SE542809C2

SE542809C2 - Tank assembly, Method of Identifying an Identity of a Tank, and Related Devices

Info

Publication number: SE542809C2
Application number: SE1850443A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Irene Ericsson; Jonas Lindeberg; Markus Börjes; Patrik Idstam
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2018-04-18
Filing date: 2018-04-18
Publication date: 2020-07-14
Also published as: SE1850443A1

Abstract

A tank assembly (1) for a vehicle (3) is disclosed. The tank assembly (1) comprises a first and a second tank (5, 7) each configured to accommodate pressurized gas. Each of the first and second tanks (5, 7) comprises a pressure relief device (9, 9’). The tank assembly (1) further comprises a first sound generating device (11) fluidly connected to the pressure relief device (9) of the first tank (5), and a second sound generating device (12) fluidly connected to the pressure relief device (9’) of the second tank (7). Each of the first and second sound generating devices (11, 12) is configured to generate a sound when gas is flowing through the sound generating device (11, 12). The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle (3), an apparatus (20), and a method (100) of identifying an identity of a tank (5,7), or identities of tanks (5,7), of a tank assembly (1).

Description

Tank assembly, Method of Identifying an Identity of a Tank, and Related Devices TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a tank assembly for a vehicle. The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle comprising a tank assembly and an apparatus configured to identify an identity of a tank, or identities of tanks, of a tank assembly. The present disclosure further relates to a method of identifying an identity of a tank, a computer program, and a computer-readable medium.

BACKGROUND Compressed natural gas, usually abbreviated CNG, is a fuel which can be used in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane/LPG. The combustion of CNG produces fewer undesirable gases than the fuels mentioned above. CNG is mainly composed of methane and may be found above oil deposits or may be collected from landfills or wastewater treatment plants where it is known as biogas. Biogas can also be produced from raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste or food waste. Biogas is a renewable energy source.

In vehicles, it is stored in hard tanks at a pressure of 200 - 250 bars, usually in cylindrical or spherical shapes. Compressed natural gas vehicles require a greater amount of space for fuel storage than conventional gasoline or diesel powered vehicles. Therefore, vehicles running on CNG usually comprise several tanks. CNG is safer than other fuels in the event of a spill, because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released. However, in case of a fire of the vehicle, the pressure inside the tanks may increase to dangerous levels. Therefore, the tanks are usually each provided with a pressure relief device configured to evacuate the gas of the tank if the pressure in the tank is above a certain pressure level and/or if the temperature of the tank is above a certain temperature level.

In case of a fire, it is not possible to tell which tank, or which tanks, that is/are being evacuated, which makes it difficult for e.g. firefighters to assess how dangerous a situation is and makes it difficult to assess how to perform an extinguishing job.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a tank assembly for a vehicle. The tank assembly comprises a first and a second tank each configured to accommodate pressurized gas. Each of the first and second tanks comprises a pressure relief device. The tank assembly further comprises a first sound generating device fluidly connected to the pressure relief device of the first tank, and a second sound generating device fluidly connected to the pressure relief device of the second tank. Each of the first and second sound generating devices is configured to generate a sound when gas is flowing through the sound generating device.

Thereby, a tank assembly is provided allowing a person, or an apparatus, to identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks that is/are being evacuated. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the tank assembly. As a further result thereof, a safer tank assembly is provided.

Accordingly, a tank assembly is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

The first sound generating device is configured to generate a first sound, and wherein the second sound generating device is configured to generate a second sound having a sound characteristic distinguishable from the first sound. Thereby, a person, or an apparatus, can more easily identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks that is/are being evacuated. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the tank assembly. As a further result thereof, a still safer tank assembly is provided.

Optionally, the second sound has a frequency distinguishable from a frequency of the first sound. Thereby, a person, or an apparatus, can more easily identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks that is/are being evacuated. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the tank assembly. As a further result thereof, a still safer tank assembly is provided.

Optionally, the first and second sound generating devices each comprises a whistle.

Thereby, simple and reliable sound generating devices are provided. As a further result, a simple and reliable tank assembly is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being assembled and manufactured in a simple and cost-efficient manner Optionally, each of the first and second pressure relief devices is a temperature activated pressure relief device. Thereby, a safe and reliable tank assembly is provided.

