WO2023223236A1 - Multifunctional distributor unit for an automotive fuel cell system - Google Patents

Multifunctional distributor unit for an automotive fuel cell system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023223236A1
WO2023223236A1 PCT/IB2023/055081 IB2023055081W WO2023223236A1 WO 2023223236 A1 WO2023223236 A1 WO 2023223236A1 IB 2023055081 W IB2023055081 W IB 2023055081W WO 2023223236 A1 WO2023223236 A1 WO 2023223236A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
distributor
duct
pressure
reducer
downstream
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/055081
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Federico AVINO
Renato Santulli
Original Assignee
Omb Saleri S.P.A. - Societa' Benefit
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Omb Saleri S.P.A. - Societa' Benefit filed Critical Omb Saleri S.P.A. - Societa' Benefit
Publication of WO2023223236A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023223236A1/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
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—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
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F17C2205/0146—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels with details of the manifold
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0332—Safety valves or pressure relief valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0338—Pressure regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0341—Filters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, regulators
    • F17C2205/0385—Constructional details of valves, regulators in blocks or units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—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
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/015—Facilitating maintenance
    • 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
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • 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
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the obj ect of the present invention is to provide a multi functional distributor unit for an automotive fuel cell system .
  • the obj ect of the present invention is a distributor unit for the supply of a plurality of high-pressure hydrogen tanks .
  • the gas is stored at high pressure , for example 350 or 700 or at times 1000 bar, in a plurality of tanks . It is therefore necessary to manage the gas flow during filling operations from a supply mouth to the tanks and from the tanks downstream, which also produce an initial drop in pressure , in such a way that the gas approaches the conditions of use for fuel cells .
  • the obj ect of the present invention is that of implementing a distributor unit for a multi functional valve unit for an automotive fuel cell system provided with a plurality of tanks in which hydrogen is stored at high pressure .
  • This obj ect is achieved by means of a distributor unit according to claim 1 .
  • the dependent claims describe further advantageous embodiments of the distributor unit .
  • This obj ect is furthermore achieved by means of a system comprising the distributor unit .
  • FIG. 1 shows a diagram of part of an automotive fuel cell system, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a multi functional valve unit comprising a distributor unit and a reducer unit , according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a further image of the valve unit in Figure 2.
  • the system 1 comprises a plurality of multifunctional valves 8, 10, 12, each multifunctional valve 8, 10, 12 being applied to a neck of a relevant tank 2, 4, 6 in order to manage the gas flow at the inlet to the tank and at the outlet of the tank and, preferably, in order to perform safety functions and detect the operating parameters of the relevant tank.
  • the system 1 comprises a plurality of thermal safety devices 14, 16, 18 each device being applied to a base of a relevant tank for the sudden evacuation of gas in the event of a safety threshold temperature being surpassed.
  • the system 1 furthermore comprises a distributor unit 20 provided with a supply inlet 22 connectable upstream to a supply outlet 24 for the release of gas during supply operations, and with a plurality of mouths 26, 27, 28, each of which is operatively connected upstream to the supply inlet 22 and downstream is connectable, by means of a relevant duct 32, 34, 36, to the relevant multifunctional valve 8, 10, 12 of one of said tanks 2, 4, 6.
  • a distributor unit 20 provided with a supply inlet 22 connectable upstream to a supply outlet 24 for the release of gas during supply operations, and with a plurality of mouths 26, 27, 28, each of which is operatively connected upstream to the supply inlet 22 and downstream is connectable, by means of a relevant duct 32, 34, 36, to the relevant multifunctional valve 8, 10, 12 of one of said tanks 2, 4, 6.
  • the distributor unit 20 further comprises a first high-pressure sensor 38, applied to a first sensor socket 40 fluidly connected to the mouths 26, 27, 28, with the aim of allowing the first high- pressure sensor 38 to measure the pressure of the supply to the tanks or the use pressure from the tanks.
