WO2023007300A1 - Compensation system for a cryogenic tank fdr the containment of liquid hydrogen - Google Patents

Compensation system for a cryogenic tank fdr the containment of liquid hydrogen Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023007300A1
WO2023007300A1 PCT/IB2022/056530 IB2022056530W WO2023007300A1 WO 2023007300 A1 WO2023007300 A1 WO 2023007300A1 IB 2022056530 W IB2022056530 W IB 2022056530W WO 2023007300 A1 WO2023007300 A1 WO 2023007300A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
compensation
hydrogen
cryogenic tank
fuel cell
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/056530
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Felice Vinati
Samuele Vinati
Matteo Vinati
Giacomo Vinati
Mariachiara Vinati
Original Assignee
Ierom S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ierom S.R.L. filed Critical Ierom S.R.L.
Priority to EP22747776.7A priority Critical patent/EP4377599A1/en
Publication of WO2023007300A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023007300A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F17C3/04—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation by insulating layers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—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
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0135—Pumps
    • F17C2227/0142—Pumps with specified pump type, e.g. piston or impulsive type
    • 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
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0302—Heat exchange with the fluid by heating
    • F17C2227/0304—Heat exchange with the fluid by heating using an electric heater
    • 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
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0369—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel
    • F17C2227/0374—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in the liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/01—Intermediate tanks
    • 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
    • F17C2270/0178—Cars
    • 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
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage

Definitions

  • the object of the invention is a compensation system for a cryogenic tank suitable for containing liquid hydrogen and suitable for feeding hydrogen in gaseous form to a fuel cell.
  • a first problem is the limited energy storage capacity (not more than 240Wh/kg to date).
  • a second problem is the difficulty of disposal after use. There is also difficulty in finding the raw materials needed for their production.
  • a further problem is the excessive weight of these batteries: about 6.2 kg per KWh stored.
  • a first problem is that hydrogen storage tanks are very heavy, i.e. about 20kg for every 1kg of hydrogen stored.
  • a second problem is that they operate with very high storage pressure, typically 700bar.
  • Document DE 10 2015 219984 discloses a system and a method for raising the temperature of gas in a cryogenic pressure vessel.
  • This cryogenic pressurization system comprises a main cryogenic pressure vessel and an auxiliary pressure vessel.
  • the auxiliary tank is fluidically connected to the pressure tank via a connection line.
  • a valve is present which ensures that gas can only flow from the auxiliary tank to the main pressure tank, but not vice versa.
  • the latter can be stored in a main tank, where the tank contains gaseous fuel and liquid fuel.
  • gaseous fuel can be stored in a buffer tank at a higher pressure level than in the main tank.
  • a gaseous fuel flow line is connected to a buffer tank outlet and in this line there may be a heat exchanger, located in a section of this line that is inside the main tank.
  • a heat exchanger located in a section of this line that is inside the main tank.
  • One purpose of the present invention is to enable the use of liquid hydrogen in fuel cells for direct power generation.
  • a further purpose of the present invention is to avoid hydrogen leakage due to evaporation caused by the heat transmittance between the cryogenic tank and the external ambient temperature.
  • Another purpose of the present invention is to reduce the weight of said cryogenic tank, in order to enable its use both in the automotive field and ground transportation in general, and especially in the field of aeronautics - eVTOLs, eRotorcraft, drones, and others, thus enabling a reduction in weight and an increase in stored energy.
  • a further purpose of the present invention is to achieve the above results in a simple and cost-effective manner.
  • the present invention achieves the above-described purposes by means of a compensation system for a cryogenic tank, wherein said cryogenic tank is suitable for containing liquid hydrogen and wherein a gaseous hydrogen supply line to a fuel cell is derived from said cryogenic tank, said system further comprising an electronic control unit and wherein on said supply line is placed at least one valve regulating the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from said cryogenic tank and managed by said electronic control unit, characterized by the fact that said compensation system further comprises a compensation tank placed on said hydrogen gas supply line to said fuel cell, said compensation tank being configured to recover the hydrogen gasification induced by the transmittance of said main tank, and wherein the flow of hydrogen gas exiting said cryogenic tank and entering said compensation tank is regulated by at least one regulating valve, the management of which is entrusted to said electronic control unit.