Optionally, each of the first and second pressure relief devices is a pressure activated pressure relief device. Thereby, a safe and reliable tank assembly is provided Optionally, the tank assembly comprises an apparatus provided with a microphone, a processing unit, and a user interface, wherein the microphone is configured to convert sounds in an environment surrounding the tank assembly into an electric signal, wherein the processing unit is configured to identify an identity of a tank, or identities of tanks, of the tank assembly by processing the electric signal, and wherein the apparatus is configured to output information indicative of the identity of the tank, or identities of the tanks, via the user interface. Thereby, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks that is/are being evacuated, and/or which one, or which ones, of the tanks that has/have been evacuated. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the tank assembly. As a further result thereof, a still safer tank assembly is provided.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a tank assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

Thereby, a vehicle is provided allowing a person, or an apparatus, to identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks that is/are being evacuated. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the vehicle. As a further result thereof, a safer vehicle is provided.

Accordingly, a vehicle is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by an apparatus configured to identify an identity of a tank, or identities of tanks, of a tank assembly. The apparatus comprises a microphone, a processing unit, and a user interface. The microphone is configured to be positioned in an environment surrounding a tank assembly of a vehicle, wherein the tank assembly comprises a first and a second tank each configured to accommodate pressurized gas, wherein each of the first and second tanks comprises a pressure relief device. The tank assembly further comprises a first sound generating device fluidly connected to the pressure relief device of the first tank, and a second sound generating device fluidly connected to the pressure relief device of the second tank. The first sound generating device is configured to generate a first sound when gas is flowing through the first sound generating device, and the second sound generating device is configured to generate a second sound when gas is flowing through the second sound generating device, wherein the second sound has a sound characteristic distinguishable from the first sound. The microphone is configured to convert sounds in the environment surrounding a tank assembly into an electric signal, wherein the processing unit is configured to identify an identity of a tank, or identities of tanks, of the tank assembly by processing the electric signal. The apparatus is configured to output information indicative of the identity of the tank, or identities of the tanks, via the user interface.

Thereby, an apparatus is provided allowing a person to obtain information indicative of the identity of the tank, or identities of the tanks in a simple, safe, and reliable manner. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the tank assembly. As a further result thereof, an apparatus is provided capable of improving safety in a potentially dangerous situation.

Accordingly, an apparatus is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the apparatus is a cell phone. Thereby, an apparatus is provided allowing a person to obtain information indicative of the identity of the tank, or identities of the tanks in a simple and cost-efficient manner.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method of identifying an identity of a tank, or identities of tanks, of a tank assembly of a vehicle. The tank assembly comprises: - a first and a second tank each configured to accommodate pressurized gas, wherein each of the first and second tanks comprises a pressure relief device, - a first sound generating device fluidly connected to the pressure relief device of the first tank, and - a second sound generating device fluidly connected to the pressure relief device of the second tank.

The first sound generating device is configured to generate a first sound when gas is flowing through the first sound generating device, and the second sound generating device is configured to generate a second sound when gas is flowing through the second sound generating device, wherein the second sound has a sound characteristic distinguishable from the first sound, and wherein the method comprises: - converting sounds in an environment surrounding the tank assembly into an electric signal, and - identifying an identity of a tank, or identities of tanks, of the tank assembly by processing the electric signal.

Thereby, a method is provided capable of identifying which one, or which ones, of the tanks that is/are being evacuated in a simple, safe, and reliable manner. As a result, a method is provided capable of improving safety in a potentially dangerous situation.

Accordingly, a method is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Optionally, the method further comprises: - outputting information indicative of the identity of the tank, or identities of the tanks.

Thereby, a method is provided allowing a person to obtain information indicative of the identity of the tank, or identities of the tanks in a simple, safe, and reliable manner. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the tank assembly.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to some embodiments.

Thereby, a computer program is provided capable of identifying which one, or which ones, of the tanks that is/are being evacuated in a simple, safe, and reliable manner. As a result, a computer program is provided capable of improving safety in a potentially dangerous situation.

