Pressure Vessel Assembly and Pressure Vessel System

Abstract

A pressure vessel arrangement includes a plurality of pressure vessels configured to store fuel, and a valve arrangement with at least one valve and a plurality of tank connectors. In the pressure vessel arrangement each pressure vessel of the plurality of pressure vessels is connected to one of the tank connectors. Further, in the pressure vessel arrangement the valve arrangement connects the tank connectors directly to one another and to the at least one valve, such that a fluid exchange which is not impaired at any time by way of a valve is brought about between the individual pressure vessels.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A pressure vessel arrangement, comprising: a plurality of pressure vessels configured to store fuel; and a valve arrangement with at least one valve and a plurality of tank connectors, wherein each pressure vessel of the plurality of pressure vessels is connected to one of the tank connectors; and the valve arrangement connects the tank connectors directly to one another and to the at least one valve, such that a fluid exchange which is not impaired at any time by way of a valve is brought about between the individual pressure vessels.

17. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 16, wherein each pressure vessel has a connector piece, to which an external thread is applied, a union nut with an internal thread is attached on each tank connector, the internal thread is screwed to the external thread of the pressure vessel, and the tank connector is connected to the valve arrangement.

18. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the pressure vessel arrangement includes a pressure relief apparatus, and a pressure relief apparatus is provided only on one of the pressure vessels of the pressure vessel arrangement.

19. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the pressure vessel arrangement has one temperature sensor configured to measure an internal temperature of the pressure vessels.

20. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the temperature sensor is provided on one of the tank connectors or at a longitudinal end of a pressure vessel, and the longitudinal end of the pressure vessel lies opposite the tank connector.

21. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the pressure relief apparatus and/or the temperature sensor is arranged in or on an end piece of one pressure vessel of the pressure vessels.

22. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the valve arrangement has a manually switchable first valve, and the manually switchable first valve is connected to the tank connectors.

23. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the first valve is connected via an electrically switchable second valve to an extraction connector.

24. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the second valve is closed in a normal state.

25. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the first valve is connected via a check valve to a filling connector.

26. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 25, wherein the tank connectors are connected via a check valve to a filling connector.

27. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 26, wherein the pressure vessel arrangement has a housing which delimits and mechanically protects the pressure vessel arrangement on the outer side and ensures pressure tightness.

28. The pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 27, wherein the valve arrangement has a pressure relief apparatus which is connected to the tank connectors.

29. A pressure vessel system for a motor vehicle, comprising: a plurality of pressure vessel arrangement according to claim 28.

30. The pressure vessel system according to claim 29, further comprising: a common filling connector which is connected to the filling connectors of the valve arrangements; and a common extraction connector which is connected to extraction connectors of the valve arrangements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic pressure vessel system;

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic valve arrangement;

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a further diagrammatic valve arrangement;

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a further diagrammatic valve arrangement;

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a further diagrammatic pressure vessel system;

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic end piece;

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a further diagrammatic pressure vessel system;

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a further diagrammatic valve arrangement; and

[0043] FIG. 9 shows a further diagrammatic valve arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIG. 1 purely diagrammatically shows a pressure vessel system 100 in accordance with one embodiment. The pressure vessel system 100 has a total of four pressure vessel arrangements 10, in each case three pressure vessels 20 being provided per pressure vessel arrangement 10. Therefore, a total of twelve pressure vessels 20 are provided. It is to be understood, however, that any other number of pressure vessel arrangements 10 and/or any other number of pressure vessels 20 per pressure vessel arrangement 10 can fundamentally also be used. It can also be provided that the pressure vessel arrangements 10 of the pressure vessel system 100 have respective different numbers of pressure vessels 20. Diagrammatically shown crossmembers 11 which serve to stabilize a vehicle body (not shown) are arranged between the pressure vessel arrangements 10.

[0045] The pressure vessels 20 are configured parallel to one another here, which represents one possible embodiment, but not the only possible embodiment.

[0046] The pressure vessel system 100 has a common filling connector 110. The latter is connected via a check valve 112 to a filling line 120. An infrared interface 114 which serves for communication with a filling station is also arranged on the common filling connector 110. A pressure sensor 122 which can measure the pressure in the filling line 120 is connected to the filling line 120.

[0047] Each of the pressure vessel arrangements 10 has a respective valve arrangement 30. In the present case, each valve arrangement 30 has three tank connectors 32, a respective pressure vessel 20 being connected to each of the tank connectors 32. Furthermore, each valve arrangement 30 has a filling connector 50 which is connected to the abovementioned filling line 120.

[0048] Furthermore, each valve arrangement 30 has an extraction connector 55. An extraction line 130 is connected to the extraction connectors 55, which extraction line 130 can be used jointly for the removal of gaseous fuel from the pressure vessels 20. A pressure sensor 132 is connected to the extraction line 130, in order to measure the pressure in the extraction line 130. Moreover, a temperature sensor 134 is connected to it.

