U.S. patent application number 09/861391 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-21 for vehicle fueling system using double block and bleed fuel line.
Invention is credited to Scholer, Richard Allen, Veenstra, Michael Jon.
Application Number | 20020170617 09/861391 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25335669 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020170617 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Veenstra, Michael Jon ; et
al. |
November 21, 2002 |
Vehicle fueling system using double block and bleed fuel line
Abstract
The invention is an improved method and system to fuel a vehicle
such as a hydrogen-powered vehicle. The present invention vents air
into a fuel fill line within the vehicle from a fuel fill
receptacle to the vehicle's fuel storage tank. The invention
eliminates or reduces inadvertent fuel ignition from electrostatic
discharge in and around a vehicle fuel line during fueling. Just
prior to fueling, the invention vents the fuel line in between two
of a plurality of fuel line check valves closest to the receptacle.
The invention can be configured to activate the vent system where a
first switch indicates vehicle fueling is imminent (such as a fuel
fill door is opened) and a second switch indicates that the
receptacle is not attached to a fuel source. The system can also be
configured to deactivate if the first switch indicates fueling is
not imminent (the fuel door is closed), or the second switch
indicates that the receptacle is attached to the fuel source.
Additional features can include a calibratable timer to assure
enough time has lapsed to assure proper fuel venting has occurred;
a disable feature to disable the vent system when the vehicle is
powered off; and indicators for the vehicle operator that the
venting system is functioning.
Inventors: |
Veenstra, Michael Jon;
(Southgate, MI) ; Scholer, Richard Allen;
(Farmington Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC
SUITE 600 - PARKLANE TOWERS EAST
ONE PARKLANE BLVD.
DEARBORN
MI
48126
US
|
Family ID: |
25335669 |
Appl. No.: |
09/861391 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/94 ;
141/302 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 7/3236 20130101;
Y02E 60/32 20130101; F17C 5/007 20130101; F17C 2227/04 20130101;
F17C 2205/0335 20130101; F17C 2260/042 20130101; F17C 2270/0168
20130101; F17C 2250/043 20130101; F17C 2270/0184 20130101; F17C
2265/065 20130101; F17C 2221/012 20130101; F17C 13/12 20130101;
F17C 2205/0326 20130101; Y02E 60/321 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/94 ;
141/302 |
International
Class: |
B65B 001/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An improved vehicle fuel transfer system configured to interact
with a fueling station, comprising: a vehicle comprising a
receptacle to mechanically receive a fuel fill nozzle from the
fueling station, a fuel line connected to the receptacle, and an
on-board storage tank connected to the fuel line; the vehicle fuel
line further comprising a plurality of check valves; a system to
vent the fuel line between two check valves closest to the
receptacle; and a system to activate and deactivate the vent system
comprising a first switch to indicate vehicle fueling is imminent
and a second switch to indicate that the receptacle is not attached
to a fuel source.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein vehicle fueling is imminent when a
fuel fill door is opened.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the system to activate the vent
system comprises a requirement that the first switch indicates
fueling is imminent and the second switch indicates that the
receptacle is not attached to the fuel source.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the distance between the two check
valves closest to the receptacle is no greater than six inches.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the system to deactivate the vent
system comprises a requirement that the first switch indicates
fueling is not imminent.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the system to deactivate the vent
system comprises a requirement that the second switch indicates
that the receptacle is attached to the fuel source.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the system to activate the vent
system further comprises a calibrated timer.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the first switch is
mechanical.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the first switch is
electrical.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the second switch is
mechanical.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the second switch is
electrical.
12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a system to disable
the system to activate and deactivate the vent system when the
vehicle is powered off.
13. The system of claim 1 further comprising indicators that let an
operator know the vent system is functioning.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein the venting system comprises a
3-way solenoid valve and a vent.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the 3-way solenoid valve is
electrical.
16. The system of claim 14 wherein the 3-way solenoid valve is
mechanical.
