EP4345361A1 - Improved tank arrangement for cryogenic fluid - Google Patents
Improved tank arrangement for cryogenic fluid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4345361A1 EP4345361A1 EP23199140.7A EP23199140A EP4345361A1 EP 4345361 A1 EP4345361 A1 EP 4345361A1 EP 23199140 A EP23199140 A EP 23199140A EP 4345361 A1 EP4345361 A1 EP 4345361A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tank arrangement
- tank
- arrangement according
- edge
- curvature radius
- 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
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000006187 pill Substances 0.000 description 2
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- F17C3/08—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
- F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
-
- 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
- F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
- F17C2201/0157—Polygonal
-
- 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
- F17C2203/06—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
- F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
- F17C2209/23—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations
- F17C2209/232—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations of 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
- F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
- F17C2209/23—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations
- F17C2209/234—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations of closing end pieces, e.g. caps
-
- 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
- F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
- F17C2221/03—Mixtures
- F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
- F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, 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
- F17C2223/01—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
- 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
- F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
- F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
- F17C2260/042—Reducing risk of explosion
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F17C2270/0184—Fuel cells
Definitions
- the present invention concerns a tank arrangement for storing cryogenic fluid.
- the present invention finds its preferred, although not exclusive, application in work vehicles such as agricultural vehicle. Reference will be made to this application by way of example below.
- LNG natural liquified gas
- CNG compressed natural gas
- the aforementioned fluids need to be maintained at very low temperatures in order to allow to store sufficient mass of fluid to guarantee a sufficient operativity of the vehicle.
- the inner and outer tanks have usually a cylindrical shape and dome-shaped terminal portions, such as a "pill". Even if such portion allows to support high pressures at the low temperatures of the cryogenic fluid contained therein, it is however a bulky solution.
- An aim of the present invention is to satisfy the above-mentioned needs in a cost-effective and optimized manner.
- FIG. 1 shows a tank arrangement 1 for a vehicle (not shown) such as an agricultural vehicle and configured to store a cryogenic fluid that could be used to feed a power generator, such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell module of the vehicle.
- a power generator such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell module of the vehicle.
- the tank arrangement 1 comprises a first, outer, tank 2 and a second, inner, tank 3.
- the first tank 2 is dimensioned to define a space 4' configured to house the second tank 3. This latter is configured to define a space 4" configured to house a cryogenic fluid.
- each tank 2, 3 is realized in more pieces that are connectable together to the define the aforementioned spaces.
- first tank Only portions of the first tank are visible and described, bearing in mind that the second tank 3 is similar but has smaller dimension in order to be contained within space 4'.
- connection of the second tank 3 to the first tank 2 may be realized in different manner and will be not described in detail for sake of brevity.
- Each tank 2, 3 comprises a pair of head portions 2' configured to be connected to an intermediate portion 2".
- the head portions 2' are connected to the intermediate portion 2'' at respective extremities along a longitudinal axis A direction.
- the intermediate portion 2'' may be realized by rolling and has a length X along longitudinal direction that may be selected in order to vary the volume of spaces 4', 4".
- Each tank 2, 3 has therefore a prismatic shape since the cross-section of the intermediate portion 2'' is constant along longitudinal axis A direction.
- the head portions 2' have the same shape.
- the cross-section of the intermediate portion 2'' and of the head portions 2' has a trilateral shape that may be contained within a scalene and obtuse-angle triangle.
- cross-section comprises three sides 5, 6, 7 that are alternated by joint portions 8, 9, 10 that connected together two-by-two the three sides 5, 6, 7.
- All the sides 5, 6, 7 have a curved shape and in detail a first side 5 has a greater curvature radius with respect to a second side 6 that has a greater curvature radius with respect to a third side 7.
- the first side 5 has a high curvature radius thereby leading to a substantially flat shape.
- the second and third sides are spaced along a transversal axis B and the first side 5 is placed substantially below the second and third sides 6, 7 with respect to a vertical axis C.
- the longitudinal, transversal and vertical axis A, B, C are all perpendicular one with respect to the other.
- a first joint portion 8 connects together the first and second sides 5, 6, a second joint portion 9 connects together the second and third sides 6, 7 and a third joint portion 10 connects together the third and first sides 7, 5.
- the second and the third joint portions 9, 10 have substantially the same curvature radius that is smaller with respect to the curvature radius of the first joint portion 8.
- the head portions 2' have not a constant cross section along longitudinal axis A.
- first edge 11 of this latter that is coupled to the intermediate portion 2'' has the cross-section dimension with respect to this latter while a second edge 12 of the head portions 2', opposite to the first edge 11 has a smaller dimension, i.e. it may be contained within the perimeter of first edge 11.
