DE102021211085A1 - Refueling device for a vehicle powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel and method for operating a refueling device for a vehicle powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention creates a refueling device (10) for a hydrogen-powered vehicle (F), comprising a refueling hose (1), which includes a first connection device (AE1) and a second connection device (AE2), which are each connected to one end of the refueling hose ( 1) and connected to the refueling hose (1), and wherein the first connection device (AE1) can be connected to a first hydrogen-powered vehicle (F1) and the second connection device (AE2) to a second hydrogen-powered vehicle (F2) is connectable.

Description

The present invention relates to a refueling device for a vehicle powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel and a method for operating a refueling device for a vehicle powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel.

State of the art

In tank systems for hydrogen as compressed gas for vehicles, such systems are usually provided which have a stationary tank station which can be connected to mobile vehicles for refueling them. In order to be able to be refueled from a stationary tank system, however, a vehicle would have to reach the location of this tank system or the tank system itself would have to reach the vehicle. In order to make refueling more flexible in terms of location and time, the possibility of mobile refueling at the vehicle location or in the immediate vicinity would be desirable.

In the DE112006003013B4 describes a tank with a fitting and a valve.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a refueling facility for a hydrogen or gaseous fuel vehicle according to claim 1 and a method of operating a refueling facility for a hydrogen or gaseous fuel vehicle according to claim 9.

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 refueling device for a vehicle powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel and a method for operating a refueling device for a vehicle, for example with a gaseous fuel or hydrogen, wherein refueling the vehicle with hydrogen or a other gaseous fuel can be made mobile and more flexible.

Vehicles with a fuel cell system can break down if a hydrogen filling station is not visited in good time and/or the tanks are refilled.

According to the invention, the refueling device for a vehicle powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel comprises a refueling hose, which comprises a first connection device and a second connection device, each of which is arranged at one end of the refueling hose and is connected to the refueling hose, and the first connection device is connected to a first can be connected to a vehicle powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel and the second connection device can be connected to a second vehicle.

The second vehicle can be operable with hydrogen or with another fuel. The other gaseous fuel can be CNG, LPG or others.

The refueling hose can be rolled up and carried by one of the vehicles. The two connection devices can meet a universal standard and can be connected to all compatible vehicles, advantageously be the same or different.

The invention proposed here offers the possibility of restoring vehicles that have been left behind because of empty tanks but are otherwise functional to such an extent that they can be driven on to an H2 filling station.

A high-pressure-resistant refueling hose (e.g. with a bursting pressure of more than 700 bar) with tank nozzles attached on both sides is proposed, which can be connected to two hydrogen-powered vehicles in order to connect the tanks of the vehicles. Different pressures can then exist in the tanks of the vehicles involved. The pressure on the vehicle to be refueled can be significantly lower than on the other vehicle that is ready for operation. This pressure drop (e.g. from 500 bar to 20 bar) allows hydrogen to be transferred to the vehicle with the empty tank.

The hose is also connected to a control unit (control unit), which can be supplied with voltage, for example, via a cigarette lighter (12 V) in a vehicle. However, the power supply can also be provided by a battery or an accumulator.

The control unit can use the existing infrared interfaces of both vehicles to monitor the transfer of hydrogen.

The amount transferred can be measured by direct mass flow measurement or indirect measurement solution of the pressure drop and the temperatures already described.

The hydrogen transferred can be offset between the vehicle occupants on the basis of the quantity recorded. Alternatively, this can also be done through an online payment system. A predetermined amount can first be transferred to a virtual account, and only after this transfer can the valve open, with which the empty tank can be filled. The valve can then close automatically when the specified amount is reached. If less hydrogen can be transferred due to insufficient pressure in the tank of the delivering vehicle, only a proportionate amount will be charged.

Emergency refueling hoses of the type described could, for example, be carried by the road patrol (ADAC...) or in any vehicle with a hydrogen tank.

The two or just one of the connection devices can be a fuel nozzle that can be inserted and/or connected in the tank opening of the first or second vehicle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the refueling device, this comprises a quantity measuring device on the first vehicle and/or on the second vehicle or on the refueling hose, by means of which a quantity of hydrogen transmitted from the second vehicle to the first vehicle can be determined.