  • the distributor unit 20 furthermore comprises a nonreturn valve 42 placed downstream of the supply inlet 22 and upstream of the mouths 26, 27, 28 to prevent the flow of gas from the mouths 26, 27, 28 towards the supply inlet 22.
  • the distributor unit 20 comprises a first filter 43 placed upstream of the mouths 26, 27, 28, preferably upstream of the non-return valve 42 and downstream of the supply inlet 22.
  • the distributor unit 20 comprises a main duct 44, downstream of the non-return valve 42, taking into account the gas flow during supply, connected to the supply inlet 22 and to the mouths 26, 27, 28.
  • the distributor unit 20 furthermore comprises a high-pressure outlet duct 46 for the output of the gas, at high pressure, to the reducer unit 48 which will be described hereinafter .
  • the distributor unit 20 furthermore comprises an opening/closing valve 50 connected upstream, taking into account the gas flow during use , to the main duct 44 and downstream to the high-pressure outlet duct .
  • the opening/closing valve 50 is normally closed; in other words , when not being actioned, the valve is in a closing configuration in which it prevents the gas from transiting from the main duct 44 to the high-pressure outlet duct 46 .
  • the opening/closing valve 50 is electromagnetically operable , by means of an electrical supply from a coil 52 , in order switch to an opening configuration in which it allows the gas to transit from the main duct 44 to the high-pressure outlet duct 46 .
  • the distributor unit 20 further comprises a second high-pressure sensor 54 , applied to a second sensor socket 56 , fluidly connected to the high- pressure outlet duct , with the aim of allowing the second high-pressure sensor 54 to measure the pressure at the outlet to the reducer unit 48 .
  • the distributor unit 20 comprises a second filter 58 placed upstream of the opening/closing valve 50 and downstream of the mouths 26 , 27 , 28 .
  • the distributor unit 20 comprises a manual tap 60 that is closed during normal use of the system and openable in the case of maintenance works for which by-passing the opening/closing valve 50 is required .
  • the tap 60 operates along a by-pass duct 62 that is connected upstream of the opening/closing valve 50 and downstream of the opening/closing valve 50 .
  • the distributor unit 20 comprises a one-piece distributor body 70 , for example made of a metallic material , for example aluminum or one of the alloys thereof , inside of which are the main duct 44 and the high-pressure outlet duct 46 , and optionally the by-pass duct 62 .
  • the distributor body 70 for example prismatic in shape , includes a first flat surface 72 onto which the mouths 26 , 27 , 28 open .
  • the distributor body 70 also has a second flat surface 74 on which the supply inlet 22 is arranged and, preferably, a third flat surface 76 on which the coil 52 of the opening/closing valve 50 is arranged .
  • the distributor body 70 includes a fourth flat surface , opposite and parallel to the first flat surface 72 , on which there is provided a plurality of mouths for the tanks .
  • the sum of the number of mouths 26 , 27 , 28 that is envisaged for the first flat surface 72 and of the number of mouths envisaged for the fourth flat surface is equal to the number of tanks .
  • the distributor unit 20 is fluidly connected to the reducer unit 48 by means of a connection duct 80 that emerges from the distributor body 70 ; the high-pressure outlet duct 46 leads out into the connection duct 80 .
  • the reducer unit 48 comprises a pressure reducer 82 , preferably a two-stage pressure reducer, connected upstream to the connection duct 80 and downstream to a medium-pressure outlet duct 84 .
  • the reducer unit 48 comprises an excess flow valve 85 , connected upstream to the connection duct 80 and downstream to the pressure reducer 82 .
  • the excess flow valve 85 is normally open; in other words , in an opening configuration, in which it is not active , it allows the gas to transit from the connection duct 80 to the pressure reducer 82 without disturbing it .
  • a closing configuration on the other hand, once the safety threshold flow has been exceeded, it limits the gas flow transiting from the connection duct 80 to the pressure reducer 82 .