Accordingly, a computer program is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to some embodiments. Since the computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to some embodiments, a computer-readable medium is provided which provides conditions for overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a tank assembly according to some embodiments, Fig. 2 illustrates a vehicle comprising a tank assembly according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 illustrates a method of identifying an identity of a tank, or identities of tanks, of a tank assembly of a vehicle, and Fig. 4 illustrates computer-readable medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a tank assembly 1, according to some embodiments. According to the illustrated embodiments, the tank assembly 1 is configured to accommodate a pressurized gaseous fuel for a vehicle, such as compressed natural gas, usually abbreviated CNG.

Further, according to the illustrated embodiments, the tank assembly 1 comprises four tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7' each configured to accommodate pressurized gas, i.e. pressurized gaseous fuel. As will be further discussed herein, the tank assembly 1 may comprise another number of tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ than four, such as two, three, four, five, six, eight, twelve, or the like. The pressure in each tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’ may for example be within the range of 150 - 270 bars, such as within the range of 200 - 250 bars.

Each of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ comprises a pressure relief device 9, 9’, 9”, 9”’. According to the illustrated embodiments, each of the pressure relief devices 9, 9’, 9”, 9”’ is a temperature activated pressure relief device, also referred to as a thermal pressure relief device. The pressure relief devices 9, 9’, 9”, 9”’ according to these embodiments each comprises a glass container filled with a fluid. When the temperature of the fluid rises above a threshold temperature, the fluid expands and brakes the glass container. As a result, the pressure relief device 9, 9’, 9”, 9”’ is opened and the pressurized gas can flow out of the tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’ via an outlet tube 10, 10’, 10”, 10’”. According to further embodiments, the pressure relief devices 9, 9’, 9", 9’’’ may each comprise a valve element in a metal alloy which bends when the temperature of the metal alloy rises above a threshold temperature, so as to open the pressure relief device 9, 9’, 9", 9’”. According to still further embodiments, the pressure relief devices 9, 9’, 9", 9’’’ may each comprise a pressure activated pressure relief device, i.e. a valve element configured to open when the pressure in the tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’ rises above a predetermined pressure level, such as for example 300 bars, so as to open the pressure relief device 9, 9’, 9", 9”’.

The tank assembly 1 comprises one sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ per tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’. Each sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ is fluidly connected to the pressure relief device 9, 9’, 9", 9’’’ of a tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’ via the outlet tube 10, 10’, 10", 10’” of the tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’. Each sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ is configured to generate a sound when gas is flowing through the sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’. In this manner, a person or an apparatus can identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ that is/are being evacuated. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the tank assembly 1.

Fig. 2 illustrates a vehicle 3 comprising a tank assembly 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The tank assembly 1 may comprise four additional tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 on the opposite lateral side of the vehicle. Such a vehicle 3 thus comprises eight tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ in total. Since each sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ is configured to generate a sound when gas is flowing through the sound generating device 11, 12, 11’, 12’, a person or an apparatus 20 can identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ that is/are being evacuated. The vehicle 3 illustrated in Fig. 2 is a truck. However, the vehicle 3, as referred to herein, may be another type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land-based propulsion such as a lorry, a bus, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, or the like.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the each of the generating devices 11, 12, 11', 12’ comprises a whistle. Thereby, simple and reliable sound generating devices 11, 12, 11', 12’ are provided. Further according to the illustrated embodiments, each sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ is configured to generate a sound having a sound characteristic distinguishable from sounds generated by the other sound generating devices 11, 12, 11', 12’. Thereby, a person, or an apparatus 20, can more easily identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ that is/are being evacuated. As a result, a person, such as a firefighter, can more easily determine the severity of a situation and can more easily determine how to perform an extinguishing job of the tank assembly 1.

