in the coupling device. To bring the cryo-fuelling assembly from the unlocked condition to the locked condition, a vacuum or negative pressure is preferably applied to the gap. This change in pressure creates a force that pulls the coupling device and receiver port together.

While the cryo-refuelling assembly is in the unlocked state, the coupling device can be withdrawn from the receiver port. Only when the intermediate space is subjected to the change in pressure is the cryogenic fueling arrangement brought into the locked state. In the locked condition, the vacuum prevents the coupling device from self-disengaging from the receiver port. Thus, the force created by the pressure change locks the coupling device to the receiver port. In the unlocked state, the coupling device provides a fluid-tight seal with respect to the receiver port, so that the intermediate space is isolated from the environment.

The fact that the pressure change "presses" the coupling device against the receiver socket means here that the coupling device and the receiver socket are pressed against one another with a force. "Due to pressure" or "due to the force generated by pressure" means in particular that the change in pressure or the force acting in the now closed gap is the cause of the coupling device being pressed against the receiver socket. In the locking state, the gap is preferably closed. That is, the gap no longer exists in the locked state. In particular, viewed along an axial direction, the coupling device is pressed or pressed against the receiver port with the aid of the force caused by the pressure change. In the present case, a “change in pressure” is preferably to be understood as meaning a pressure reduction, in particular the creation of a vacuum.

In the present case, the fact that the coupling device and the receiver connection piece are “complementary” to one another means in particular that the coupling device and the receiver connection piece can be plugged into one another, preferably in the manner of a plug connection. For this purpose, the coupling device and the receiver socket each have a similarly shaped geometry, which allows such a plugging into one another. For example, the coupling device has a cylindrical geometry and the receiver socket has a complementary hollow-cylindrical geometry. In this case, either the coupling device can be plugged into the receiver socket or the receiver socket can be plugged into the coupling device.

In the present case, "receive" can in particular be understood to mean "insert" or "insert into one another". For example, the coupling device be male and the receiver socket female or vice versa. As used herein, when referring to the coupling device, "male" means that the coupling device is suitable for being received in the receiver socket. "Female" as used herein with reference to the receiver socket means that the receiver socket is suitable for accommodating the coupling device. In the present case, the fact that the coupling device and the receiver connection piece are "accommodated in one another" can in particular mean that either the coupling device is accommodated in the receiver connection piece or, conversely, that the receiver connection piece is accommodated in the coupling device.

The intermediate space is preferably delimited or enclosed by the two end faces and a peripheral receiving section which is provided on the coupling device or on the receiver socket. The intermediate space is sealed off from the environment in particular in a fluid-tight, preferably gas-tight manner. "Fluid-tight" means in the present case that no fluid can escape from the intermediate space into the environment and also that no fluid can enter the intermediate space from the environment. In the locked state, the first end face and the second end face are in contact with one another, in particular over an area. "Flat" here means with the largest possible surface and is to be seen in contrast to a line contact or a point contact or a line contact or a point contact. The first end face can also be referred to as the first end face. Accordingly, the second end face can be referred to as the second end face.

According to one embodiment, the coupling device has a counter-receiving section, wherein the receiver connector has a receiving section complementary to the counter-receiving section, and the counter-receiving section is at least partially received in the receiving section both in the unlocked state and in the locked state.

Conversely, the counter-receiving section can also be provided on the receiver socket and the receiving section can be provided on the coupling device. According to a further embodiment, the counter-receiving section and the receiving section are each cylindrical.

In particular, the counter-receiving section and the receiving section are each in the form of a hollow cylinder. In this case, the counter-receiving section can be accommodated in the receiving section. The counter-receiving section and the receiving section can also each be designed to be polygonal, for example hexagonal, or star-shaped.

According to a further embodiment, the first end face and the second end face are each ring-shaped.

In the present case, “annular” is to be understood as meaning that the first end face and the second end face are each closed circumferentially. As previously mentioned, the faces may also be referred to as faces or are faces.

According to a further embodiment, the first end face is provided on a housing of the coupling device, with the second end face being provided on a housing of the receiver socket.

That means, in particular, that the housing of the coupling device and the housing of the receiver connection piece abut one another at the front in the locked state.

According to a further embodiment, in the locking state, an end face of the coupling device rests against an end face of the receiver socket, with the intermediate space being arranged between the face side of the coupling device and the face side of the receiver socket in the unlocked state.

In the locked state, the end faces are pressed against one another.

According to a further embodiment, the receiver socket comprises a receiving section for receiving the coupling device at least in sections. The receiving section can be cylindrical, in particular tubular. Viewed in a radial direction, the intermediate space is delimited circumferentially by the receiving section. Viewed in the axial direction, the intermediate space is delimited by the end faces.

According to a further embodiment, the cryo-fuelling arrangement also includes a unit for generating the pressure change in the intermediate space.