  • the reducer unit 48 comprises a release valve 86 connected upstream to the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 and downstream to a release mouth 88 .
  • the release valve 86 is normally closed; in other words , in a closing configuration, in which it is inactive , it prevents the gas from transiting from the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 to the release mouth 88 .
  • a closing configuration in which it is inactive
  • it prevents the gas from transiting from the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 to the release mouth 88 .
  • an opening configuration achieved when exceeding a safety threshold pressure , in order to prevent the over-elevated pressure of the gas from damaging further devices downstream of the reducer unit 48 , it allows the gas to transit from the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 to the release mouth 88 .
  • the reducer unit 48 comprises a manual tap 90 connected upstream to the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 and downstream to a discharge duct 92 connected to a discharge mouth 94 . Furthermore, the reducer unit 48 comprises a mechanically actuated non-return valve 96 , operating along the discharge duct 92 and arranged between the manual tap 90 and the discharge mouth 94 .
  • the non-return valve 96 prevents the gas from transiting from the discharge duct 92 towards the discharge mouth 94 .
  • the manual tap 90 is closed and the non-return valve 96 is in the closing configuration .
  • the manual tap 90 is opened manually and into the discharge mouth 94 a discharge stub is inserted that is usually connected to a discharge pipe and that acts mechanically upon the non-return valve 96 and moves it to the open configuration .
  • the gas may then be discharged in the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 by means of the manual tap 90 , the non-return valve 96 and the discharge mouth 94 connected to the discharge tubing by means of the discharge stub .
  • the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 is connected to a medium-pressure outlet mouth 100 to which those devices that are downstream of the reducer unit 48 are connected .
  • the reducer unit 48 comprises a first medium-pressure sensor 102 connected to the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 , downstream of the release valve 86 and upstream of the manual tap 90 .
  • the reducer unit 48 comprises a second medium-pressure sensor 104 connected to the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 , downstream of the release valve 90 and upstream of the medium-pressure outlet duct 100 .
  • the distributor unit comprises at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the gas .
  • a first temperature sensor is connected to the main duct 44 , for example by means of a first temperature socket , for example alongside the first sensor socket 40 .
  • a second temperature sensor is connected to the high-pressure outlet duct 46 , for example by means of a second temperature socket , for example alongside the second sensor socket 56.
  • the distributor unit according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks discussed above in reference to the prior art .
  • the distributor unit according to the present invention has a reduced number of components and consequently a reduction in the number of points where losses of gas may be veri f ied .
  • the distributor unit has a reduction in the overall manufacturing cost , a total weight reduction and a smaller footprint .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

An automotive fuel cell system provided with a plurality of high-pressure hydrogen tanks comprises a distributor unit (20) comprising a one-piece distributor body (70), a non-return valve (42) and an opening/closing valve (50). The opening/closing valve (50) is normally closed and electromagnetically operable to switch to an opening configuration in which it allows the gas to transit.

Description

"MULTIFUNCTIONAL DISTRIBUTOR UNIT FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE FUEL
CELL SYSTEM" DESCRIPTION
Techni cal fi eld
[0001] The obj ect of the present invention is to provide a multi functional distributor unit for an automotive fuel cell system . In particular, the obj ect of the present invention is a distributor unit for the supply of a plurality of high-pressure hydrogen tanks .
Pri or art
[0002] In high-pressure automotive hydrogen fuel cell systems , especially where intended for the movement of heavy vehicles such as buses , commercial vehicles , ships and suchlike , the gas is stored at high pressure , for example 350 or 700 or at times 1000 bar, in a plurality of tanks . It is therefore necessary to manage the gas flow during filling operations from a supply mouth to the tanks and from the tanks downstream, which also produce an initial drop in pressure , in such a way that the gas approaches the conditions of use for fuel cells .