- the second edge 12 is the perimeter of a flat wall having the above described cross-section.
- the reduction is obtained by non-linear reduction via curved portions 13', 13'' that connects together first and second edges 11, 12.
- front curved portions 13' are not equal to the rear curved portion 13'' along transversal axis B, therefore in the trilateral shape of the second edge 12 ratio between second and third sides and the first side is smaller than in the first edge 11.
- the front curved portion 13' have a smaller curvature radius with respect to the rear curved portions 13".
- the proposed shape of the tank arrangement 1 allows the storing of the cryogenic fluid in the space 4". If, for any reason, it is necessary to have a greater tank arrangement 1, it is sufficient to substituted the intermediate portions of the first and of the second tank thereby obtaining a greater volume without changing the head portions.
- the volume of the space storing the cryogenic fluid is high while the encumbrance of the tank arrangement is reduced.
- the proposed shape allows to store the cryogenic fluid with a smaller extension along longitudinal axis and with a shape that provides a facilitated arrangement on the vehicle.
- the proposed shape decreases the stresses to the overall structure of the tank arrangement thereby allowing to store high pressure cryogenic fluid, e.g. about 5 bars.
- volume of cryogenic fluid storing space may be varied easily by substituting only the intermediate portion and maintaining the same head portion. This provides a great versatility for modification on vehicle and scale economy in the manufacturing of the tank arrangement.
- the proposed number of portions and shape and number of sides of the cross-section of such portions may be varied within the limits defined by the below claims.
Abstract
Tank arrangement (1) for storing a cryogenic fluid for a vehicle, extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and comprising a first tank (2) defining a first space (4') isolated from the environment and a second tank (3) housed within first space (4') and defining a second space (4") isolated from the first space (4'), each tank (2, 3) comprising a head portion (2') and an intermediate portion (2") connected together to define the first and second spaces (4', 4").
Description
- The present invention concerns a tank arrangement for storing cryogenic fluid.
- The present invention finds its preferred, although not exclusive, application in work vehicles such as agricultural vehicle. Reference will be made to this application by way of example below.
- In order to reduce emissions, different fluids are used as fuel for allowing the operations of vehicles such as agricultural vehicles. For instance, natural liquified gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) are used for internal feeding combustion engines or hydrogen is used for feeding fuel cell modules.
- The aforementioned fluids need to be maintained at very low temperatures in order to allow to store sufficient mass of fluid to guarantee a sufficient operativity of the vehicle.
- However, it is clear that the maintenance of a tank a very low temperature is a crucial point in order to avoid overheating of the fluid that may lead to a pressure increase in the tank and to a consequent explosion and to reduce energetic losses.
- It is therefore known to provide a double tank arrangement wherein an outer tank houses internally an inner tank configured to store the cryogenic fluid.
- The inner and outer tanks have usually a cylindrical shape and dome-shaped terminal portions, such as a "pill". Even if such portion allows to support high pressures at the low temperatures of the cryogenic fluid contained therein, it is however a bulky solution.
- Indeed, the storing of such "pill"-shaped tank arrangements is complicated on work vehicles due to their encumbrance. The reduction of size would provide a solution that however will lead to store an insufficient quantity of fluid for the vehicle operation.
- Therefore, the need is felt to provide a double tank arrangement for storing a sufficient volume of cryogenic fluid for allowing the operation of the vehicle and that has a reduced shape to facilitate the arrangement on the vehicle.
- An aim of the present invention is to satisfy the above-mentioned needs in a cost-effective and optimized manner.
- The aforementioned aim is reached by a tank arrangement and a vehicle as claimed in the appended set of claims.
- For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is described in the following, by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tank arrangement according to the invention; -
Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the tank offigure 1 ; -
Figure 3 is top view of the tank offigure 1 ; -
Figure 4 is a side view of the tank offigure 1 ; and -
Figure 5 is a sectional view of the tank offigure 3 along line IV-IV. -
Figure 1 shows atank arrangement 1 for a vehicle (not shown) such as an agricultural vehicle and configured to store a cryogenic fluid that could be used to feed a power generator, such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell module of the vehicle. - As better shown in combination with
figure 2 , thetank arrangement 1 comprises a first, outer,tank 2 and a second, inner,tank 3. - The
first tank 2 is dimensioned to define a space 4' configured to house thesecond tank 3. This latter is configured to define a space 4" configured to house a cryogenic fluid. - In particular, each
tank second tank 3 is similar but has smaller dimension in order to be contained within space 4'. - The connection of the
second tank 3 to thefirst tank 2 may be realized in different manner and will be not described in detail for sake of brevity. - Each
tank intermediate portion 2". The head portions 2' are connected to the intermediate portion 2'' at respective extremities along a longitudinal axis A direction. - The intermediate portion 2'' may be realized by rolling and has a length X along longitudinal direction that may be selected in order to vary the volume of spaces 4', 4".