The quantity measuring device can be an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor, such as a Coriolis sensor or a flow wheel, with which the flow and its volume flow through the fueling hose can be determined in a specific unit of time. In this way, conclusions can be drawn about the amount refueled for the first vehicle and the reduction in the amount in the second vehicle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the refueling device, this comprises a control device which can be connected to a tank valve on the second vehicle and is set up to open and/or close the tank valve on the second vehicle according to a refueling specification and thereby to refuel the first vehicle steer.

The tank valve can advantageously be opened or closed depending on a tank condition, such as when a temperature, a pressure in the tank of the second vehicle or in the refueling hose correspond to a specification (corresponding values) for refueling.

According to a preferred embodiment of the refueling device, the control device is arranged on the refueling hose or on the first connection device or on the second connection device and includes a battery or can be connected to a power supply of the first vehicle or the second vehicle.

Therefore, a determination of the fueled amount for the first vehicle can be achieved by a control device on the fueling hose itself, for example with a power connection to one of the vehicles or independently of the vehicles via the battery.

According to a preferred embodiment of the fueling device, the control device is connected to the quantity measuring device and the control device is set up to monitor a quantity of the hydrogen delivered to the first vehicle.

The amount of hydrogen filled up can advantageously be determined independently of the control systems of the vehicles and can be used for further processing of this information, for example when stopping to refuel after sufficient minimum refueling and/or for billing the amount of fuel.

According to a preferred embodiment of the refueling device, this comprises at least one pressure sensor and/or at least one temperature sensor, which are arranged in the refueling hose and/or in a first tank of the first vehicle and/or in a second tank of the second vehicle, and via which a temperature and/or a pressure in the refueling hose and/or in the first tank and/or in the second tank can be monitored.

According to a preferred embodiment of the refueling device, the control device is set up to infer a quantity of hydrogen delivered to the first vehicle from the temperature and/or the pressure in the refueling hose and/or in the first tank and/or in the second tank.

Accordingly, the temperature curves in the tanks of the two vehicles and/or in the hose can be determined and/or monitored. If these are within specified limits, a tank valve can be opened, which allows hydrogen to flow from the full to the empty tank.

According to a preferred embodiment of the fueling device, the quantity measuring device or the control device can be connected to a payment system and the quantity of hydrogen transmitted can be billed.

With the payment system, such as an external data platform or a server, billing can advantageously be carried out quickly and easily, for example via mobile phones or vehicle computers of the users or vehicles.

According to the invention, in the method for operating a refueling device for a vehicle powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel, a refueling device according to the invention is provided S1; a detection S2 of a need for refueling the first vehicle with hydrogen or a gaseous fuel from the second vehicle; connecting S3 the first vehicle to the second vehicle via the refueling hose; opening S4 of a tank valve on the second vehicle and refueling S5 of the first vehicle with hydrogen or a gaseous fuel.

When it is necessary to refuel, the hydrogen tank in the first vehicle can be almost empty, for example when its fill level falls below a predetermined minimum value.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, a quantity of the hydrogen transmitted from the second vehicle to the first vehicle is determined and/or from the temperature and/or the pressure in the refueling hose and/or in the first tank and/or in the second tank the quantity of hydrogen delivered to the first vehicle is inferred and the quantity of hydrogen transmitted is offset.

It can advantageously be achieved that the existing volume of the fuel, for example the hydrogen, in the tank of the vehicle to be refueled, for example the first vehicle, is determined before the refueling. This can be done using a level meter, or by measuring the pressure and/or temperature in the tank of the vehicle to be refueled and then comparing it with known temperature and/or pressure parameters which, within a certain deviation, are when the tank is empty or almost empty should prevail in the vehicle. This can mean the tank itself or the supply lines to the tank. An almost empty tank can mean a minimum amount of fuel that can be less than a predetermined minimum amount and, for example, is no longer sufficient to reach the next gas station. If the said pressure and/or temperature values deviate from the predetermined values or value ranges, it can be concluded that there is a larger residual amount of fuel in the tank and the refueling process and/or opening of the tank valve can be blocked.