[0049] The extraction line 130 leads to a pressure reducer 140 which can decrease a pressure in the extraction line 130 to a defined outlet pressure. A pressure relief valve 145, a check valve 150 for connection to a final filling device, and a pressure sensor 152 and a temperature sensor 154 are connected on the low pressure side of this pressure reducer. Finally, a common extraction connector 160 is connected to it, to which extraction connector 160 a consumer for the gaseous fuel which is stored in the pressure vessels 20 can be connected. A consumer of this type can be, for example, a fuel cell system or a gas-operated engine.

[0050] Each pressure vessel arrangement 10 has a pressure relief apparatus 12 which, in the present case, is connected to the respective middle one of the in each case three pressure vessels 20. As a result, an excessively high pressure which is possibly situated in the pressure vessels 20 can be discharged.

[0051] In the case of each of the pressure vessel arrangements 10, the valve arrangement 30 ensures that the pressure vessels 20 are connected fluidically to one another, with the result that a largely undelayed pressure equalization is possible between them. It can therefore be assumed that the same internal pressure prevails in all pressure vessels 20 of a pressure vessel arrangement 10. Moreover, the valve arrangement 30 connects the pressure vessels 20, which are connected to it, to the filling connector 50 and the extraction connector 55 in a way which is still to be described. As a result, it is possible for the three pressure vessels 20 of each pressure vessel arrangement 10 to be filled jointly and for gas to be extracted jointly.

[0052] Furthermore, one pressure relief apparatus 12 per pressure vessel arrangement 10 is sufficient on account of the described functionality of the fluidic connection of the pressure vessels 20 via the valve arrangement 30, since it can be assumed that an overpressure event would exist in an identical way in the case of all three pressure vessels 20, and a discharge of the excessively high pressure by way of a pressure relief apparatus 12 at one of the pressure vessels 20 would also be sufficient, since the pressure relief then acts for all the pressure vessels 20 of the pressure vessel arrangement 10.

[0053] Therefore, as a result of the described pressure vessel system 100, gaseous fuel can be stored in a total of twelve pressure vessels 20 which are grouped into four pressure vessel arrangements 10 of in each case three pressure vessels 20. They can be filled jointly by the joint filling connector 110, and gaseous fuel which is stored therein can be extracted jointly via the common extraction connector 160. As a result of the use of the valve arrangements 30, the installation of a respective separate valve (typically called an On Tank Valve (OTV)) into each of the pressure vessels 20 can be dispensed with. Complexity is saved as a result.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a valve arrangement 30 in a diagrammatic view including internal circuitry. As has already been mentioned, the valve arrangement 30 has three tank connectors 32, to which the pressure vessels 20 are connected.

[0055] The valve arrangement 30 is enclosed by a housing 33 which ensures mechanical protection and pressure tightness.

[0056] A respective injector 31 is configured on each tank connector 32. The injector 31 extends into the respective pressure tank 20 and ensures that inflowing gas is injected with a preferred direction. As a result, turbulence can be achieved, as a result of which undesired temperature distributions can be avoided. Furthermore, a respective temperature sensor 34 is arranged on each of the tank connectors 32, which temperature sensor 34 likewise extends into the respective connected pressure vessel 20, in order to measure its temperature in the interior space.

[0057] As shown, the injectors 31 are connected to one another without there being an element which prevents or controls throughflow between the injectors 31. As a result, a direct pressure equalization between the pressure tanks 20 is made possible, with the result that it can be assumed that they have fundamentally the same internal pressure. Furthermore, the injectors 31 are connected to a first valve 40 which can be actuated manually. As a result, a manual shut-off or release of a filling operation and an extraction are made possible. Furthermore, the injectors 31 are connected directly to a pressure relief apparatus 35 in the form of a pressure release valve, by way of which a safety functionality is provided, since any possible overpressure in the pressure vessels 20 can be discharged. In a manner which lies opposite the injectors 31, the first valve 40 is connected to an electrically actuated second valve 42. The latter in turn is connected via a check valve 46 to the abovementioned extraction connector 55. Furthermore, the first valve 40 is connected via a check valve 44 to the abovementioned filling connector 50. These connections make filling and extraction possible, it being possible for the extraction to be electrically shut off specifically by way of the second valve 42. As a result, the extraction can be prevented without a manual actuation of the first valve 40 being required. Furthermore, the first valve 40 is connected to a connector stub 36 which makes the connection of further components possible, which connector stub 36 is closed during normal operation, however.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a valve arrangement 30 in accordance with a further possible embodiment. Here, in contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 2, three temperature sensors 34 are not arranged, but rather merely a single temperature sensor 34. It has been shown that, in the case of the embodiment which is shown in which the injectors 31 are connected directly to one another and therefore a direct pressure equalization is made possible between the pressure vessels 20, the use of a single temperature sensor 34 is typically sufficient, since the same internal temperature prevails in any case in the pressure vessels 20. Two temperature sensors can therefore be saved in the case of the embodiment which is shown. The tank connectors 32 without a temperature sensor can correspondingly be configured with a smaller diameter.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a valve arrangement 30 in accordance with a further embodiment, no temperature sensor at all being present any longer on the valve arrangement 30 in contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. An embodiment of this type can be advantageously used, in particular, if a temperature sensor is attached at another location in one of the connected pressure vessels 20, as will be described further below. All the tank connectors 32 can then be configured with a smaller diameter.