17. An improved vehicle fuel transfer method configured to interact
with a fueling station, comprising the steps of: venting a fuel
line comprising a plurality of check valves disposed between a
vehicle fuel storage tank and a receptacle to mechanically receive
a fuel fill nozzle from the fueling station, the venting occurring
between two check valves closest to the receptacle; and activating
and deactivating the venting comprising the steps of indicating
vehicle fueling is imminent and indicating the receptacle is not
attached to a fuel source.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of indicating vehicle
fueling is imminent occurs when a fuel fill door is opened.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of activating venting
comprises the steps of indicating fueling is imminent and
indicating the receptacle is not attached to the fuel source.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of deactivating venting
comprises the steps of indicating fueling is not imminent.
21. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of deactivating venting
comprises the step of indicating that the receptacle is attached to
the fuel source.
22. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of activating venting
further comprises the step of timing the venting.
23. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of disabling
venting when the vehicle is powered off.
24. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of
indicating to the operator that the venting is functioning.
25. The method of claim 17 wherein the distance between the two
check valves closest to the receptacle is no greater than six
inches.
26. The method of claim 17 wherein the check valve closest to the
receptacle is adjacent to the receptacle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle fueling
system and specifically to an improved method and system to fuel a
vehicle using a fuel line with a double block and bleed.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] In an effort to find alternative energy sources for
automobiles, hydrogen can be used in an electrochemical reaction to
generate electricity. Generally, the reaction takes place in fuel
cells. Fuel cells are known in the prior art for directly
converting chemical energy of a fuel to electrical energy. Fuel
cell advantages include low emissions, high fuel energy conversion
efficiencies, and low noise and vibrations (U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,566
to Kumar et al.) Despite fuel cell advantages, various design
challenges are presented by existing technology.
[0005] Fuel cell systems are typically fueled with hydrogen.
Hydrogen fuel is highly volatile. When a hydrogen vehicle receives
fuel, the vehicle physically connects to a hydrogen-dispensing
nozzle. It is known that aircraft, marine vessels and ground
vessels such as automobiles can accumulate significant
electrostatic charges during transport. For a hydrogen-fueled
vehicle, improper vehicle grounding or lack of grounding of the
vehicle prior to connecting to the hydrogen fueling station could
result in inadvertent igniting of any hydrogen present in or around
the fueling line if an electrostatic discharge occurs.
[0006] Ways to reduce risks associated with the transfers of fuels
are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,848 to
Phillips discloses a warning system for a liquefied petroleum
("LP") gas transport vehicle. The system informs a vehicle's
operator of a hose connection extending between a vehicle's gas
tank and a second remote main supply.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,198 to Hall discloses a pump lock fuel
system. The patent describes a fuel lock and dispensing system
where data from a vehicle computer is used to identify the vehicle,
to transfer data to and from the vehicle computer to a fuel pump
computer and to unlock the fuel pump. The system will only allow
fueling after a fuel nozzle is inserted and a vehicle identified.
Although this patent provides an element of safety, its primary
function is vehicle identification.
[0008] Automatic refueling systems are also known in the prior art.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,500 to Dwars et al. discloses an
automatic refueling system that allows the driver to interrupt or
modify refueling without leaving the vehicle. See also, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,608,830 to Peschka et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,117 to
Nebelsiek et al.
[0009] Vehicle grounding systems or other means to discharge
electrostatic charges also exist in the prior art. See generally,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,523 to Claassen et al. This system has a first
and second grounding means and a detection circuit to verify proper
grounding configuration before fueling is allowed. While Claassen
et al. reduces accidental and untimely discharge of accumulated
electrostatic discharges in the proximity of volatile fuels, it
requires three complicated system components and does nothing to
reduce the amount of volatile fuels present in and around a vehicle
fuel line.
[0010] A simple and inexpensive system to eliminate or reduce
inadvertent fuel ignition in and around a vehicle fuel line during
fueling is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved
system and method to fuel a vehicle, particularly a hydrogen-fueled
vehicle, by eliminating or reducing inadvertent fuel ignition in
and around a vehicle fuel line during fueling.
[0012] The present invention has a receptacle to mechanically
receive a fuel fill nozzle from a fueling station, a fuel line
connected to the receptacle, and a storage tank connected to the
fuel line; a plurality of check valves in the fuel lines; a system
to vent the fuel line between the two check valves closest to the
receptacle; and a system to activate and deactivate the vent system
comprising a first switch to indicate vehicle fueling is imminent
(such as a fuel fill door is opened) and a second switch to
indicate that the receptacle is not attached to a fuel source. The
switches can be electrical or mechanical.
[0013] The invention can be configured to be activated when the
first switch indicates fueling is imminent and the second switch
indicates that the fuel fill nozzle has been connected and a slight
amount of fuel flow has started. In the preferred embodiment, when
the fuel door opens, but before a fill station's fuel fill nozzle
is attached, a mechanical or electrical 3-way solenoid valve
activates and vents any hydrogen in the fuel line adjacent to the
receptacle to a vent to the atmosphere. When the fuel fill nozzle
is attached to the receptacle, a "puff" of hydrogen can be sent
from the fueling station to flush any fuel line air from the vent
cycle. The "puff" also activates the second switch to deactivate
the 3-way solenoid valve. This ends the venting and allows hydrogen
to flow into the vehicle tank. The venting system can be also be
configured to deactivate if the first switch indicates fueling is
not imminent (such as when the fuel door is closed).
[0014] The invention can add a calibratable timer to assure enough
time has lapsed to assure proper fuel venting has occurred; a
disable feature to disable the vent system when the vehicle is
powered off; and indicators for the vehicle operator that the
venting system is functioning.
[0015] The vented area of the fuel line in the preferred embodiment
lies between the two check valves closest to the receptacle. This
area should not be greater than six inches. Further, the closest
check valve to the receptacle and the receptacle should be
separated by a minimal distance or even adjacent to each other.
[0016] Other objects of the present invention will become more
apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the
present invention pertains from the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017] The foregoing objects, advantages, and features, as well as
other objects and advantages, will become apparent with reference
to the description and figures below, in which like numerals
represent like elements and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art fuel line check valve
system.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the present invention including possible
venting system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] The present invention relates to fuel transfer and
specifically to an improved method and system to fuel a vehicle
that eliminates or reduces inadvertent fuel ignition in and around
a vehicle fuel line during fueling. Although the illustrated
embodiment of the present invention is particularly suited to
hydrogen fueling, the present invention itself can be adapted to
many types of fueling strategies by someone of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates, by way of example only, a prior art
hydrogen fueling system for a vehicle. A fueling station 20
connects to a vehicle 22 by way of a fill nozzle 24, the vehicle 22
having a receptacle 34 to mechanically receive the fill nozzle 24
from the fueling station 20. An on-board hydrogen storage tank 26
connects to the receptacle 34 by way of a fuel line 28 having a
first check valve 30 and a second check valve 32. The plurality of
check valves is often referred to as "blocks."
[0022] The fueling system illustrated in FIG. 1 provides only a
means to keep hydrogen from escaping back out the fuel line 28 when
the fill nozzle 24 is released after fueling is complete. This has
inherent shortcomings. In the next fueling cycle, if the vehicle 22
is not grounded or is improperly grounded to the fueling station 20
before the fill nozzle 24 touches the vehicle 22, an electrostatic
discharge could ignite any fuel leaking back into the fuel line 28
from the first check valve 30.
[0023] The present invention illustrated in FIG. 2 provides a
system to reduce or eliminate this risk. It uses not only double
blocks, but also a system to ventilate or "bleed" any fuel leaking
back into the fuel line 28 from the first check valve 30 before a
fill nozzle 24 is introduced to the vehicle 22.
[0024] In FIG. 2, a fueling station 40 connects to a vehicle 42 by
way of a fuel fill nozzle 44, the vehicle 42 having a receptacle 66
to mechanically receive the fuel fill nozzle 44. An on-board
hydrogen storage tank 46 of the vehicle 42 connects to the
receptacle 66 by way of a fuel line 48 having a first check valve
50, a second check valve 54, and a third check valve 52. The
plurality of check valves is often referred to as "blocks." The
distance between the second check valve 54 and the third check
valve 52, the valves closest to the receptacle 66, needs to be
minimal to reduce contamination to the fuel line system by the
small amount of air trapped in the fuel line 48 between those
valves when they are vented as described below. In the preferred
embodiment, this distance should be no greater than six inches.
Further, the distance between the second check valve 54 and the
receptacle 66 should be minimal, and the second check valve 54 and
the receptacle 66 should be adjacent or attached to each other.
[0025] The present invention adds one of many possible venting
systems to the fuel line 48. A venting system 3-way solenoid valve
58 (such as a prior art solenoid valve that is electrically
actuated) is added to the fuel line 48 between the second check
valve 54 and the third check valve 52, these valves being closest
to the receptacle 66. The 3-way solenoid valve 58, when activated,
opens that portion of the fuel line 48 to a vent 62 to outside air.
The position of this "air-in" and "H2 out" vent 62 is important to
allow passive venting. The 3-way solenoid valve 58 can be
mechanical or electrical. The venting should be in an area away
from a fuel fill door (not shown).
[0026] Fuel line 48 venting can be activated for a brief period of
time with any event that the first switch such as a fill door
switch 56, indicates vehicle fueling is imminent and a second
switch, such as a pressure switch 60, indicates the receptacle 66
is not attached to a fuel source. In its normal position, venting
is not activated since outside air in the fuel line 48 will promote
corrosion and allow contaminates to enter. In the preferred
embodiment, the venting system is activated by a first switch, such
as the fuel door switch 56, indicating when fueling is imminent
(such as when the fuel fill door (not shown) is opened). The fill
door switch 56 can be mechanical or electrical. In FIG. 2, the
system is shown in the "vented" position since the fill door switch
56 is in the "closed" position indicating the fuel fill door is
open and hydrogen pressure has not yet activated a fuel pressure
switch 60 (described below). This occurs after the operator has
opened the fuel door but has not yet connected the fuel fill nozzle
44.
[0027] When the fuel line 48 is in the "vented" position, fuel
cannot be added to the on-board hydrogen storage tank 46.
Therefore, the system is only vented for a short period of time.
When the fuel fill nozzle 44 is connected, a small "puff" of
hydrogen is first sent to the fuel line 48. This will purge any air
from the fuel line 48 and activate the pressure switch 60. This
pressure switch 60, when activated, will indicate the receptacle 66
is attached, deactivate the 3-way solenoid valve 58, and close the
vent 62 from the atmosphere. Fueling can then commence since the
fueling station 40 is now connected to the on-board hydrogen
storage tank 46. In the preferred embodiment, the
pressure-activated switch 60 is a pressure activated electric slide
switch. The switch can also be mechanical. FIG. 2 illustrates the
pressure-activated switch 60 without pressure from the fuel fill
nozzle 44. The venting system can also be configured to deactivate
if the fuel door switch 56 indicates fueling is not imminent (such
as when the fuel door (now shown) is closed).
[0028] In short, the present invention vents a small portion of the
fuel line 48 susceptible to inadvertent static discharge prior to
fueling when two conditions are met: the fuel fill door (not shown)
is open and the fuel fill nozzle 44 is not connected. By venting
the fuel line 48 near receptacle 66 before the fuel fill nozzle 44
contacts the vehicle 42, fuel will not be present and ignited by
electrostatic discharge. As an additional feature, the present
invention can also add indicators to assure the vehicle 42 operator
that the venting system is functioning properly. Further, the
invention can add a calibratable timer to assure enough time has
lapsed to assure proper fuel venting has occurred. Also, the
invention can be configured to disable the system to activate and
deactivate the vent system when the vehicle 42 is powered off or
shut down.
[0029] The above-described embodiment of the invention is provided
purely for purposes of example. Many other variations,
modifications, catalysts, and applications of the invention may be
made.
* * * * *