The unit can be a vacuum pump. The unit is preferably assigned to the coupling device. However, the unit can also be assigned to the recipient socket.

According to a further embodiment, the cryo-refuelling arrangement further comprises a locking device for locking the coupling device in the receiver nozzle as soon as the cryo-refuelling arrangement is in the locking state.

According to a further embodiment, the cryo-refuelling arrangement further comprises a locking device for locking the coupling device and the receiver nozzle once the cryo-refuelling arrangement is in the locking state.

The locking device secures the coupling device in the receiver port even when the gap is no longer subjected to the pressure change. The locking device can be controlled automatically. The connection of the coupling device and the receiver socket and the disconnection of the coupling device from the receiver socket can be automated.

According to a further embodiment, the locking device comprises an engagement element and a counter-engagement element, in which the engagement element engages in a form-fitting manner in the locking state.

A form-fitting connection is created by the meshing or rear gripping of two connection partners, in this case the engagement element and the counter engagement element. The engagement element can be a bolt, for example. The counter-engagement element can be a recess or bore.

According to a further embodiment, the locking device is activated electrically, electromagnetically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically.

This enables automated activation of the locking device.

Furthermore, a method for operating a cryogenic refueling arrangement with a coupling device and a receiver nozzle is proposed. In this case, the coupling device and the receiver socket are designed to be complementary to one another. The method comprises the following steps: a) receiving the coupling device and the receiver connection piece in one another in sections, so that the coupling device and the receiver connection piece form an intermediate space which is closed off from the surroundings of the cryogenic refueling arrangement and is arranged between an end face of the coupling device and an end face of the receiver connection piece, enclose, and b) generating a pressure change in the intermediate space, so that the end face of the coupling device is pressed against the end face of the receiver connection due to the pressure change.

A further development proposes a method for operating such a cryo-fuelling arrangement with a coupling device and a receiver connector. The method comprises the steps: a) accommodating the coupling device in the receiver connection in such a way that an intermediate space closed off from an environment of the cryo-refuelling arrangement is provided between the coupling device and the receiver connection, and b) generating a pressure change in the intermediate space in such a way that the coupling device is pressed against the receiver port due to the pressure change.

In particular, the coupling device is pressed against the receiver socket by the force generated with the aid of the pressure change. In step a), the coupling device is inserted into the receiver socket by a user. However, it is only inserted so far that the gap remains between the coupling device and the receiver socket. In step b) the cryo Refueling arrangement brought from the unlocked state to the locked state. In the locked state, the coupling device is initially locked on the receiver socket purely with the aid of the pressure change or a negative pressure or with the aid of the force generated by the pressure change.

According to one embodiment, after or during step b), the coupling device is locked electrically, electromagnetically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically with the aid of a locking device on the receiver socket.

According to one embodiment, after or during step b), the coupling device and the receiver socket are locked together electrically, electromagnetically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically with the aid of a locking device.

The locking device can comprise an engagement element assigned to the coupling device and a counter-engagement element assigned to the receiver socket. In order to lock the coupling device on the receiver socket, the engagement element engages in the counter-engagement element in a form-fitting manner.

According to a further embodiment, steps a) and b) are carried out automatically.

This enables automated connection or disconnection of the coupling device to the receiver connection piece or from the receiver connection piece.

Further possible implementations of the cryogenic fueling arrangement and/or the method also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the cryogenic fueling arrangement and/or the method. Further advantageous refinements of the cryo-refueling arrangement and/or the method are the subject matter of the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments of the cryo-refueling arrangement and/or the method described below. The cryogenic fueling arrangement and/or the method are explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the enclosed figures.

1 shows a schematic view of one embodiment of a cryogenic fueling arrangement;

FIG. 2 shows a further schematic view of the cryo-fuelling arrangement according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a further schematic view of the cryo-fuelling arrangement according to FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating the cryo-fuelling arrangement according to FIG. 1.

Elements that are the same or have the same function have been provided with the same reference symbols in the figures, unless otherwise stated.

1 shows a schematic view of a cryo or cryo-fueling arrangement 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 show further schematic views of the cryo-fueling arrangement 1. In the following, reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 3 simultaneously.

The cryogenic refueling arrangement 1 can also be referred to as a cryogenic refueling arrangement. The cryogenic refueling arrangement 1 is suitable, for example, for refueling a storage container with a cryogen or a cryogenic medium. The cryogen can be, for example, liquid hydrogen, monosilane, ethylene or the like.

The cryogenic refueling arrangement 1 comprises a coupling device 2 which can be accommodated in a receiver socket 3 at least in sections. For example, the receiver nozzle 3 can be a tank nozzle. The coupling device 2 and the receiver socket 3 are essentially cylindrical. The coupling device 2 comprises a cylindrical housing 4. The coupling device 2 is coupled to a flexible refueling hose 5. The receiver socket 3 has a cylindrical housing 6 with a tubular receiving section 7 . The receiving section 7 is suitable for receiving the coupling device 2 at least in sections.