  • An advantage of such embodiment is that the presence of the compensation tank makes it possible, in the first place, to avoid hydrogen leakage due to the transmittance of the main tank.
  • a further advantage is that the compensation tank operates at a higher pressure than the main tank, thus enabling it to contain a greater quantity of hydrogen gas ready to feed the fuel cell in a constant manner and at a lower, defined suitable pressure. This is done via a regulating valve that increases the compression of the hydrogen gas.
  • the increase of the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the compensation tank allows more hydrogen gas to be contained, which is then, via a valve downstream of the compensation tank, restored to the pressure required by the Fuel Cell.
  • the flow regulation is always available and constant to the Fuel Cell.
  • a regulating valve is associated with the compensation tank, that is located on the hydrogen gas supply line to the fuel cell, and is controlled by said electronic control unit to supply the fuel cell with a constant flow of hydrogen gas.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the main components of the compensation system for a cryogenic tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • System 100 comprises a cryogenic tank 1 for containing liquid hydrogen, where the level L of liquid hydrogen contained under normal conditions in tank 1 is also shown in figure 1.
  • cryogenic tank 1 for containing liquid hydrogen is layered with three layers.
  • the liquid hydrogen contained in tank 1 is intended to be sent to a Fuel Cell 11.
  • a fuel cell is a device capable of converting chemically stored energy into electrical energy.
  • the main components of the 100 system are regulated in their operation by an electronic control unit 200.
  • a heat exchanger 2 connected to a pump 3 is also present, the management of which is computerized by intervention of the electronic control unit 200.
  • One function of the heat exchanger 2 is to increase and induce gasification of liquid hydrogen. This is because natural gasification due to heat transmittance would not be sufficient.
  • a sensor 4 for detecting the level L of liquid hydrogen inside tank 1 is also present, wherein said sensor 4 communicates its readings to the electronic control unit 200.
  • a safety valve to handle overpressure phenomena 5 is connected to tank 1 and is also controlled via the electronic control unit 200.
  • Tank 1 is supplied by the action of the electronic control unit 200 on a liquid hydrogen filling valve 6.
  • cryogenic tank 1 for the containment of liquid hydrogen is associated with a compensation tank 9 for the containment of gaseous hydrogen.
  • compensation tank 9 is to recover the hydrogen gasification induced by the transmittance of main tank 1 and heat exchanger 2.
  • compensation tank 9 serves as an injector for Fuel Cell
  • system 1 there is a line 20 for conveying hydrogen gas from cryogenic tank 1 to compensation tank 9.
  • the flow of hydrogen gas out of tank 1 and into the compensation tank 9 is regulated by a regulating valve 7.
  • the pressure regulating valve 8 increases the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the compensation tank to allow more hydrogen gas to be contained, which is subsequently restored to the pressure required by the Fuel Cell via valve 10. Thus, the flow regulation is always available and constant to the Fuel Cell.
  • the pressure of the hydrogen gas inside the compensation tank 9 is higher than the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the cryogenic tank 1, and this pressure increase is achieved by means of the regulating valve 8.
  • This pressure increase can be achieved, for example, by using a pump or blower 50 placed downstream of regulating valve 7 and upstream of regulating valve 8.
  • Regulating valves 7 and 8 are placed on line 20 to convey hydrogen gas from cryogenic tank 1 to compensation tank 9.
  • Both valves 7 and 8 are managed by the electronic control unit 200.
  • system 1 there is additionally a line 30 for conveying hydrogen gas from the compensation tank 9 to the Fuel Cell 11.
  • a pump or blower 40 is provided downstream of the above-mentioned compensation tank 9, to deliver a constant flow of hydrogen gas via line 30.
  • the gaseous flow of hydrogen out of the compensation tank 9 is regulated by a regulating valve 10, which is also controlled by the electronic control unit 200.
  • the control valve 10 is placed on line 30 to convey the hydrogen gas from the compensation tank 9 to the Fuel Cell 11.
  • the flows of hydrogen gas in and out of the compensation tank 9 are regulated via the electronic control unit 200.
  • the flow of hydrogen gas out of the compensation tank 9 can, for example, be regulated by the electronic control unit 200 in such a way as to have a continuous supply of hydrogen gas to the Fuel Cell 11.
  • the diagram in Figure 1 also illustrates the management of electricity flows that are produced by the Fuel Cell 11.
  • a first flow of electrical energy is used to power an electric motor 12, while a second flow of energy is used to power auxiliary services
  • a third energy flow is used to recharge lithium batteries 14 and a fourth energy flow powers pump 3 of heat exchanger 2.
  • the Fuel Cell can also power additional auxiliary services.
  • the management of these power flows is also delegated to the electronic control unit 200.
  • compensation tank 9 makes it possible, firstly, to avoid hydrogen leakage due to the transmittance of the main tank.
  • the compensation tank makes it possible to supply the fuel cell with a constant flow of hydrogen gas.
  • a further advantage is that the use of the compensation tank allows a reduction in the weight of the main tank.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

It is an object of the invention to provide a compensation system (100) for a cryogenic tank (1), wherein said cryogenic tank (1) is suitable for containing liquid hydrogen and wherein from said cryogenic tank (1) is derived a supply line (20, 30) of gaseous hydrogen to a fuel cell (11), said system (100) further comprising an electronic control unit (200) and wherein on said supply line (20, 30) is placed at least one regulating valve (7) of the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting said cryogenic tank (1) and managed by said electronic control unit (200). Said compensation system (100) further comprises a compensation tank (9) placed on said supply line (20, 30) of hydrogen gas to said fuel cell (11), said compensation tank (9) being configured to recover the hydrogen gasification induced by the transmittance of the main tank (1).

Description

"COMPENSATION SYSTEM FOR A CRYOGENIC TANK FOR THE CONTAINMENT OF
LIQUID HYDROGEN" . k k k k k
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is a compensation system for a cryogenic tank suitable for containing liquid hydrogen and suitable for feeding hydrogen in gaseous form to a fuel cell.
PRIOR ART
It is known that the prevailing technology in the electric car sector is the use of lithium batteries, but these have the following problems.
A first problem is the limited energy storage capacity (not more than 240Wh/kg to date).
A second problem is the difficulty of disposal after use. There is also difficulty in finding the raw materials needed for their production.
A further problem is the excessive weight of these batteries: about 6.2 kg per KWh stored.
Consider also that the batteries are very slow to recharge. Finally, there is a limited availability of charging points.
Another known solution is the use of compressed hydrogen, a technology that has the following problems.
A first problem is that hydrogen storage tanks are very heavy, i.e. about 20kg for every 1kg of hydrogen stored.
A second problem is that they operate with very high storage pressure, typically 700bar.
There are also refuelling problems: there are no stations capable of refuelling at this pressure, except for very complicated systems such as the one built by the Linde Company.
Document DE 10 2015 219984 discloses a system and a method for raising the temperature of gas in a cryogenic pressure vessel.
This cryogenic pressurization system comprises a main cryogenic pressure vessel and an auxiliary pressure vessel.
The auxiliary tank is fluidically connected to the pressure tank via a connection line. in the fluid connection line, a valve is present which ensures that gas can only flow from the auxiliary tank to the main pressure tank, but not vice versa.
Document US 2020/309324 discloses a system comprising a fuel cell operating on gaseous fuel.
The latter can be stored in a main tank, where the tank contains gaseous fuel and liquid fuel.
In addition, gaseous fuel can be stored in a buffer tank at a higher pressure level than in the main tank.
A gaseous fuel flow line is connected to a buffer tank outlet and in this line there may be a heat exchanger, located in a section of this line that is inside the main tank. By means of this heat exchanger, thermal energy can be introduced into the liquid fuel of the main tank, resulting in the evaporation of the fuel.
One purpose of the present invention is to enable the use of liquid hydrogen in fuel cells for direct power generation.
A further purpose of the present invention is to avoid hydrogen leakage due to evaporation caused by the heat transmittance between the cryogenic tank and the external ambient temperature. Another purpose of the present invention is to reduce the weight of said cryogenic tank, in order to enable its use both in the automotive field and ground transportation in general, and especially in the field of aeronautics - eVTOLs, eRotorcraft, drones, and others, thus enabling a reduction in weight and an increase in stored energy. A further purpose of the present invention is to achieve the above results in a simple and cost-effective manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention achieves the above-described purposes by means of a compensation system for a cryogenic tank, wherein said cryogenic tank is suitable for containing liquid hydrogen and wherein a gaseous hydrogen supply line to a fuel cell is derived from said cryogenic tank, said system further comprising an electronic control unit and wherein on said supply line is placed at least one valve regulating the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from said cryogenic tank and managed by said electronic control unit, characterized by the fact that said compensation system further comprises a compensation tank placed on said hydrogen gas supply line to said fuel cell, said compensation tank being configured to recover the hydrogen gasification induced by the transmittance of said main tank, and wherein the flow of hydrogen gas exiting said cryogenic tank and entering said compensation tank is regulated by at least one regulating valve, the management of which is entrusted to said electronic control unit.
An advantage of such embodiment is that the presence of the compensation tank makes it possible, in the first place, to avoid hydrogen leakage due to the transmittance of the main tank.
A further advantage is that the compensation tank operates at a higher pressure than the main tank, thus enabling it to contain a greater quantity of hydrogen gas ready to feed the fuel cell in a constant manner and at a lower, defined suitable pressure. This is done via a regulating valve that increases the compression of the hydrogen gas.
The increase of the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the compensation tank allows more hydrogen gas to be contained, which is then, via a valve downstream of the compensation tank, restored to the pressure required by the Fuel Cell. Thus, the flow regulation is always available and constant to the Fuel Cell.
According to an embodiment of the invention, a regulating valve is associated with the compensation tank, that is located on the hydrogen gas supply line to the fuel cell, and is controlled by said electronic control unit to supply the fuel cell with a constant flow of hydrogen gas.
Further features of the invention can be deduced from the dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in the light of the detailed description that follows with the aid of the enclosed drawing in which:
- Figure 1 schematically illustrates the main components of the compensation system for a cryogenic tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE
The invention will now be described with initial reference to the diagram in Figure 1, which illustrates the compensation system for a cryogenic tank for containing liquid hydrogen, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the system being collectively referred to by the numerical reference 100.
System 100 comprises a cryogenic tank 1 for containing liquid hydrogen, where the level L of liquid hydrogen contained under normal conditions in tank 1 is also shown in figure 1.
Preferably, cryogenic tank 1 for containing liquid hydrogen is layered with three layers.
The liquid hydrogen contained in tank 1 is intended to be sent to a Fuel Cell 11. As is well known, a fuel cell is a device capable of converting chemically stored energy into electrical energy.
Specifically, in a fuel cell, hydrogen (¾) is oxidised by the release of electrons at the anode, while oxygen (O2) is reduced by the acceptance of electrons at the cathode. As a result of this redox reaction, the chemical energy stored in the reactants is converted into electrical energy at the anode or cathode respectively and can be drawn from there and used to power electrical devices.
The main components of the 100 system are regulated in their operation by an electronic control unit 200. A heat exchanger 2 connected to a pump 3 is also present, the management of which is computerized by intervention of the electronic control unit 200.
One function of the heat exchanger 2 is to increase and induce gasification of liquid hydrogen. This is because natural gasification due to heat transmittance would not be sufficient.
A sensor 4 for detecting the level L of liquid hydrogen inside tank 1 is also present, wherein said sensor 4 communicates its readings to the electronic control unit 200.
A safety valve to handle overpressure phenomena 5 is connected to tank 1 and is also controlled via the electronic control unit 200.
Tank 1 is supplied by the action of the electronic control unit 200 on a liquid hydrogen filling valve 6.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the cryogenic tank 1 for the containment of liquid hydrogen is associated with a compensation tank 9 for the containment of gaseous hydrogen.
In particular, the function of compensation tank 9 is to recover the hydrogen gasification induced by the transmittance of main tank 1 and heat exchanger 2.
In addition, compensation tank 9 serves as an injector for Fuel Cell
11. In system 1 there is a line 20 for conveying hydrogen gas from cryogenic tank 1 to compensation tank 9.
The flow of hydrogen gas out of tank 1 and into the compensation tank 9 is regulated by a regulating valve 7. An additional pressure-regulating valve 8, placed in series with pressure-regulating valve 7, is also provided.
The pressure regulating valve 8 increases the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the compensation tank to allow more hydrogen gas to be contained, which is subsequently restored to the pressure required by the Fuel Cell via valve 10. Thus, the flow regulation is always available and constant to the Fuel Cell.
The pressure of the hydrogen gas inside the compensation tank 9 is higher than the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the cryogenic tank 1, and this pressure increase is achieved by means of the regulating valve 8.
This pressure increase can be achieved, for example, by using a pump or blower 50 placed downstream of regulating valve 7 and upstream of regulating valve 8.
Regulating valves 7 and 8 are placed on line 20 to convey hydrogen gas from cryogenic tank 1 to compensation tank 9.
Both valves 7 and 8 are managed by the electronic control unit 200.
In system 1 there is additionally a line 30 for conveying hydrogen gas from the compensation tank 9 to the Fuel Cell 11.
Downstream of the above-mentioned compensation tank 9, a pump or blower 40 is provided to deliver a constant flow of hydrogen gas via line 30.
The gaseous flow of hydrogen out of the compensation tank 9 is regulated by a regulating valve 10, which is also controlled by the electronic control unit 200. The control valve 10 is placed on line 30 to convey the hydrogen gas from the compensation tank 9 to the Fuel Cell 11.
In general, therefore, the flows of hydrogen gas in and out of the compensation tank 9 are regulated via the electronic control unit 200.
The flow of hydrogen gas out of the compensation tank 9 can, for example, be regulated by the electronic control unit 200 in such a way as to have a continuous supply of hydrogen gas to the Fuel Cell 11.
The diagram in Figure 1 also illustrates the management of electricity flows that are produced by the Fuel Cell 11.
A first flow of electrical energy is used to power an electric motor 12, while a second flow of energy is used to power auxiliary services
13.
A third energy flow is used to recharge lithium batteries 14 and a fourth energy flow powers pump 3 of heat exchanger 2.
The Fuel Cell can also power additional auxiliary services. The management of these power flows is also delegated to the electronic control unit 200.
The presence of compensation tank 9 makes it possible, firstly, to avoid hydrogen leakage due to the transmittance of the main tank.
In addition, the compensation tank makes it possible to supply the fuel cell with a constant flow of hydrogen gas. A further advantage is that the use of the compensation tank allows a reduction in the weight of the main tank.
Of course, modifications or improvements may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims

1. A compensation system (100) for a cryogenic tank (1), wherein said cryogenic tank (1) is suitable for containing liquid hydrogen and wherein a supply line (20,30) of gaseous hydrogen to a fuel cell (11) is derived from said cryogenic tank (1), wherein said system (100) further comprises an electronic control unit (200) and wherein on said supply line (20,30) is placed at least one regulating valve (7) of the flow of gaseous hydrogen exiting from said cryogenic tank (1) and managed by said electronic control unit (200), characterized by the fact that said compensation system (100) further comprises a compensation tank (9) located on the supply line (20,30) of gaseous hydrogen to said fuel cell (11), said compensation tank (9) being configured to recover the hydrogen gasification induced by the transmittance of the main tank (1) and wherein the flow of the gaseous hydrogen exiting the cryogenic tank (1) and entering the compensation tank (9) is regulated by at least one regulating valve (7), the management of which is delegated to the electronic control unit (200).
2. Compensation system as at claim 1, in which a pump or blower (40) is provided downstream of said compensation tank (9) in order to provide a constant flow of hydrogen gas.
3. Compensation system as in claim 1 or 2, wherein said compensation tank (9) is associated with a regulating valve (10) located on the supply line (30) of hydrogen gas to the fuel cell (11) and controlled by said electronic control unit (200) to supply the fuel cell (11) with a constant flow of hydrogen gas.
4 . Compensation system as in claim 1, wherein the pressure of the hydrogen gas inside the compensation tank (9) is higher than the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the cryogenic tank (1) and this pressure increase is achieved by means of a pump or blower (50) upstream of the regulating valve (8).
5. Compensation system as at claim 1, wherein said main cryogenic tank (1) is associated with a heat exchanger (2) connected to a pump (3), the management of which is computerized by intervention of the electronic control unit (200) and is powered by the Fuel Cell (11).
6. Compensation system as at claim 1, wherein the main cryogenic tank (1) is associated with a sensor (4) for detecting the level (L) of liquid hydrogen within the main cryogenic tank (1), wherein said sensor (4) communicates its readings to the electronic control unit (200).
7. Compensation system as at claim 1, wherein a pressure relief valve (5) is associated with said main cryogenic tank (1).
PCT/IB2022/056530 2021-07-29 2022-07-15 Compensation system for a cryogenic tank fdr the containment of liquid hydrogen WO2023007300A1 (en)

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IT102021000020324 2021-07-29
IT102021000020324A IT202100020324A1 (en) 2021-07-29 2021-07-29 COMPENSATION SYSTEM FOR CRYOGENIC TANK FOR LIQUID HYDROGEN CONTAINMENT

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Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10021681A1 (en) * 2000-05-05 2001-11-22 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Fuel storage system, in particular system for storing hydrogen, stores fuel in liquid form
DE102012218856A1 (en) * 2012-10-16 2014-04-17 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Fuel storage system for motor vehicle, has auxiliary storage downstream check valve in supply line, which is closed during filling process of mail tank, and is attached toe supply line in such way that consumer is operated by fuel
DE102015219984A1 (en) * 2015-10-14 2017-04-20 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method of increasing the temperature of gas in a cryogenic pressure vessel
DE102017217348A1 (en) * 2017-09-28 2019-03-28 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pressure vessel system and method for supplying fuel from a pressure vessel system
US20200309324A1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2020-10-01 Airbus Operations Gmbh Fuel extraction system, fuel tank apparatus having a fuel extraction system, and fuel cell system having a fuel extraction system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10021681A1 (en) * 2000-05-05 2001-11-22 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Fuel storage system, in particular system for storing hydrogen, stores fuel in liquid form
DE102012218856A1 (en) * 2012-10-16 2014-04-17 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Fuel storage system for motor vehicle, has auxiliary storage downstream check valve in supply line, which is closed during filling process of mail tank, and is attached toe supply line in such way that consumer is operated by fuel
DE102015219984A1 (en) * 2015-10-14 2017-04-20 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method of increasing the temperature of gas in a cryogenic pressure vessel
DE102017217348A1 (en) * 2017-09-28 2019-03-28 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pressure vessel system and method for supplying fuel from a pressure vessel system
US20200309324A1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2020-10-01 Airbus Operations Gmbh Fuel extraction system, fuel tank apparatus having a fuel extraction system, and fuel cell system having a fuel extraction system

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