[0060] The pressure relief apparatus 35 of the valve arrangement 30 can fundamentally be dispensed with, in particular if the corresponding functionality is taken over by the abovementioned pressure relief apparatus 12 in a manner which lies opposite the valve arrangement 30.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a pressure vessel system 100 in accordance with an alternative embodiment in comparison with FIG. 1, each pressure vessel arrangement 10 having a respective end piece 60 instead of the respective pressure relief apparatus 12 in contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1. The end piece 60 is arranged on one of the three pressure vessels 20 of each pressure vessel arrangement 100 and is screwed into an opening of this pressure vessel 20. The end piece 60 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6. It can be seen here that the end piece 60 has a pressure relief apparatus 62 and a temperature sensor 64. The internal temperature of the pressure vessel 20 and therefore also the internal pressure of the other pressure vessels 20 which are connected to the valve arrangement 30 can be measured by way of the temperature sensor 64. Furthermore, a possible overpressure can be discharged from the pressure vessels 20 by way of the pressure relief apparatus 62. By means of an embodiment of this type, for example, the tank connectors 32 of the valve arrangement 30 can be configured with a smaller diameter, since the temperature sensor no longer has to be installed on the valve arrangement 30.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment of a pressure vessel system 100, a pressure relief apparatus 12 being provided on a pressure vessel 20 of each pressure vessel arrangement 10 in contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 5, and a temperature sensor 24 which is fastened to a connecting element 26 being provided on another pressure vessel 20. This can achieve a situation where the diameter of respective openings for fastening the end piece 60 is also decreased in comparison with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, since the components can be split up over two pressure vessels 20.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a valve arrangement 30 in accordance with one alternative embodiment. Here, in contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 4, the filling side and the extraction side are configured more independently of one another. In particular, the filling connector 50 is connected via the check valve 44 directly to the injectors 31, with the result that a filling path does not run via the first valve 40 as in the case of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 4. Apart from the connection to the filling connector 50, the first valve 40 is interconnected in an equivalent manner to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a valve arrangement 30 in a more geometrically detailed embodiment, and pressure vessels 20 which are to be fastened to it.

[0065] Each pressure vessel 20 has a connector piece 25 with an external thread 27 which is attached to it. Each tank connector 32 of the valve arrangement 30 has a union nut 38 with an internal thread which is configured in it and cannot be seen in FIG. 9. The injector 31 and the temperature sensor 34 are arranged in such a way that they protrude into the pressure vessel 20 when the connector piece 25 is pushed toward the tank connector 32 and is brought into engagement with the latter. A fixed connection can then be established by means of the union nut 38, by the union nut 38 being screwed with its abovementioned internal thread onto the external thread 27 of the connector piece 25. The embodiment which is shown makes a long-term and pressure-tight connection which is simple to establish between the valve arrangement 30 and the pressure vessels 20 possible, and can likewise be used for other embodiments of the valve arrangement 30, for example with fewer temperature sensors or with no temperature sensor 34.

[0066] For reasons of legibility, the expression “at least one” has been omitted partially for simplification purposes. If the feature of the technology disclosed herein is described in the singular or with the indefinite article (for example, the/a pressure vessel, the/a valve, etc.), a plurality of thereof is intended to also be disclosed at the same time (for example, the at least one pressure vessel, the at least one valve, etc.).

[0067] The preceding description of the embodiments of the present invention serves merely for illustrative purposes and not for the purpose of restricting the embodiments of the present invention. Within the context of the invention, various amendments and modifications are possible, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present invention and its equivalents.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

[0068] 10 Pressure vessel arrangement [0069] 11 Crossmember [0070] 12 Pressure relief apparatus [0071] 20 Pressure vessel [0072] 24 Temperature sensor [0073] 25 Connector piece [0074] 26 Connector element [0075] 27 External thread [0076] 30 Valve arrangement [0077] 31 Injector [0078] 32 Tank connector [0079] 33 Housing [0080] 34 Temperature sensor [0081] 35 Pressure relief apparatus [0082] 36 Connector stub [0083] 38 Union nut [0084] 40 First valve [0085] 42 Second valve [0086] 44 Check valve [0087] 46 Check valve [0088] 50 Filling connector [0089] 55 Extraction connector [0090] 60 End piece [0091] 62 Pressure relief apparatus [0092] 64 Temperature sensor [0093] 100 Pressure vessel system [0094] 110 Common filling connector [0095] 112 Check valve [0096] 114 Infrared interface [0097] 120 Filling line [0098] 122 Pressure sensor [0099] 130 Extraction line [0100] 132 Pressure sensor [0101] 134 Temperature sensor [0102] 140 Pressure reducer [0103] 145 Pressure relief valve [0104] 150 Check valve [0105] 152 Pressure sensor [0106] 154 Temperature sensor [0107] 160 Common extraction connector