According to some embodiments, each sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ is configured to generate a sound having a frequency distinguishable from frequencies of sounds generated by the other sound generating devices 11, 12, 11', 12’. In this manner, a person, or an apparatus 20, can easily identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ that is/are being evacuated. The frequency generated by each sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ may be selected so as to facilitate identification of a set of tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ being evacuated. As an example, the frequency generated by each sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ may be selected such that each frequency in Hertz differs more than 10% from frequencies of sounds generated by the other sound generating devices 11, 12, 11', 12’. Further, according to some embodiments, the frequency generated by each sound generating device 11, 12, 11', 12’ may be selected to correspond to one specific note, also called pitch. In this manner, a person, or an apparatus 20, can easily identify which one, or which ones, of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ that is/are being evacuated. That is, if gas is flowing through two or more sound generating devices 11, 12, 11', 12’, the generated set of pitches consisting of two or more notes can more easily be identified by a person, or by an apparatus 20. In this manner, the identification of a set of tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ being evacuated can be facilitated.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2, the tank assembly 1 comprises an apparatus 20 provided with a microphone 21, a processing unit 23, and a user interface 25. According to the illustrated embodiments, the apparatus 20 is a cell phone. According to further embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be another type of separate self-contained apparatus. According to still further embodiments, the apparatus 20 is an apparatus mounted to the vehicle 3 and may, according to these embodiments, be an integral component of the vehicle 3.

The microphone 21 of the apparatus 20 is configured to be positioned in an environment surrounding a tank assembly 1 of a vehicle 3, such that sounds generated by sound generating devices 11, 12, 11', 12’ of the tank assembly 1 can reach the microphone 21. The microphone 21 is configured to convert sounds in the environment surrounding the tank assembly 1 into an electric signal. The processing unit 23 is configured to identify an identity of a tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’, or identities of tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’, of the tank assembly 1 being evacuated by processing the electric signal. As an example, the processing unit 23 may process the electric signal to determine the frequency, or frequencies, of sounds in the environment surrounding the tank assembly 1. The processing unit may then compare the determined frequency, or frequencies, with stored frequencies to identify the identity of a tank 5,7, or identities of tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’, of the tank assembly 1 being evacuated.

The apparatus 20 is configured to output information indicative of the identity of the tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’, or identities of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’, via the user interface 25. According to the illustrated embodiments, the user interface 20 comprises a display. According to these embodiments, the apparatus 20 may output a number, a symbol, and/or a picture, indicating the identity of the tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’, or identities of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’. As an alternative, or in addition, the user interface 20 may comprise a speaker. According to such embodiments, the apparatus 20 may output an audio signal, such as a recorded voice, indicating the identity of the tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’, or identities of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’.

The information indicative of the identity of the tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’, or identities of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’, may comprise the identity of the tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’, or identities of the tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7, that is/are evacuating, and/or that has/have been evacuated. Furthermore, the apparatus 20 may output the total number of tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’ that is/are evacuating, and/or that has/have been evacuated.

Fig. 3 illustrates a method 100 of identifying an identity of a tank, or identities of tanks, of a tank assembly of a vehicle. The tank assembly may be a tank assembly 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Therefore, below, reference is made to Fig. 3, as well as to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The method 100, illustrated in Fig. 4, is a method 100 of identifying an identity of a tank 5, 7, or identities of tanks 5, 7 of a tank assembly 1 of a vehicle 3. The tank assembly 1 comprises at least a first and a second tank 5, 7 each configured to accommodate pressurized gas. Each of the first and second tanks 5, 7 comprises a pressure relief device 9, 9’. The tank assembly 1 further comprises a first sound generating device 11 fluidly connected to the pressure relief device 9 of the first tank 5, and a second sound generating device 12 fluidly connected to the pressure relief device 9’ of the second tank 7. The first sound generating device 11 is configured to generate a first sound when gas is flowing through the first sound generating device 11, and the second sound generating device 12 is configured to generate a second sound when gas is flowing through the second sound generating device 12, wherein the second sound has a sound characteristic distinguishable from the first sound. The method 100 comprises: - converting 110 sounds in an environment surrounding the tank assembly 1 into an electric signal, and - identifying 120 an identity of a tank 5,7, or identities of tanks 5,7, of the tank assembly 1 by processing the electric signal.

As indicated in Fig. 3, the method 100 may further comprise: outputting 130 information indicative of the identity of the tank 5, 7, or identities of the tanks 5, 7.