Conversely, the receiving section 7 can also be provided on the coupling device 2 , in particular on the housing 4 . In this case, the receiver socket 3 can then be accommodated in the coupling device 2 . The receiving section 7 can have a cylindrical, in particular a hollow-cylindrical, geometry.

A central axis or axis of symmetry 8 is assigned to the cryogenic fueling arrangement 1 . The coupling device 2 and the receiver socket 3 can be constructed essentially rotationally symmetrically to the axis of symmetry 8 . Furthermore, an axial direction A, which is oriented along the axis of symmetry 8, and a radial direction R are assigned to the cryogenic refueling arrangement 1 . The radial direction R is oriented perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 8 and away from it.

In order to connect the coupling device 2 to the receiver socket 3, the coupling device 2, as shown in Fig. 2, is first inserted into the receiving section 7 until there is a gap or Gap 11 is provided. The intermediate space 11 is delimited by the receiving section 7 viewed in the radial direction R. Viewed along the axial direction A, the intermediate space 11 is delimited by the end faces 9, 10.

The end faces 9, 10 are each ring-shaped. The end faces 9, 10 can also be referred to as end faces. The first end face 9 is assigned to the housing 4 of the coupling device 2 . The second end face 10 is assigned to the housing 6 of the receiver socket 3 . In this case, the intermediate space 11 is sealed in a fluid-tight manner with respect to an environment U of the cryogenic fueling arrangement 1 . This means that when the coupling device 2 is inserted into the receiving section 7, a fluid-tight connection is first established between the coupling device 2 and the receiver socket 3, so that the intermediate space 11 is closed off from the environment U. The cryogenic refueling arrangement 1 is now in an unlocked state E.

Viewed along the axial direction A, the intermediate space 11 is delimited or defined on both sides by the end faces 9 , 10 . Viewed along the radial direction R, the intermediate space 11 is delimited or defined by the receiving section 7 .

A pressure change, in particular a pressure reduction, is then generated in the intermediate space 11 . In particular, a vacuum is generated in the intermediate space 11 . A unit 12 for generating the pressure change is provided for this purpose. The unit 12 is a vacuum pump. With the help of the change in pressure in the intermediate space 11, the coupling device 2 and the receiver socket 3 are drawn together into a locking state V shown in FIG. 3, in which the end faces 9, 10 rest against one another. The change in pressure generates a force acting on the clutch device 2 . The cryo-fuelling arrangement 1 is now in the locking state V.

Finally, the coupling device 2 and the receiver socket 3 are locked together in the locking state V. A locking device 13 is provided for this purpose. The locking device 13 is an electrical, electromagnetic, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic locking device. The locking device 13 can have an engagement element 14 assigned to the coupling device 2 , which is set up to positively engage in the locking state V in a counter-engagement element 15 assigned to the receiver connection piece 3 . For example, the engagement element 14 is a slidably mounted bolt. The counter-engagement element 15 can be a corresponding recess.

The separation of the coupling device 2 from the recipient port 3 is reversed and is fully automated, so that in an emergency safe unlocking and separation of the coupling device 2 from the receiver port 3 is possible.

The housing 4 of the coupling device 2 is in particular tubular or hollow-cylindrical and has an inner wall 16 that runs completely around the axis of symmetry 8 . A counter-receiving section 17 is provided on the outside of the housing 4 , ie facing away from the inner wall 16 . The counter receiving section 17 can be received in the receiving section 7 . Alternatively, the counter-receiving section 17 can also be provided on the receiver socket 3 . In this case, the receiving section 7 is then provided on the coupling device 2 . The first end face 9 is delimited in the radial direction R by the inner wall 16 and the counter-receiving section 17 . This results in the ring shape of the first end face 9.

The coupling device 2, in particular its counter-receiving section 17, and the receiver socket 3, in particular its receiving section 7, are designed to complement one another. In this context, "complementary" means in particular that the coupling device 2, in particular the counter-receiving section 17, and the receiver socket 3, in particular the receiving section 7, can be plugged into one another according to a plug-socket principle. Either the coupling device 2 can be inserted into the receiver connection piece 3 or, conversely, the receiver connection piece 3 can be inserted into the coupling device 2 .

This can be achieved by a suitable geometry of the receiving section 7 and the counter-receiving section 17 . For example, the receiving section 7 and the counter-receiving section 17 are each cylindrical, in particular hollow-cylindrical, and can therefore be plugged into one another. The receiving section 7 and the counter-receiving section 17 can also each have a polygonal, in particular a hexagonal, or a star-shaped geometry in cross section.