- Each
tank - The cross-section of the intermediate portion 2'' and of the head portions 2' has a trilateral shape that may be contained within a scalene and obtuse-angle triangle.
- In detail, making reference to figures the cross-section comprises three
sides joint portions sides - All the
sides first side 5 has a greater curvature radius with respect to a second side 6 that has a greater curvature radius with respect to athird side 7. In particular, thefirst side 5 has a high curvature radius thereby leading to a substantially flat shape. - The second and third sides are spaced along a transversal axis B and the
first side 5 is placed substantially below the second andthird sides 6, 7 with respect to a vertical axis C. The longitudinal, transversal and vertical axis A, B, C are all perpendicular one with respect to the other. - A first
joint portion 8 connects together the first andsecond sides 5, 6, a second joint portion 9 connects together the second andthird sides 6, 7 and athird joint portion 10 connects together the third andfirst sides - The second and the third
joint portions 9, 10 have substantially the same curvature radius that is smaller with respect to the curvature radius of the firstjoint portion 8. - Furthermore, making reference to
figure 3 , it is noticed that the head portions 2' have not a constant cross section along longitudinal axis A. - In particular, a
first edge 11 of this latter that is coupled to the intermediate portion 2'' has the cross-section dimension with respect to this latter while asecond edge 12 of the head portions 2', opposite to thefirst edge 11 has a smaller dimension, i.e. it may be contained within the perimeter offirst edge 11. Preferably, thesecond edge 12 is the perimeter of a flat wall having the above described cross-section. - In particular, the reduction is obtained by non-linear reduction via curved portions 13', 13'' that connects together first and
second edges - In the advantageous disclosed embodiment front curved portions 13' are not equal to the rear curved portion 13'' along transversal axis B, therefore in the trilateral shape of the
second edge 12 ratio between second and third sides and the first side is smaller than in thefirst edge 11. - In particular, the front curved portion 13' have a smaller curvature radius with respect to the rear
curved portions 13". - The operation of the embodiment of the invention as described above is the following.
- Once mounted together the proposed shape of the
tank arrangement 1 allows the storing of the cryogenic fluid in the space 4". If, for any reason, it is necessary to have agreater tank arrangement 1, it is sufficient to substituted the intermediate portions of the first and of the second tank thereby obtaining a greater volume without changing the head portions. - In view of the foregoing, the advantages of the tank according to the invention are apparent.
- Thanks to the proposed shape the volume of the space storing the cryogenic fluid is high while the encumbrance of the tank arrangement is reduced.
- Indeed, the proposed shape allows to store the cryogenic fluid with a smaller extension along longitudinal axis and with a shape that provides a facilitated arrangement on the vehicle.
- Moreover, the proposed shape decreases the stresses to the overall structure of the tank arrangement thereby allowing to store high pressure cryogenic fluid, e.g. about 5 bars.
- Furthermore, the volume of cryogenic fluid storing space may be varied easily by substituting only the intermediate portion and maintaining the same head portion. This provides a great versatility for modification on vehicle and scale economy in the manufacturing of the tank arrangement.
- It is clear that modifications can be made to the described tank which do not extend beyond the scope of protection defined by the claims.
- For example, the proposed number of portions and shape and number of sides of the cross-section of such portions may be varied within the limits defined by the below claims.
Claims (15)
- Tank arrangement (1) for storing a cryogenic fluid for a vehicle, said tank arrangement (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and comprising a first tank (2) defining a first space (4') isolated from the environment and a second tank (3) housed within said first space (4') and defining a second space (4'') isolated from the first space (4'), each tank (2, 3) comprising a head portion (2') and an intermediate portion (2'') connected together to define said first and second spaces (4', 4'').
- Tank arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said head portions (2') are connected on opposite sides of said intermediate portion (2") along said longitudinal axis (A).
- Tank arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-section of said intermediate portion (2") is constant along said longitudinal axis (A).
- Tank arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said cross-section as a trilateral shape.
- Tank arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said cross-section has a shape that can be contained within an obtuse scalene triangle.
- Tank arrangement according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein said cross-section comprises a first side (5), a second side (6), a third side (7) and a first joint portion (8) connecting said first and second sides (5, 6), a second joint portion (9) connecting said second and third sides (6, 7) and a third joint portion (10) connecting said third and first sides (8, 5), wherein said sides (5, 6, 7) and said joint portions (8, 9, 10) are curved.