[0003] It is therefore appropriate to identi fy appropriate configurations for those valve devices that are intended to manage gas flows , in such a way as to integrate the functions and simpli fy the structures thereof , with the aim of reducing the production costs for such devices and the comprehensive weight thereof .
Obj ect of the inventi on
[0004] The obj ect of the present invention is that of implementing a distributor unit for a multi functional valve unit for an automotive fuel cell system provided with a plurality of tanks in which hydrogen is stored at high pressure .
[0005] This obj ect is achieved by means of a distributor unit according to claim 1 . The dependent claims describe further advantageous embodiments of the distributor unit . This obj ect is furthermore achieved by means of a system comprising the distributor unit .
Bri ef descripti on of the drawings
[0006] The features and advantages of the distributor unit according to the present invention will be apparent from the description below, given by way of non-limiting example in accordance with the figures in the attached drawings , wherein :
- Figure 1 shows a diagram of part of an automotive fuel cell system, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a multi functional valve unit comprising a distributor unit and a reducer unit , according to one embodiment of the present invention;
- Figure 3 is a further image of the valve unit in Figure 2.
Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention [0007] With reference to Figure 1, part of an automotive fuel cell system is indicated in its entirety with the numeral 1, the system comprising a plurality of tanks 2, 4, 6 for the storage of hydrogen at high-pressure. For example, three or four tanks are envisaged.
[0008] The system 1 comprises a plurality of multifunctional valves 8, 10, 12, each multifunctional valve 8, 10, 12 being applied to a neck of a relevant tank 2, 4, 6 in order to manage the gas flow at the inlet to the tank and at the outlet of the tank and, preferably, in order to perform safety functions and detect the operating parameters of the relevant tank.
[0009] Preferably, the system 1 comprises a plurality of thermal safety devices 14, 16, 18 each device being applied to a base of a relevant tank for the sudden evacuation of gas in the event of a safety threshold temperature being surpassed.
[0010] The system 1 furthermore comprises a distributor unit 20 provided with a supply inlet 22 connectable upstream to a supply outlet 24 for the release of gas during supply operations, and with a plurality of mouths 26, 27, 28, each of which is operatively connected upstream to the supply inlet 22 and downstream is connectable, by means of a relevant duct 32, 34, 36, to the relevant multifunctional valve 8, 10, 12 of one of said tanks 2, 4, 6.
[0011] Preferably, the distributor unit 20 further comprises a first high-pressure sensor 38, applied to a first sensor socket 40 fluidly connected to the mouths 26, 27, 28, with the aim of allowing the first high- pressure sensor 38 to measure the pressure of the supply to the tanks or the use pressure from the tanks.
[0012] The distributor unit 20 furthermore comprises a nonreturn valve 42 placed downstream of the supply inlet 22 and upstream of the mouths 26, 27, 28 to prevent the flow of gas from the mouths 26, 27, 28 towards the supply inlet 22.
[0013] Preferably, furthermore, the distributor unit 20 comprises a first filter 43 placed upstream of the mouths 26, 27, 28, preferably upstream of the non-return valve 42 and downstream of the supply inlet 22.
[0014] The distributor unit 20 comprises a main duct 44, downstream of the non-return valve 42, taking into account the gas flow during supply, connected to the supply inlet 22 and to the mouths 26, 27, 28.
[0015] The distributor unit 20 furthermore comprises a high-pressure outlet duct 46 for the output of the gas, at high pressure, to the reducer unit 48 which will be described hereinafter .
[0016] The distributor unit 20 furthermore comprises an opening/closing valve 50 connected upstream, taking into account the gas flow during use , to the main duct 44 and downstream to the high-pressure outlet duct .
[0017] The opening/closing valve 50 is normally closed; in other words , when not being actioned, the valve is in a closing configuration in which it prevents the gas from transiting from the main duct 44 to the high-pressure outlet duct 46 . The opening/closing valve 50 is electromagnetically operable , by means of an electrical supply from a coil 52 , in order switch to an opening configuration in which it allows the gas to transit from the main duct 44 to the high-pressure outlet duct 46 .
[0018] Preferably, the distributor unit 20 further comprises a second high-pressure sensor 54 , applied to a second sensor socket 56 , fluidly connected to the high- pressure outlet duct , with the aim of allowing the second high-pressure sensor 54 to measure the pressure at the outlet to the reducer unit 48 .
[0019] Preferably, furthermore , the distributor unit 20 comprises a second filter 58 placed upstream of the opening/closing valve 50 and downstream of the mouths 26 , 27 , 28 .
[0020] Preferably, furthermore , the distributor unit 20 , comprises a manual tap 60 that is closed during normal use of the system and openable in the case of maintenance works for which by-passing the opening/closing valve 50 is required .
[0021] The tap 60 operates along a by-pass duct 62 that is connected upstream of the opening/closing valve 50 and downstream of the opening/closing valve 50 .
[0022] The distributor unit 20 comprises a one-piece distributor body 70 , for example made of a metallic material , for example aluminum or one of the alloys thereof , inside of which are the main duct 44 and the high-pressure outlet duct 46 , and optionally the by-pass duct 62 .
[0023] The distributor body 70 , for example prismatic in shape , includes a first flat surface 72 onto which the mouths 26 , 27 , 28 open . The distributor body 70 also has a second flat surface 74 on which the supply inlet 22 is arranged and, preferably, a third flat surface 76 on which the coil 52 of the opening/closing valve 50 is arranged .
[0024] According to a further embodiment , the distributor body 70 includes a fourth flat surface , opposite and parallel to the first flat surface 72 , on which there is provided a plurality of mouths for the tanks . Preferably, the sum of the number of mouths 26 , 27 , 28 that is envisaged for the first flat surface 72 and of the number of mouths envisaged for the fourth flat surface is equal to the number of tanks .
[0025] The distributor unit 20 is fluidly connected to the reducer unit 48 by means of a connection duct 80 that emerges from the distributor body 70 ; the high-pressure outlet duct 46 leads out into the connection duct 80 .
[0026] The reducer unit 48 comprises a pressure reducer 82 , preferably a two-stage pressure reducer, connected upstream to the connection duct 80 and downstream to a medium-pressure outlet duct 84 .
[0027] Preferably, the reducer unit 48 comprises an excess flow valve 85 , connected upstream to the connection duct 80 and downstream to the pressure reducer 82 . The excess flow valve 85 is normally open; in other words , in an opening configuration, in which it is not active , it allows the gas to transit from the connection duct 80 to the pressure reducer 82 without disturbing it . In a closing configuration, on the other hand, once the safety threshold flow has been exceeded, it limits the gas flow transiting from the connection duct 80 to the pressure reducer 82 .
[0028] Preferably, furthermore, the reducer unit 48 comprises a release valve 86 connected upstream to the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 and downstream to a release mouth 88 .
[0029] The release valve 86 is normally closed; in other words , in a closing configuration, in which it is inactive , it prevents the gas from transiting from the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 to the release mouth 88 . In an opening configuration, on the other hand, achieved when exceeding a safety threshold pressure , in order to prevent the over-elevated pressure of the gas from damaging further devices downstream of the reducer unit 48 , it allows the gas to transit from the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 to the release mouth 88 .
[0030] Preferably, furthermore, the reducer unit 48 comprises a manual tap 90 connected upstream to the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 and downstream to a discharge duct 92 connected to a discharge mouth 94 . Furthermore , the reducer unit 48 comprises a mechanically actuated non-return valve 96 , operating along the discharge duct 92 and arranged between the manual tap 90 and the discharge mouth 94 .
[0031] In a closing configuration, in which it is inactive , the non-return valve 96 prevents the gas from transiting from the discharge duct 92 towards the discharge mouth 94 . During normal functioning of the reducer unit 48 , the manual tap 90 is closed and the non-return valve 96 is in the closing configuration . For the performance of maintenance operations , the manual tap 90 is opened manually and into the discharge mouth 94 a discharge stub is inserted that is usually connected to a discharge pipe and that acts mechanically upon the non-return valve 96 and moves it to the open configuration . The gas may then be discharged in the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 by means of the manual tap 90 , the non-return valve 96 and the discharge mouth 94 connected to the discharge tubing by means of the discharge stub .
[0032] Finally, the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 is connected to a medium-pressure outlet mouth 100 to which those devices that are downstream of the reducer unit 48 are connected .
[0033] Preferably, furthermore, the reducer unit 48 comprises a first medium-pressure sensor 102 connected to the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 , downstream of the release valve 86 and upstream of the manual tap 90 .
[0034] Furthermore , preferably, the reducer unit 48 comprises a second medium-pressure sensor 104 connected to the medium-pressure outlet duct 84 , downstream of the release valve 90 and upstream of the medium-pressure outlet duct 100 .
[0035] According to an embodiment variant , furthermore , the distributor unit comprises at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the gas . [0036] For example , a first temperature sensor is connected to the main duct 44 , for example by means of a first temperature socket , for example alongside the first sensor socket 40 .
[0037] According to a further example , a second temperature sensor is connected to the high-pressure outlet duct 46 , for example by means of a second temperature socket , for example alongside the second sensor socket 56.
[0038] Innovatively, the distributor unit according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks discussed above in reference to the prior art .
[0039] In particular, advantageously, the distributor unit according to the present invention has a reduced number of components and consequently a reduction in the number of points where losses of gas may be veri f ied .
[0040] Advantageously, furthermore , the distributor unit has a reduction in the overall manufacturing cost , a total weight reduction and a smaller footprint .
[0041] Furthermore , advantageously, the amount of time required for installation on-board a vehicle is reduced, as is the amount of time required for testing and maintenance .
[0042] It is understood that a person skilled in the art could make modi fications to the distributor unit described above , all of which are contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .

Claims

1. A distributor unit (20) for managing the gas flow for an automotive fuel cell system, comprising: a one-piece distributor body (70) , having a supply inlet (22) , an inner main duct (44) , an inner high- pressure outlet duct (46) , and mouths (26, 27, 28) for the connection with tanks (2, 4, 6) of the system (1) ;
- a non-return valve (42) operating in the distributor body, downstream of the supply inlet (22) and upstream of the mouths (26, 27, 28) to prevent the gas flow from the mouths (26, 27, 28) towards the supply inlet (22) ; an opening/closing valve (50) operating in the distributor body, connected upstream, taking into account the gas flow when using the system (1) , to the main duct (44) and downstream to the high-pressure outlet duct (46) , said opening/closing valve (50) being usually closed in a closing configuration, in which it prevents the gas from transiting from the main duct (44) to the high-pressure outlet duct (46) , and electromagnetically operable to switch to an opening configuration, in which it allows the gas to transit from the main duct (44) to the high-pressure outlet duct (46) .
2. A distributor unit according to claim 1, wherein the distributor body (70) includes a first sensor socket (40) fluidly connected to the mouths (26, 27, 28) for the connection with a first high-pressure sensor (38) .
3. A distributor unit according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first filter (43) placed upstream of the mouths (26, 27, 28) .
4. A distributor unit according to claim 3, wherein the first filter (43) is placed upstream of the non-return valve (42) and downstream of the supply inlet (22) .
5. A distributor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor body (70) includes a second sensor socket (56) , fluidly connected to the high-pressure outlet duct (46) for the connection of a second high-pressure sensor (54) .
6. A distributor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second filter (58) placed upstream of the opening/closing valve (50) and downstream of the mouths (26, 27, 28) .