In general, when connecting and/or disconnecting the fueling hose to/from the vehicles, a pressure in the fueling hose can be reduced. For this purpose, the disconnection of the refueling hose can be prevented for a predetermined period of time (within seconds or minutes) after the refueling process, until the pressure and a certain amount of residual fuel in the refueling hose has dissipated or has been drawn off or drained. For this purpose, the pressure can be reduced in a defined manner via a throttle valve before the hose can be disconnected.

The refueling device can also be distinguished by the features mentioned in connection with the method and its advantages, 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 embodiments given in the schematic figures of the drawing.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Betankungseinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Steuereinrichtung für eine Betankungseinrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3 eine Blockdarstellung von Verfahrensschritten des Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer Betankungseinrichtung für ein mit Wasserstoff angetriebenes Fahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a refueling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of a control device for a refueling device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 a block diagram of method steps of the method for operating a refueling device for a hydrogen-powered vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

1 shows a schematic representation of a refueling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The 1 shows a first vehicle F1 which is only slightly filled with hydrogen or which has even broken down. The second vehicle F2 can therefore be used to refuel the first vehicle F1, even if it has a hydrogen tank. A refueling device 10 according to the invention can be used for this purpose, which comprises a refueling hose 1, which comprises a first connection device AE1 and a second connection device AE2, which are each arranged at one end of the refueling hose 1 and are connected to the refueling hose 1, and the first connection device AE1 can be connected to the first hydrogen-powered vehicle F1 and the second connecting device AE2 can be connected to the second hydrogen-powered vehicle F2. The refueling hose 1 can be flexible and bridge the distance between the two tank openings, for example have twice the vehicle length (of the first or second vehicle).

The refueling device 10 can include a quantity measuring device MR on the first vehicle F1 and/or on the second vehicle F2 or on the refueling hose 1, by means of which a quantity of hydrogen transmitted from the second vehicle F2 to the first vehicle F1 can be determined. The refueling device 10 can further comprise a control device SE, which can be connected to a tank valve on the second vehicle F2 and is set up to open and/or close the tank valve on the second vehicle F2 according to a refueling specification and thereby to refuel the first vehicle to control F1. The control device SE can be arranged on the refueling hose 1 or on the first connection device AE1 or on the second connection device AE2 and can include a battery or can be connected to a power supply SV of the first vehicle F1 or the second vehicle F2.

The refueling hose 1 can be long enough to bridge the distance between two vehicles parked next to one another or one behind the other, at least up to their tank openings, advantageously with an additional length of, for example, 10% to 30% or longer or shorter. The refueling hose can be designed for a high pressure, for example higher than a predetermined pressure. When filling up with hydrogen, the fuel (hydrogen) in the tank can be kept at a high pressure level, for example higher than a specific pressure, for example over 700 bar. The contents of the tank (fuel) can have cooled down considerably, for example to -40°C or similar (below or above), which means that heat development during refueling can be kept within limits.

However, the expense of cooling can be dispensed with in the case of mobile (emergency) refueling with the refueling hose. However, this may require monitoring the recipient vehicle's tank temperature before and/or during refueling. Using other sensors in the vehicles and infrared interfaces, the temperature and pressure of the recipient vehicle's tank can be recorded during the refueling process and transmitted to the control unit.

When a limit temperature is reached, for example, the process can either be aborted or the flow reduced and the refueling process extended in time. One aim can be to get the vehicle drivable again so that it can be driven to the nearest gas station and towing can be avoided. It can be known or determined, for example by knowing the position of the vehicle to be refueled (such as the first vehicle), where it is located and the distance to the gas station and the amount of fuel required can be determined or estimated. The temperature can rise during filling and the limit temperature can be reached. When a limit value is reached, it can be switched off or throttled

The distance can be determined from data from a navigation system. This specific amount of fuel can then be filled up in the first vehicle, for example in comparison with any remaining fuel in the tank of the first vehicle at the start of the fueling, and an addition of, for example, 10% of this determined amount to be fueled can also be fueled become.

2 shows a schematic representation of a control device for a refueling device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The 2 shows a possibility of connecting the control device SE to at least one pressure sensor DS and/or at least one temperature sensor TS, which can include refueling device 10, which is located in the refueling hose and/or in or on a first tank of the first vehicle and/or in or on a second tank of the second vehicle can be arranged, and via which a temperature and/or a pressure in the refueling hose and/or in the first tank and/or in the second tank can be monitored. For this purpose, the control device SE can also be connected to the quantity measuring device MR, and to a battery (not shown) or to an external or on-board power supply SV.