It will be appreciated that the various embodiments described for the method 100 are all combinable with the processing unit 23 of the apparatus 20 as described herein. That is, the processing unit 23 may be configured to perform any one of the method steps 110, 120 and 130 of the method 100.

Fig. 4 illustrates computer-readable medium 200 comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out any one of the method steps 110, 120 and 130 of the method 100 illustrated in Fig. 3. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 - Fig. 4.

According to some embodiments, the computer-readable medium 200 comprises a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method 100 according to some embodiments.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the method 100 of identifying an identity of a tank 5, 7, 5’, 7’, or identities of tanks 5, 7, 5’, 7’, of a tank assembly 1 may be implemented by programmed instructions. These programmed instructions are typically constituted by a computer program, which, when it is executed in the processing unit 23, carries out one or more of the method steps 110, 120, 130 described herein. The computer program is usually part of a computer program product 200 which comprises a suitable digital storage medium on which the computer program is stored.

The processing unit 23 may comprise a calculation unit which may take the form of substantially any suitable type of processor circuit or microcomputer, e.g. a circuit for digital signal processing (digital signal processor, DSP), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or other processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. The herein utilised expression “calculation unit” may represent a processing circuitry comprising a plurality of processing circuits, such as, e.g., any, some or all of the ones mentioned above.

The processing unit 23 may further comprise a memory unit, wherein the calculation unit may be connected to the memory unit, which may provide the calculation unit with, for example, stored program code and/or stored data which the calculation unit may need to enable it to do calculations. The calculation unit may also be adapted to store partial or final results of calculations in the memory unit. The memory unit may comprise a physical device utilised to store data or programs, i.e., sequences of instructions, on a temporary or permanent basis. According to some embodiments, the memory unit may comprise integrated circuits comprising silicon-based transistors. The memory unit may comprise e.g. a memory card, a flash memory, a USB memory, a hard disc, or another similar volatile or non-volatile storage unit for storing data such as e.g. ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable PROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), etc. in different embodiments.

In embodiments where the apparatus 20 is an integral component of the vehicle 3, the processing unit 23 may be connected to components of the vehicle 3 for receiving and/or sending input and output signals. These input and output signals may comprise waveforms, pulses or other attributes which the input signal receiving devices can detect as information and which can be converted to signals processable by the processing unit 23. These signals may then be supplied to the calculation unit. One or more output signal sending devices may be arranged to convert calculation results from the calculation unit to output signals for conveying to other parts of the vehicle's control system and/or the component or components for which the signals are intended. Each of the connections to the respective components of the vehicle 3 for receiving and sending input and output signals may take the form of one or more from among a cable, a data bus, e.g. a CAN (controller area network) bus, a MOST (media orientated systems transport) bus or some other bus configuration, or a wireless connection.

In the embodiments illustrated, the apparatus 20 comprises a processing unit 23 but might alternatively be implemented wholly or partly in two or more processing units or two or more control units.

Control systems in modern vehicles generally comprise a communication bus system consisting of one or more communication buses for connecting a number of electronic processing units (ECUs), or controllers, to various components on board the vehicle 3. Such a control system may comprise a large number of processing units and taking care of a specific function may be shared between two or more of them.

The computer program product 200 may be provided for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing at least some of the method steps 110, 120, and 130 according to some embodiments when being loaded into one or more calculation units of the processing unit 23. The data carrier may be, e.g. a CD ROM disc, as is illustrated in Fig. 4, or a ROM (read-only memory), a PROM (programable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash memory, an EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), a hard disc, a memory stick, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device or any other appropriate medium such as a disk or tape that may hold machine readable data in a nontransitory manner. The computer program product may furthermore be provided as computer program code on a server and may be downloaded to the processing unit 23 remotely, e.g., over an Internet or an intranet connection, or via other wired or wireless communication systems.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A tank assembly (1) for a vehicle (3), wherein the tank assembly (1) comprises: - a first and a second tank (5, 7) each configured to accommodate pressurized gas, wherein each of the first and second tanks (5, 7) comprises a pressure relief device (9, 9'), - a first sound generating device (11) fluidly connected to the pressure relief device (9) of the first tank (5), and - a second sound generating device (12) fluidly connected to the pressure relief device (9’) of the second tank (7), wherein each of the first and second sound generating devices (11, 12) is configured to generate a sound when gas is flowing through the sound generating device (11, 12), characterized in that the first sound generating device (11) is configured to generate a first sound, and wherein the second sound generating device (12) is configured to generate a second sound having a sound characteristic distinguishable from the first sound.

