DE102020213911A1 - Tank device for a fuel cell system and method for producing a tank device for a fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention creates a tank device (10) for a fuel cell system, comprising at least one pressure vessel (DB) into which a gas for the fuel cell system can be introduced and stored, the pressure vessel (DB) having a main extension direction (HR) and an outside (AS) comprises, wherein the outside (AS) in a cross section with respect to the main extension direction (HR) at least partially forms a polygonal structure (WS) which is constant along the outside (AS) in the main extension direction (HR).

Description

The present invention relates to a tank device for a fuel cell system and a method for producing a tank device for a fuel cell system.

State of the art

In the case of conventional tank systems for fuel cell systems, gas cylinders are mostly used in order to store the gas for the fuel cell system. The gas cylinders are usually round. If a plurality of gas cylinders are used in a fuel cell system, they can be arranged in a space which can be provided for storing the gas. The space can accommodate a certain number of gas bottles, depending on the geometry, size and height of the gas bottles. The round gas cylinders take up a certain space and there is a free space between them, depending on the dimensions of the gas cylinders. If the gas cylinders are lined up, approximately parallel to their cylindrical axis, they can only touch each other at one point due to their round shape.

In order to make better use of the space for storing the gas cylinders and to reduce the free space between the cylinders, a different geometric shape for the gas cylinders would be helpful.

In the DE 112006003013 B4 describes a tank with a fitting and a valve, the valve being mounted in the fitting.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a tank device for a fuel cell system according to claim 1 and a method for manufacturing a tank device for a fuel cell system according to claim 10.

Preferred developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Advantages of the Invention

The idea on which the present invention is based is to specify a tank device for a fuel cell system and a method for producing a tank device for a fuel cell system, wherein at least one pressure vessel can be provided with which a predetermined spatial area can be better filled and a storage volume for storing Gas can be increased for the fuel cell system in this space and can be better utilized. The storage of a maximum amount of the gas can thereby become more efficient in terms of amount.

According to the invention, the tank device for a fuel cell system comprises at least one pressure vessel into which a gas for the fuel cell system can be introduced and/or stored, the pressure vessel comprising a main extension direction and an outer side, the outer side forming a polygonal structure at least in regions in a cross section with respect to the main extension direction, which is constant along the outside in the main extension direction.

The gas can be gaseous hydrogen, which can be stored under a predetermined pressure in the pressure vessel.

The fuel cell system can be a fuel cell stack for a vehicle, for example. The gas for this can advantageously be gaseous hydrogen, whereas other gases can also be accommodated.

The pressure vessel may further include one or more valves for introducing and venting the gas.

The polygon structure can comprise/form a plurality of surfaces adjoining one another, which can then form a polygon or a part of a polygon in cross section. Alternatively, the pressure vessel can also comprise one or more planar sections on the outside and the outside can also comprise curved sections in some areas.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tank device, the polygon structure completely surrounds the pressure vessel around a circumference of the pressure vessel and forms a honeycomb structure or partly surrounds the pressure vessel around the circumference of the pressure vessel and forms a partial honeycomb structure. The outside can also form a partial honeycomb structure when the polygon is closed and can completely encircle the circumference axially.

In the case of a honeycomb structure, the pressure vessel can have cylindrical symmetry, with the cylinder axis being able to run in the main direction of extent.

The partial honeycomb can also completely encircle the circumference of the pressure vessel if the pressure vessel forms a half honeycomb on the outside.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tank device, this comprises a plurality of pressure vessels which are arranged next to one another in one or more directions perpendicular to the main direction of extent and whose polygon structures abut one another in a form-fitting manner, the pressure vessels being arranged parallel to one another with respect to their main directions of extent.