The housing 6 of the receiver connection piece 3 is in particular likewise tubular or hollow-cylindrical and has an inner wall 18 which runs completely around the axis of symmetry 8 . The inner wall 18 can have a smaller diameter than the receiving section 7 have. The receiving section 7 can be an inner wall that runs completely around the axis of symmetry 8 and is cylindrical. The receiving section 7 can thus be constructed rotationally symmetrically to the axis of symmetry 8 . Likewise, the counter-receiving section 17 can be constructed rotationally symmetrically to the axis of symmetry 8 .

4 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating the cryogenic refueling arrangement 1. In a step S1, the coupling device 2 is accommodated in the receiver socket 3 in such a way that between the coupling device 2 and the receiver socket 3 the Cryo-fuelling arrangement 1 closed space 11 is provided. Conversely, the receiver socket 3 can also be accommodated in the coupling device 2 in step S1. The cryogenic refueling arrangement 1 is now in the unlocked state E.

In a step S2, a pressure change, in particular a pressure reduction, is generated in the intermediate space 11, so that the coupling device 2 is pressed against the receiver socket 3 due to the pressure. In particular, a vacuum is generated in the intermediate space 11 . In particular, the end faces 9, 10 are pressed against one another. The coupling device 2 is drawn into the receiver port 3 . After or in step S2, the coupling device 2 is locked electrically, electromagnetically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically on the receiver socket 3 with the aid of the locking device 13. Steps S1, S2 can be carried out automatically.

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference signs used

1 cryo fueling arrangement

2 coupling device

3 receiver sockets

4 housing

5 refueling hose

6 housing

7 recording section

8 axis of symmetry

9 face

10 face

11 space

12 aggregate

13 locking device

14 engaging element

15 counter-engagement element

16 inner wall

17 counter pickup section

18 inner wall

A axial direction

E unlocking state

R radial direction

51 step

52 step

U environment

V locking state

Claims

Claims Cryo-refuelling arrangement (1) with a coupling device (2) and a receiver socket (3), wherein the coupling device (2) and the receiver socket (3) are designed to complement one another, the cryo-refuelling arrangement (1) changing from an unlocked state (E ), in which the coupling device (2) and the receiver connection piece (3) are accommodated in one another at least in sections, so that the coupling device (2) and the receiver connection piece (3) form an intermediate space which is closed off from an environment (U) of the cryogenic refueling arrangement (1). (11), which is arranged between an end face (9) of the coupling device (2) and an end face (10) of the receiver socket (3), can be brought into a locking state (V) with the aid of a pressure change in the intermediate space (11). , in which the end face (9) of the coupling device (2) is pressed against the end face (10) of the receiver socket (3) due to the change in pressure. A cryogenic refueling arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device (2) has a counter-receiving section (17), wherein the receiver nozzle (3) has a counter-receiving section (7) complementary to the counter-receiving section (17), and wherein the counter-receiving section (17) has both in the Unlocked state (E) and in the locked state (V) is at least partially accommodated in the receiving section (7). A cryogenic fueling arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the counter receiving portion (17) and the receiving portion (7) are each cylindrical. A cryogenic fueling arrangement according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first face (9) and the second face (10) are each annular. Cryogenic refueling arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the first end face (9) is provided on a housing (4) of the coupling device (2), and wherein the second end face (10) is provided on a housing (6) of the receiver socket (3 ) is provided. 6. cryo-fueling arrangement according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a unit (12) for generating the pressure change in the intermediate space (11).

7. A cryo-refuelling arrangement according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising locking means (13) for locking the coupling device (2) and the receiver nozzle (3) once the cryo-refuelling arrangement (1) is in the locked state (V). .

8. Cryo-fuelling arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the locking device (13) comprises an engagement element (14) and a counter-engagement element (15), in which the engagement element (14) in the locking state (V) positively engages.

9. cryogenic refueling arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the locking device (13) is controlled electrically, electromagnetically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically.

10. A method for operating a cryogenic refueling arrangement (1) with a coupling device (2) and a receiver socket (3), the coupling device (2) and the receiver socket (3) being designed to complement one another, with the following steps: a) interlocking in sections Recording (S1) of the coupling device (2) and the receiver connection piece (3), so that the coupling device (2) and the receiver connection piece (3) form a space (11) which is closed off from an area (U) of the cryogenic refueling arrangement (1). is arranged between an end face (9) of the coupling device (2) and an end face (10) of the receiver socket (3), and b) generating (S2) a pressure change in the intermediate space (11) so that the end face (9) of the coupling device (2) is pressed against the end face (10) of the receiver socket (3) due to the pressure change.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein after or during step b).

Coupling device (2) and the receiver port (3) using a 17

Locking device (13) are electrically, electromagnetically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically locked together. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein steps a) and b) are carried out automatically.