2. The tank assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second sound has a frequency distinguishable from a frequency of the first sound.

3. The tank assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second sound generating devices (11, 12) each comprises a whistle.

4. The tank assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas is a gaseous fuel.

5. The tank assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second pressure relief devices (9, 9’) is a temperature activated pressure relief device.

6. The tank assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second pressure relief devices (9, 9’) is a pressure activated pressure relief device.

7. The tank assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank assembly (1) comprises an apparatus (20) provided with a microphone (21), a processing unit (23), and a user interface (25), wherein the microphone (21) is configured to convert sounds in an environment surrounding the tank assembly (1) into an electric signal, wherein the processing unit (23) is configured to identify an identity of a tank (5,7), or identities of tanks (5,7), of the tank assembly (1) by processing the electric signal, and wherein the apparatus (20) is configured to output information indicative of the identity of the tank (5, 7), or identities of the tanks (5, 7), via the user interface (25).

8. A vehicle (3) comprising a tank assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. An apparatus (20) configured to identify an identity of a tank (5,7), or identities of tanks (5,7), of a tank assembly (1), wherein the apparatus (20) comprises: - a microphone (21), - a processing unit (23), and - a user interface (25), wherein the microphone (21) is configured to be positioned in an environment surrounding a tank assembly (1) of a vehicle (3), wherein the tank assembly (1) comprises: - a first and a second tank (5, 7) each configured to accommodate pressurized gas, wherein each of the first and second tanks (5, 7) comprises a pressure relief device (9, 9'), - a first sound generating device (11) fluidly connected to the pressure relief device (9) of the first tank (5), and - a second sound generating device (12) fluidly connected to the pressure relief device (9’) of the second tank (7), wherein the first sound generating device (11) is configured to generate a first sound when gas is flowing through the first sound generating device (11), and wherein the second sound generating device (12) is configured to generate a second sound when gas is flowing through the second sound generating device (12), wherein the second sound has a sound characteristic distinguishable from the first sound, wherein the microphone (21) is configured to convert sounds in the environment surrounding a tank assembly (1) into an electric signal, wherein the processing unit (23) is configured to identify an identity of a tank (5,7), or identities of tanks (5,7), of the tank assembly (1) by processing the electric signal, and wherein the apparatus (20) is configured to output information indicative of the identity of the tank (5, 7), or identities of the tanks (5, 7), via the user interface (25).

10. The apparatus (20) according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus (20) is a cell phone.

11. A method (100) of identifying an identity of a tank (5,7), or identities of tanks (5,7), of a tank assembly (1) of a vehicle (3), wherein the tank assembly (1) comprises: - a first and a second tank (5, 7) each configured to accommodate pressurized gas, wherein each of the first and second tanks (5, 7) comprises a pressure relief device (9, 9'), - a first sound generating device (11) fluidly connected to the pressure relief device (9) of the first tank (5), and - a second sound generating device (12) fluidly connected to the pressure relief device (9’) of the second tank (7), wherein the first sound generating device (11) is configured to generate a first sound when gas is flowing through the first sound generating device (11), and wherein the second sound generating device (12) is configured to generate a second sound when gas is flowing through the second sound generating device (12), wherein the second sound has a sound characteristic distinguishable from the first sound, and wherein the method (100) comprises: - converting (110) sounds in an environment surrounding the tank assembly (1) into an electric signal, and - identifying (120) an identity of a tank (5,7), or identities of tanks (5,7), of the tank assembly (1) by processing the electric signal.

12. The method (100) according to claim 11, wherein the method (100) further comprises: - outputting (130) information indicative of the identity of the tank (5, 7), or identities of the tanks (5, 7).

13. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A computer-readable medium (200) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) according to claim 11 or 12.