The control device SE can use the pressure curves and/or temperature curves in the fueling hose and/or in the tanks of the vehicles to determine their filling levels and/or fueled quantities and be connected to a payment system BS or billing system or forward the information about the fueled quantity to this. whereby the amount refueled can then be billed.

3 shows a block diagram of method steps of the method for operating a refueling device for a hydrogen-powered vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the method for operating a fueling device for a hydrogen-powered vehicle, a fueling device according to the invention is provided S1; a detection S2 of a need for refueling the first vehicle with hydrogen from the second vehicle; connecting S3 the first vehicle to the second vehicle via the refueling hose; opening S4 of a tank valve on the second vehicle and refueling S5 of the first vehicle with hydrogen.

Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiment, it is not restricted 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 [0003]

Claims (10)

Refueling device (10) for a vehicle (F) powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel, comprising - a refueling hose (1), which comprises a first connection device (AE1) and a second connection device (AE2), which are each arranged at one end of the refueling hose (1) and are connected to the refueling hose (1), and wherein the first connection device ( AE1) can be connected to a first vehicle (F1) powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel, and the second connecting device (AE2) can be connected to a second vehicle (F2). Refueling device (10) after claim 1 , which comprises a quantity measuring device (MR) on the first vehicle (F1) and/or on the second vehicle (F2) or on the refueling hose (1), by means of which a quantity of the fuel from the second vehicle (F2) to the first vehicle (F1 ) transmitted hydrogen can be determined. Refueling device (10) after claim 1 or 2 , which comprises a control device (SE) which can be connected to a tank valve on the second vehicle (F2) and is set up to open and/or close the tank valve on the second vehicle (F2) after a refueling specification and thereby enable refuelling of the first vehicle (F1). Refueling device (10) after claim 3 , in which the control device (SE) is arranged on the refueling hose (1) or on the first connection device (AE1) or on the second connection device (AE2) and comprises a battery or with a power supply of the first vehicle (F1) or the second vehicle (F2) is connectable. Refueling device (10) after claim 3 or 4 , as far as related to claim 2 , wherein the control device (SE) is connected to the quantity measuring device (MR) and the control device (SE) is set up to monitor a quantity of the hydrogen emitted to the first vehicle (F1). Refueling device (10) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 5 , which comprises at least one pressure sensor (DS) and/or at least one temperature sensor (TS), which is installed in the refueling hose (1) and/or in a first tank of the first vehicle (F1) and/or in a second tank of the second vehicle ( F2) are arranged, and via which a temperature and/or a pressure in the refueling hose (1) and/or in the first tank and/or in the second tank can be monitored. Refueling device (10) after claim 6 , as far as related to claim 3 , in which the control device (SE) is set up to draw conclusions about a quantity of hydrogen delivered to the first vehicle from the temperature and/or the pressure in the refueling hose (1) and/or in the first tank and/or in the second tank . Refueling device (10) according to one of claims 2 or 7 , wherein the quantity measuring device (MR) or the control device (SE) can be connected to a payment system and the amount of hydrogen transmitted can be billed. Method for operating a refueling device (10) for a vehicle (F) powered by hydrogen or a gaseous fuel, comprising the steps of: - providing (S1) a refueling device (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th ; - detecting (S2) a need to refuel the first vehicle (F1) with hydrogen or a gaseous fuel from the second vehicle (F2); - Connecting (S3) the first vehicle (F1) to the second vehicle (F2) via the refueling hose (1); - Opening (S4) of a tank valve on the second vehicle (F2) and refueling (S5) of the first vehicle (F1) with hydrogen or a gaseous fuel. procedure after claim 9 , in which a quantity of the hydrogen transmitted from the second vehicle (F2) to the first vehicle (F1) is determined and/or from the temperature and/or the pressure in the refueling hose (1) and/or in the first tank and/or in the second tank, a quantity of hydrogen delivered to the first vehicle is deduced and the quantity of hydrogen transmitted is offset.

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