A height of the pressure vessels along the main extension direction can be the same for the pressure vessels or the pressure vessels can have different heights. With polygonal structures that abut each other in a form-fitting manner or can intermesh, it is possible for adjacent pressure vessels to be able to close off one another in areas without creating a free space between the adjacent pressure vessels when they are lined up, at least on the adjacent surfaces of two pressure vessels. If several pressure vessels are lined up next to each other two-dimensionally and perpendicularly to the main direction of extent, pressure vessels with such polygon structures can be selected that they can be positioned next to each other in a form-fitting manner, so that a certain space can be filled with pressure vessels, so that little or no free space remains between these pressure vessels. The pressure tanks can thus advantageously lie firmly against one another, support one another laterally via the form-fitting surfaces of the polygon structures, and overall the possible storage volume of the tank device can be improved in space with improved filling of the space (construction space) and reduction of the remaining free space between the pressure tanks. With a given volume, a specific strength of the pressure vessels relative to one another and/or at a specific position can be achieved by lying against one another.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tank device, the pressure vessels are arranged directly next to one another.

If the pressure vessels are in close contact with each other, a clearance between them can be reduced or avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tank device, this includes a holding device with which the pressure vessels are fastened to one another and/or can be fixed in a predetermined position relative to one another.

The holding device allows the pressure vessels to be held firmly together and/or at a specific position in the room. The designation "room" can refer to a construction space.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tank device, the holding device comprises a band, a metal frame, at least one rod and/or at least one plate.

There can be one band or bands and a band run around a certain number of pressure vessels and connect or fix them together.

In addition or as an alternative to the band, a fabric can also be used and be present in order to better connect the pressure vessels to one another and to fix them to one another or to a holder.

A width of the band or of the plurality of bands along the main direction of extension can vary and have at most the length in the main direction of extension of the revolving pressure vessels. In addition, a combination of material and non-positive connection can take place, in which case the pressure vessels and/or the holding device can be welded to one another and/or connected to the belt.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tank device, the band runs around the outside of adjacent pressure vessels and/or between adjacent pressure vessels.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tank device, the at least one pressure vessel comprises an inner side which comprises a round cross section or a honeycomb cross section along the main direction of extent.

A volume for storing the gas inside the pressure vessel can be increased by the round inside.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tank device, the pressure vessels with honeycomb structures and/or partial honeycomb structures are combined in their arrangement relative to one another in such a way that a plurality of pressure vessels together form a flat outer surface at least in regions.

A flat outer surface, formed from a plurality of pressure vessels, can at least partially correspond to a surface of the space (construction space) in which the pressure vessels can be arranged. With a level finish, the pressure vessels can then be inserted precisely into the installation space, at least in some areas, and the free space can be reduced compared to the volume of the installation space.

According to the invention, in a method for producing a tank device for a fuel cell system, a plurality of pressure vessels are provided, into which a gas for the fuel cell system can be introduced and stored, the pressure vessels comprising a main extension direction and an outer side, the outer side being at least partially visible in a cross section with respect to the main extension direction forms a polygonal structure which is constant along the outside in the direction of main extension, in which the polygonal structure completely surrounds the respective pressure vessel around a circumference of the pressure vessel and forms a honeycomb structure or partially surrounds the pressure vessel around the circumference of the pressure vessel and forms a partial honeycomb structure; and lining up the pressure vessels in one or more directions perpendicular to the main direction of extent, such that the pressure vessels with their polygon structures abut one another in a form-fitting manner, the pressure vessels being arranged parallel to one another with respect to their main directions of extent.

The method can advantageously also be distinguished by the features of the tank device already mentioned, and vice versa.

Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention result from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

character list

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiment specified in the schematic figures of the drawing.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Druckbehälters einer Tankeinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Anordnung mehrerer Druckbehälter einer Tankeinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3 eine Blockdarstellung von Verfahrensschritten eines Verfahrens zum Herstellen einer Tankeinrichtung für ein Brennstoffzellensystem gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a pressure vessel of a tank device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of an arrangement of several pressure vessels of a tank device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 a block diagram of method steps of a method for producing a tank device for a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figures, the same reference symbols designate the same elements or elements with the same function.

1 shows a schematic representation of a pressure vessel of a tank device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

the 1 shows a side view of the pressure vessel transverse to the main direction of extension.