- Tank arrangement according to claim 6, wherein said first side (6) has a curvature radius greater than said second side (7) that has a curvature radius greater than said third side (8) .
- Tank arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said joint portions (8, 9, 10) have a curvature radius smaller than the curvature radius of said sides (5, 6, 7).
- Tank arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein said second and third joint portions (9, 10) have the same curvature radius.
- Tank arrangement according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein said first joint portion (8) has a curvature radius smaller than the curvature radius of said second and third joint portions (9, 10).
- Tank arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first edge (11) of said head portions (2') has the same cross-section of said intermediate portion (2") and a second edge (12) opposite to said first edge (11), the cross-section of said head portion (2') varying from said first edge (11) to said second edge (12).
- Tank arrangement according to claim 11, wherein said second edge (12) is the perimeter of a flat terminal wall.
- Tank arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said second edge (12) is smaller and contained within said first edge (11).
- Tank arrangement according to claim 11 to 13, wherein said cross-section varies from said first edge (11) to said second edge (12) via a non-linear variation.
- Vehicle comprising a power generator using a fluid as fuel and comprising a tank arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims for storing said fluid.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT202200019860 | 2022-09-27 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4345361A1 true EP4345361A1 (en) | 2024-04-03 |
Family
ID=84370889
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP23199140.7A Pending EP4345361A1 (en) | 2022-09-27 | 2023-09-22 | Improved tank arrangement for cryogenic fluid |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4345361A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19929421A1 (en) * | 1999-06-26 | 2000-12-28 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Car fuel tank, especially for liquid hydrogen, comprises inner and outer tank, inner tank and space between two tanks being divided by reinforcements, outer reinforcement being supported by insulating layer which rests on inner tank |
US20090145909A1 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2009-06-11 | Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik Ag & Co. Kg | Inner container surrounded by an outer container, used for receiving a cryogenic liquid |
EP3875831A1 (en) * | 2020-03-02 | 2021-09-08 | Ateliers et Chantiers de la Grande Bruyere (ACGB) | Structure for reinforcing a tank for cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, for motor vehicles |
-
2023
- 2023-09-22 EP EP23199140.7A patent/EP4345361A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19929421A1 (en) * | 1999-06-26 | 2000-12-28 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Car fuel tank, especially for liquid hydrogen, comprises inner and outer tank, inner tank and space between two tanks being divided by reinforcements, outer reinforcement being supported by insulating layer which rests on inner tank |
US20090145909A1 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2009-06-11 | Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik Ag & Co. Kg | Inner container surrounded by an outer container, used for receiving a cryogenic liquid |
EP3875831A1 (en) * | 2020-03-02 | 2021-09-08 | Ateliers et Chantiers de la Grande Bruyere (ACGB) | Structure for reinforcing a tank for cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, for motor vehicles |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7108016B2 (en) | Lightweight low permeation piston-in-sleeve accumulator | |
EP3066380B1 (en) | High conformal pressure vessel | |
ES487586A1 (en) | Land storage tank arrangement for liquids. | |
EP4345361A1 (en) | Improved tank arrangement for cryogenic fluid | |
CA2309970A1 (en) | Compressed natural gas cylinder pump and reverse cascade fuel supply system | |
CN100458264C (en) | High-pressure tank and valve assembly | |
CN212951017U (en) | Single-air-chamber fuel tank with external gas phase balance system and transport ship thereof | |
US4176761A (en) | Thermally insulated vessel especially for liquefied gases | |
US6354321B1 (en) | Storage container for cryogenic liquids | |
EP3455542B1 (en) | Tank arrangement | |
KR20160061096A (en) | A tank for storing liquid | |
EP4345360A1 (en) | Improved tank arrangement for cryogenic fluid | |
US10807480B2 (en) | Energy storage arrangement including battery unit in intermediate space between fluid tanks | |
KR102240836B1 (en) | Ship | |
EP3733498A1 (en) | Membrane finishing sheet and membrane insulation structure comprising same | |
KR101796715B1 (en) | ship engine supply method of LNG | |
CN112240484B (en) | Tank device for storing compressed fluid | |
KR19990087360A (en) | Method of using boil off from liquefied gas and apparatus for performing the method | |
CN212298540U (en) | Novel high-pressure LNG gas supply system assembly structure | |
CN109641638A (en) | Use of the fuel gas in ship | |
KR102640330B1 (en) | Sotrage system for liquified gas and operating method thereof | |
US20180347757A1 (en) | Composite pressure vessel assembly with an integrated heating element | |
KR20230173599A (en) | Modular pressurized gas tank | |
CN109790956A (en) | Fuel box unit | |
KR101792983B1 (en) | ship engine supply unit of LNG |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |