Pressure Vessel System Including a Pressure Vessel Assembly

Abstract

The technology disclosed by the invention relates to a pressure vessel system for a motor vehicle for storing fuel, comprising a plurality of pressure vessels (100) that are combined to a pressure vessel assembly (10), the pressure vessels (100), when mounted, being arranged substantially in parallel relative to each other, and the pressure vessels (100) being fluidically interconnected via a common fuel line (200).

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A pressure vessel system for storage of fuel in a motor vehicle, comprising: a plurality of pressure vessels which are combined in a pressure vessel assembly, wherein the plurality of pressure vessels, in an installed position, are essentially arranged in parallel with one another and wherein the plurality of pressure vessels are mutually fluidically connected by a common fuel line.

17. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, wherein the fuel line is configured in a form of a fuel rail.

18. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, further comprising at least one respective thermally activatable pressure relief device disposed on, or in direct proximity to, each end of the fuel line.

19. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, further comprising a respective thermally activatable pressure relief device disposed at a distal end of the plurality of pressure vessels with respect to the fuel line.

20. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, further comprising a respective thermally activatable pressure relief device disposed only at a distal end of outermost pressure vessels of the plurality of pressure vessels.

21. The pressure vessel system according to claim 19, wherein the respective thermally activatable pressure relief device comprises a housing, in or on which, additionally, a temperature sensor is disposed

22. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, wherein only a single temperature sensor is provided on or in the pressure vessel assembly.

23. The pressure vessel system according to claim 22, wherein the single temperature sensor: i) is arranged on, or in proximity to, an end of the fuel line, or ii) is arranged at a distal end of a pressure vessel of the plurality of pressure vessels.

24. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, further comprising at least one further pressure vessel for storage of fuel, wherein the at least one further pressure vessel assumes a first fuel storage volume which is greater than a second fuel storage volume of a largest pressure vessel in the pressure vessel assembly by at least a factor of two.

25. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, wherein a volume ratio assumes a value between 0.15 and 1.0 and wherein the volume ratio is a quotient of the first fuel storage volume of the at least one further pressure vessel, as a numerator, to a total fuel storage volume of all of the plurality of pressure vessels in the pressure vessel assembly, as a denominator.

26. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, further comprising an underfloor chassis which is fittable to a vehicle body from below, wherein the pressure vessel assembly and the underfloor chassis are configured such that the pressure vessel assembly is fittable into the underfloor chassis from above and wherein a unit formed by the underfloor chassis and the pressure vessel assembly is fittable to the vehicle body from below.

27. The pressure vessel system according to claim 17, wherein proximal ends of the plurality of pressure vessels are configured in a form of fixed bearings, wherein distal ends of the plurality of pressure vessels are configured in a form of floating bearings, and wherein the fuel rail is arranged at the proximal ends.

28. The pressure vessel system according to claim 16, further comprising a shut-off valve disposed on the fuel line, wherein the plurality of pressure vessels of the pressure vessel assembly are configured in a form of communicating pipes with no further electrically actuatable shut-off valve.

29. The pressure vessel system according to claim 28, wherein, in a housing of the shut-off valve, a pipe rupture protection device is provided and/or a thermally activatable pressure relief device is provided.

30. The pressure vessel system according to claim 26, wherein the underfloor chassis is configured to accommodate the pressure vessel assembly, an electrical energy storage apparatus, and at least one further pressure vessel such that the pressure vessel assembly, the electrical energy storage apparatus, and the at least one further pressure vessel is fittable to the motor vehicle in combination with the underfloor chassis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a pressure vessel system;

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the shut-off valve 212 according to FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of TPRDs 220 according to FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of TPRDs 120 according to FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the pressure vessel assembly 10 according to FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the underfloor chassis 20 according to FIG. 1; and

[0040] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the mounting principle of the pressure vessel assembly 10 according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the pressure vessel system according to the technology disclosed herein. The tank nozzle 420 is fluidically connected by means of a fuel line to a distributor unit 410. In the distributor unit 410, a check valve can be provided, which is designed to prevent any backflow to the tank nozzle 420. The distributor unit 410 is fluidically connected to an on-tank valve 310 of the further pressure vessel 300 which, for example, can be arranged below the rear seats. In the on-tank valve 310, appropriately, a shut-off valve, a temperature sensor, a pipe rupture protection device and/or a filter can be provided (in part, not represented here). In a further configuration, a TPRD can also be provided at the opposing end of the further pressure vessel 300.