The pressure vessel DB can be shaped in such a way that a gas for the fuel cell system can be introduced and stored in it, the pressure vessel DB including a main extension direction HR and an outside AS.

The pressure vessel DB can include a cavity and, in the case of a honeycomb structure, can be cylindrically symmetrical on the outside, in particular with respect to the main direction of extent HR.

The pressure vessel DB may be formed as a towed vessel and may include an end plate 17 and a front plate 18 which may close off the (cavity) pressure vessel DB at opposite ends. The end plate 17 and/or the front plate 18 can be screwed or inserted into the pressure vessel DB in its bottom areas and can be sealed by a sealing seat 20 and/or by a sealing element 21 on the end plate 17 and/or on the front plate 18, with a combination of both may be possible. The sealing seat 20 can be an enclosure in the wall of the pressure vessel DB, with the wall thickness of the pressure vessel being able to be reduced in this area, for example, in order to be able to accommodate the front plate 18 or the end plate 17 . The sealing element 21 can be, for example, an elastic and/or sealing ring element, which can be arranged in the area of the front plate 18 or end plate 17 at its edge between this and the wall of the pressure vessel DB, for example in the front plate 18 or end plate 17 or in the wall of the pressure vessel. The sealing element 21 can, for example, at least partially fill a free space in the front plate 18 or end plate 17 or in the wall of the pressure vessel and can attach itself to the element opposite the free space (in the case of the 1 on the wall of the pressure vessel) and seal the interior of the pressure vessel from an outside area at the termination point of the front plate 18 or end plate 17 (pressure seal from the inside area to the outside area on this respective component).

A throttle point 19 can be present on the front panel 18, approximately in the middle of the front panel 18, and represent a closable connection between the interior and exterior of the pressure vessel. On the front panel, towards the outside, a Shut-off valve 22 with an electrical connection 24 and a fluid connection 23 may be present.

The shut-off valve can release the flow cross-section in and out of the pressure vessel. This shut-off valve can be switched (regulated/controlled) by a control unit.

2 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of several pressure vessels of a tank device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

the 2 shows a view in the direction of the main extension direction, wherein in the 2 multiple pressure vessels DB1, DB2, etc. are shown. The pressure vessels each have an inner area surrounded by an inner side IN. The outer side AS can form a polygonal structure WS at least in some areas in a cross section with respect to the main direction of extension, it being possible for a first pressure vessel DB1 to comprise a honeycomb structure WS on the outer side AS. In other words, planar areas can adjoin one another along the circumference of the first pressure vessel DB1 and form a honeycomb with planes of the same dimensions. A second pressure vessel DB2 can be designed as a partial honeycomb structure TWS, for example as a half honeycomb. The first pressure vessel DB1 may comprise a circular inside IN and the second pressure vessel DB2 may comprise a (semi) honeycomb inside, such as with a predetermined wall thickness, which may be constant in the same pressure vessel or may vary depending on the level on the outside. The pressure vessels can have different wall thicknesses, regardless of whether the inside is round or polygonal.

Several pressure vessels can be arranged in a modular system, with the polygonal structures, preferably the honeycomb, being lined up next to one another. For example, a honeycomb can be supplemented by an adjacent further honeycomb or half-honeycomb in two dimensions and arranged next to one another perpendicularly to the main directions of extent, advantageously without creating any free space in the installation volume of the tank device 10 . At the outer regions of the pressure vessels, these can be connected to one another in such a way that a flat surface F can be formed at least in certain areas, which can fill out a volume of installation space in a form-fitting manner.

The pressure vessels can be arranged parallel to one another with respect to their main directions of extent and directly adjoin one another.

The tank device 10 can include a holding device HE, with which the pressure vessels can be attached to one another and/or can be fixed in a predetermined position relative to one another. The holding device HE can comprise a band. The strap may extend externally around and hold adjacent pressure vessels and/or between adjacent pressure vessels. Furthermore or alternatively, a clamping device for fixing the pressure vessels (rods/plates) can be present (not shown).