7. A distributor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor body (70) includes an inner by-pass duct (62) , connected upstream of the opening/closing valve (50) and downstream of the opening/closing valve (50) to bypass it, and wherein the distributor unit comprises a manual tap (60) , operating along said by-pass duct (62) , closed during normal use of the system and openable in case of maintenance works for which by-passing the opening/closing valve (50) is required .
8. A distributor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor body (70) is prismatic in shape and includes a first flat surface (72) carrying the mouths (26, 27, 28) and a second flat surface (74) carrying the supply inlet (22) .
9. A distributor unit according to claim 8, wherein the distributor body (70) includes a third flat surface (76) carrying a coil (52) of the opening/closing valve (50) .
10. A distributor unit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the distributor body (70) includes a fourth flat surface, opposite and parallel to the first flat surface (72) , carrying further mouths for the tanks.
11. A distributor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor body (70) includes at least one temperature seat for the connection of a temperature sensor.
12. An automotive fuel cell system (1) , comprising:
- a distributor unit (20) according to any one of the preceding claims;
- a reducer unit (48) comprising a pressure reducer (82) connected downstream to a medium-pressure outlet duct
(84) ; - a connection duct (80) outside the distributor body (70) and the reducer unit (48) , which connects the high- pressure outlet duct (46) of the distributor unit (20) to the reducer unit (48) , upstream of the pressure reducer (82) .
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the pressure reducer (82) is a two-stage pressure reducer.
14. A system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the reducer unit (48) comprises an excess flow valve (85) connected upstream to the connection duct (80) and downstream to the pressure reducer (82) , said excess flow valve (85) being normally open in an opening configuration, in which it allows the gas to transit from the connection duct (80) to the pressure reducer (82) without disturbing it, and in a closing configuration, achieved when exceeding a safety threshold flow, it limits the gas flow transiting from the connection duct (80) to the pressure reducer (82) .
15. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the reducer unit (48) comprises a release valve (86) connected upstream to the medium-pressure outlet duct (84) and downstream to a release mouth (88) , said release valve (8) being normally closed in a closing configuration, in which it prevents the gas from transiting from the medium-pressure outlet duct (84) to the release mouth (88) , and in an opening configuration, achieved when exceeding a safety threshold pressure, it allows the gas to transit from the medium-pressure outlet duct (84) to the release mouth (88) . 16. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the reducer unit (48) comprises a manual tap (90) , connected upstream to the medium-pressure outlet duct (84) and downstream to a discharge duct (92) ending with a discharge mouth (94) . 17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the reducer unit (48) comprises a mechanically actuated non-return valve (96) , operating along the discharge duct (92) , between the manual tap (90) and the discharge mouth (94) . 18. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the reducer unit (48) comprises at least one medium-pressure sensor (102; 104) connected to the medium-pressure outlet duct (84) .
PCT/IB2023/055081 2022-05-17 2023-05-17 Multifunctional distributor unit for an automotive fuel cell system WO2023223236A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102022000010226A IT202200010226A1 (en) 2022-05-17 2022-05-17 MULTIFUNCTION DISTRIBUTOR GROUP FOR A FUEL CELL AUTOTRACTION SYSTEM
IT102022000010226 2022-05-17

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WO2023223236A1 true WO2023223236A1 (en) 2023-11-23

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PCT/IB2023/055081 WO2023223236A1 (en) 2022-05-17 2023-05-17 Multifunctional distributor unit for an automotive fuel cell system

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IT (1) IT202200010226A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2023223236A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150059895A1 (en) * 2013-08-30 2015-03-05 dHybrid Systems, LLC Vehicle fueling manifold assembly
DE102020103155A1 (en) * 2020-02-07 2021-08-12 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pressure vessel arrangement and pressure vessel system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150059895A1 (en) * 2013-08-30 2015-03-05 dHybrid Systems, LLC Vehicle fueling manifold assembly
DE102020103155A1 (en) * 2020-02-07 2021-08-12 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pressure vessel arrangement and pressure vessel system

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