[0042] A fuel line 406 connects the distributor unit 410 to a pressure reducing unit 430 in which, in this case, a pipe rupture protection device 432, at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, a mechanical safety valve 436 and a pressure reducer 434 can be provided. Down-circuit of the pressure reducer 434, moreover, a service interface 438 is provided in this case, which is configured for the release of fuel.

[0043] The fuel line 402 connects the distributor unit 410 to the shut-off valve 212. The shut-off valve 212 (c.f. FIG. 2) is an electrically actuatable shut-off valve, which is designed to isolate the fluidic connection of the pressure vessel assembly 10 from the remainder of the fuel supply system. Here, the fuel line 200 is configured in the form of a fuel rail. It is arranged in, or on the pressure vessel assembly 10. The fuel rail is a line, from which rail terminals for the attachment of individual pressure vessels 100 originate. The fuel line 200 can be configured as a mechanically rigid fuel rail such that, even in the event of an intrusion associated with an accident, the fuel rail does not fail. Alternatively, a comparatively flexible fuel line can be provided, which is accommodated in a line housing. The function of the line housing is to additionally protect the fuel line 200 against mechanical intrusion. The individual pressure vessels 100 of the pressure vessel assembly 10 are essentially arranged in parallel with one another, and arranged with a equal spacing from one another. In this case, these pressure vessels 100 assume essentially the same length. Depending upon the structural space in which the pressure vessel assembly 10 is to be installed, individual pressure vessels 100 of the pressure vessel assembly 10 can assume a different length and/or a different diameter. Preferably, between the individual pressure vessels 100 and the fuel line 200, no further electrically actuatable shut-off valves are provided such that, in the regulation operation of the pressure vessel system, the individual pressure vessels 100 of the pressure vessel assembly 10 are directly fluidically connected to one another, in the manner of communicating pipes. In this case, the reference symbol L represents the overall length of the fuel line 200.

[0044] The ends of the pressures vessels 100 which are connected to the fuel line 200 are the proximal ends of the pressure vessels 100. The ends of the pressure vessels 100 which are arranged on the opposing side, with respect to the fuel line 200, are the distal ends of the pressure vessels 100.

[0045] Advantageously, at the distal ends of the two outermost pressure vessels 100i.e., those pressure vessels 100 which, in an overhead view, do not have a further pressure vessel 100 arranged on either sideone TPRD and, advantageously, also one temperature sensor are provided in each case. In the housing or unit of the shut-off valve 212, a TPRD is also provided. Moreover, on, or in proximity to the end of the fuel line, a TPRD is provided, which is arranged in opposition to the shut-off valve 212. Advantageously, the TPRDs, sensors and valves, subject to the arrangement thereof at the same locations on the pressure vessels 100 or on the fuel rail 200, are accommodated in common housings or units such that, advantageously, the number of interfaces to be sealed is reduced.

[0046] In a further configuration, it can be provided that the pressure vessel assembly 10 comprises only one temperature sensor. The single temperature sensor can preferably be arranged in, or on, or in proximity to the housing of the shut-off valve 212. In an alternative configuration, it can be provided that the sensor is arranged on, or in proximity to the opposing end of the fuel line from the shut-off valve 212 end. This provides an advantage, in that manufacturing costs are reduced. Moreover, interfaces for TPRDs which are arranged at the distal ends of pressure vessels can thus be configured with smaller dimensions, as these interfaces only comprise TPRDs, with no additional temperature sensor. Overall, this impacts advantageously upon the utilization of structural space. Additionally, it is not necessary for electrical conductors to be routed to the distal ends of pressure vessels. The temperature sensor is appropriately integrated, such that the temperature sensor is set up for the detection of temperature both during fueling and during tapping. If only one pressure vessel assembly is provided, with no further pressure vessel (e.g., a rear seat tank), the pressure sensor might also be transferred from the pressure reducing unit to the shut-off valve housing. The pressure sensor is advantageously provided, such that is it arranged between the fuel line 200 and the shut-off valve 212. A pressure measurement can thus be executed, even when the shut-off valve 212 is closed.

[0047] In particular, any missing information with respect to the temperature in the tank can be replaced as follows: [0048] in the fueling mode of operation, the tank temperature in pressure vessels can be calculated using a mathematical model. Input variables are the measured pressure and the measured temperature in the fuel line 200 up-circuit of the shut-off valve 212. Upon the completion of fueling, pressure vessels experience cooling, and the pressure drops. By reference to the pressure drop, in a preferred configuration, a plausibility check of the temperature determined can be executed; [0049] in the driving mode of operation (or tapping), for H.sub.2 mass flow rates with effect from e.g., 1 kg/h, the tank temperature can be measured by means of the temperature sensor on the shut-off valve; and [0050] in the parking mode of operation (or storage), any measurement of the tank temperature can preferably be omitted.

[0051] Additionally to the above-mentioned improvement measures, according to one variant, a pressure vessel expansion signal might be made available. This signal might originate from the measurement of a variation in length, diameter, circumference or volume, and be transmitted as an input signal to the tank controller. Pressure in a pressure vessel can be determined accordingly.

[0052] In a further configuration, the single temperature sensor is arranged at a distal end of one of the pressure vessels in the pressure vessel assembly.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows the shut-off valve 212, which is designed to isolate the pressure vessel assembly 10 from the remainder of the fuel supply system. In the housing 210 of the shut-off valve 212, a pipe rupture protection device 213, a manual valve 214 and/or a TPRD 216 are further provided. In a flow path which is arranged in parallel with the pipe rupture protection device 213, a check valve 218 is provided, which interrupts the flux in an outward direction of flow from the pressure vessel, and which releases the flux in a direction of flow towards the pressure vessels. Up-circuit of these two flow paths, the manual valve 214 and the TPRD can be arranged. In general, the housing is configured in the form of a valve unit, in which the corresponding flow channels and subcomponents are incorporated. Advantageously, the number of interfaces which require sealing against leaks can thus be reduced.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows the other end of the fuel line 200. At this end, a TPRD 220 is arranged. FIG. 4 shows a structural unit, which is arranged at a distal end of a pressure vessel 100. This structural unit can also be described as a block or housing. In this case, the TPRD 120 and a temperature sensor are integrated in this housing.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a pressure vessel assembly 10. It comprises a plurality of pressure vessels 100 (in this case, six pressure vessels), which are mechanically coupled to one another, and which thus form a mechanical unitthe pressure vessel assembly 10. The individual pressure vessels are mutually coupled at their respective ends. A rail is employed for this purpose which, in this case, secures the individual pressure vessels 100, and which additionally stiffens the assembly. In place of a rail, on one side, a correspondingly rigid fuel rail might also be provided. Advantageously, in one configuration, an (unrepresented) fuel line 200 can be provided on one side, which can additionally be protected against mechanical loads by a stable line housing.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows an underfloor chassis 20. It is subdivided into an energy store locator region 22, in which the energy store of the motor vehicle can be accommodated, an assembly locator region 21 for the pressure vessel assembly 10, and a further locator region 23 for the further pressure vessel 300. The underfloor chassis 20 appropriately comprises lateral attachment regions 24, which are employed for the attachment of the underfloor chassis 20 to the vehicle bodywork.

[0057] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the mounting assembly of the pressure vessel assembly 10 according to FIG. 1. In this case, the pressure vessels 100 are arranged in parallel with one another. At the proximal ends of the pressure vessels 100, the fixed bearing 130 is arranged. The fuel line 200 is also arranged on this side. On the opposing side of the pressure vessels 100, the floating bearing 140 is arranged. In this case, the pressure vessels 100, the bearings 130, 140 and the fuel line are accommodated in the underfloor chassis 20. In turn, the underfloor chassis 20 is secured to the vehicle bodywork at the vehicle bodywork connection regions 30. Further components of the pressure vessel assembly 10, including, for example, any valves, TPRDs, etc., are not represented.

[0058] In the interests of clarity, and by way of simplification, the expression at least one has been partially omitted. Where a feature of the technology disclosed herein is described in the singular, or by the indefinite article (e.g., the/a pressure vessel, the/a energy storage apparatus, etc.), a plurality thereof are also disclosed at the same time (e.g., the at least one energy storage apparatus, etc.).

[0059] The term essentially (e.g., pressure vessels essentially arranged in parallel), in the context of the technology disclosed herein, comprises both the exact property or exact value concerned (e.g., pressure vessels arranged in parallel) and any deviations which, in each case, are immaterial to the function of the property/value (e.g., a tolerable deviation from pressure vessels arranged in parallel).

[0060] The preceding description of the present invention is provided by way of illustration only, and is not intended to limit the invention. In the context of the invention, a variety of alterations and modifications are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, or any equivalents thereof.