According to the invention, the honeycombs can be layered and/or stacked very easily in one and/or a second dimension in order to optimally utilize an existing installation space

3 shows a block diagram of method steps of a method for producing a tank device for a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the method for producing a tank device for a fuel cell system, a plurality of pressure vessels are provided S1, into which a gas for the fuel cell system can be introduced and stored, the pressure vessels comprising a main extension direction and an outer side, the outer side being at least partially visible in a cross section with respect to the main extension direction forms a polygonal structure which is constant along the outside in the direction of main extension, in which the polygonal structure completely surrounds the respective pressure vessel around a circumference of the pressure vessel and forms a honeycomb structure or partially surrounds the pressure vessel around the circumference of the pressure vessel and forms a partial honeycomb structure; and a row S2 of the pressure vessels next to one another in one or more directions perpendicular to the main extension direction such that the pressure vessels with their polygon structures abut one another in a form-fitting manner, the pressure vessels being arranged parallel to one another with respect to their main extension directions.

Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiment, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in a variety of ways.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 112006003013 B4 [0004]

Claims (10)

Tank device (10) for a fuel cell system, comprising: - at least one pressure vessel (DB) into which a gas for the fuel cell system can be introduced and stored, the pressure vessel (DB) having a main extension direction (HR) and an outer side (AS), the outer side (AS) being in a cross section with respect to the Main extension direction (HR) at least partially forms a polygonal structure (WS) which is constant along the outside (AS) in the main extension direction (HR). Tank device (10) after claim 1 , in which the polygonal structure (WS) completely encircles the pressure vessel (DB) around a circumference of the pressure vessel (DB) and forms a honeycomb structure (WS) or partially encircles the pressure vessel (DB) around the circumference of the pressure vessel (DB) and forms a partial honeycomb structure ( TWS) forms. Tank device (10) after claim 1 or 2 , which comprises a plurality of pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn) which are arranged next to one another in one or more directions perpendicular to the main direction of extension (HR) and whose polygon structures (WS) are in positive contact with one another, the pressure vessels (DB1, DB2 , ..., DBn) are arranged parallel to one another with respect to their main extension directions (HR). Tank device (10) after claim 3 , in which the pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn) are arranged directly next to one another. Tank device (10) according to one of claims 3 or 4 , which includes a holding device (HE) with which the pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn) are attached to one another and/or can be fixed in a predetermined position relative to one another. Tank device (10) after claim 5 , wherein the holding device (HE) comprises a band, a metal frame, at least one rod and/or at least one plate. Tank device (10) after claim 6 , wherein the band runs externally around adjacent pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn) and/or between adjacent pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn). Tank device (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , In which the at least one pressure vessel (DB) comprises an inside (IN) which comprises a round cross section or a honeycomb cross section along the main extension direction (HR). Tank device (10) according to one of claims 3 until 8th , as far as related to claim 3 , in which the pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn) are combined with honeycomb structures and/or partial honeycomb structures in their arrangement relative to one another in such a way that several pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn) share one level at least in regions form the outer surface. Method for producing a tank device (10) for a fuel cell system, comprising the steps: - Providing (S1) a plurality of pressure vessels (DB) into which a gas for the fuel cell system can be introduced and/or stored, the pressure vessels (DB) comprising a main extension direction (HR) and an outer side (AS), the outer side (AS) in a cross section with respect to the main extension direction (HR), at least in regions, forms a polygonal structure (WS) which is constant along the outside (AS) in the main extension direction (HR), in which the polygonal structure (WS) surrounds the respective pressure vessel (DB) around a circumference of the Pressure vessel (DB) completely encircles and forms a honeycomb structure (WS) or the pressure vessel (DB) partially around the circumference of the pressure vessel (DB) and forms a partial honeycomb structure (TWS); and - Stringing together (S2) of the pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn) in one or more directions perpendicular to the main extension direction (HR) next to each other, such that the pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBn) with their polygon structures ( WS) abut one another in a form-fitting manner, with the pressure vessels (DB1, DB2, ..., DBbn) being arranged parallel to one another with respect to their main directions of extent (HR).

Images