U.S. patent application number 10/171511 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-16 for system for supplying power to consumers.
Invention is credited to Friebe, Peter, Zur Megede, Detlef.
Application Number | 20030010399 10/171511 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7688422 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030010399 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Friebe, Peter ; et
al. |
January 16, 2003 |
System for supplying power to consumers
Abstract
An arrangement for supplying mobile consumers which have an
on-board power generation system, and a fuel tank for storing a
fuel for operating the power generation system, includes a
stationary discharge device for transferring fuel from a stationary
fuel source to the fuel tank. The discharge device includes a
supply unit for supplying fuel to the consumer, and the consumer
has corresponding holding unit with a tank connection for holding
fuel. The discharge device also has electricity consuming devices,
and the holding means is also equipped with a corresponding means
for electricity emission.
Inventors: |
Friebe, Peter; (Kirchheim,
DE) ; Zur Megede, Detlef; (Kirchheim/Teck,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROWELL & MORING LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
P.O. BOX 14300
WASHINGTON
DC
20044-4300
US
|
Family ID: |
7688422 |
Appl. No.: |
10/171511 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/98 ; 141/1;
141/392 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 5/007 20130101;
F17C 2221/012 20130101; B60S 5/02 20130101; F17C 2221/032 20130101;
Y02E 60/321 20130101; Y02E 60/32 20130101; F17C 2270/0139 20130101;
F17C 2265/065 20130101; F17C 2250/0443 20130101; F17C 2270/0184
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/98 ; 141/1;
141/392 |
International
Class: |
B65B 001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 16, 2001 |
DE |
101 29 096.9 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for supplying mobile energy consumers which have a
power generation device and a fuel tank for storing at least one
fuel for operating the power generation device, said system
comprising: a stationary discharge means for transferring fuel from
a stationary fuel source to the fuel tank; supply means included in
the discharge means, for supplying fuel to the consumer; and
corresponding connecting means provided at the consumer, said
connecting means having a tank connection for receiving fuel;
wherein the discharge means includes electricity consuming devices;
and the connecting means is also equipped with a corresponding
means for electricity emission.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the discharge means
includes associated recording means for recording an amount of fuel
discharged.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
discharge means and the holding means includes identification means
for identifying at least one of the discharge means, the fuel
source and the mobile consumer.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge means
also has a fuel suction device.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge means
also has an exhaust gas suction device.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
recording means, the discharge means and the holding means is
connected to a control system which detects, controls, or detects
and controls an electricity requirement of a stationary consumer
and the availability of electrical power by mobile consumers.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile consumer
includes a counter which records at least one of emitted electrical
power and any consumed amount of fuel.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel source stores
fuel for supplying heat or electricity to a stationary
consumer.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein a corresponding
connection piece is provided for connection between electricity
interfaces of two mobile consumers.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein when two mobile
consumers are connected together, a braking signal can be
transmitted via the connecting means.
11. A power supply system, comprising: a mobile unit having an on
board power generation device and a fuel tank which holds fuel for
operating the on board power generation device; a stationary unit
having a fuel source for supplying fuel to said fuel tank of said
mobile unit, and also having an electric power output for supplying
electric power to at least one of a communal power supply network
and a stationary electric consuming installation; and a coupling
element for detachable coupling said stationary unit to said mobile
unit, said coupling element including a path for providing fuel
from the fuel source to the fuel tank of the mobile unit and a path
for supplying electric power generated by said on board power
generation unit, via said stationary unit, to said at least one of
a communal power supply network and a stationary electric consuming
installation.
12. The power supply system according to claim 11, further
comprising: means for measuring and storing a value indicative of
an amount of fuel supplied to said mobile unit from said stationary
unit, and a value indicative of an amount of electrical energy
supplied from said mobile unit to said stationary unit.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims the priority of German patent
document 101 29 096.9, filed Jun. 16, 2002, the disclosure of which
is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
[0002] The invention relates to an arrangement for supplying energy
to and from mobile power consuming devices.
[0003] Widespread use of fuel cell vehicles is dependent on
adequate fuel accessibility, including broadening of the necessary
infrastructure for delivery of fuel. For methanol-powered fuel cell
vehicles, conversion measures may be required at refueling
stations, in order to make it possible to offer methanol; and for
hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, an adequate hydrogen
infrastructure is required, which is also conveniently accessible
for private operators of fuel cell vehicles.
[0004] Because the provision of such an adequate infrastructure for
supplying fuel cell vehicles is costly and time-consuming, the
accessibility of an appropriately equipped refueling station for
fuel cell vehicles may not be ensured. Furthermore, during a
transitional period in which large numbers of conventionally
powered vehicles still need to be supplied, it will be necessary
for refueling stations to keep large stocks of widely different
fuels. This requirement will make it more difficult for, and
increases the costs associated with, large-scale introduction of
fuel-cell powered vehicles.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,511 A1 discloses a vehicle refueling
system in which, for example, commercial vehicles can be refueled
by means of a tanker vehicle, in much the same way that aircraft
are refueled by tanker aircraft in the air. For this purpose,
vehicles are positioned in a predetermined parking area. At the
same time, a tanker vehicle is requested for this area, and payment
for the refueling is initiated. The vehicle can be refueled while
the driver has left the vehicle and is engaged in other activities.
Vehicle servicing is likewise possible. On leaving the area, the
driver is provided with a statement of the amount of fuel added,
and the cost of refueling.
[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide an
improved arrangement for making a decentralized power supply
available to consumers, particularly vehicles.
[0007] This and other objects and advantages are achieved by the
method and apparatus according to the invention, which eliminates
the need for costly conversion measures or investments for existing
refueling stations, because existing stationary systems can be used
for refueling mobile consumers; and in addition, electrical power
can be fed back from a fuel-cell vehicle into stationary systems
when the vehicle is at rest, so that any stationary consumption
peaks can be covered by decentralized feedback from vehicles that
produce power. The refueling options according to the invention are
so widely available that they are easily accessible.
[0008] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a preferred arrangement
according to the invention, with a fuel-cell vehicle and a fuel
source;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a preferred discharge means with corresponding
connecting means on the vehicle side; and
[0011] FIG. 3 shows an arrangement of fuel-cell-powered
vehicles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention is particularly suitable for fuel cell systems
which are supplied with alcohols, hydrocarbons, ether, esters or
hydrogen, but it is not restricted to these fuels.
[0013] Fuel cell systems are attractive and compact power supply
systems that are highly suitable for stationary consumers,
including both large consumers such as power stations, and small
consumers such as private households or businesses, which are
supplied with electrical power from fuel cell systems. These
systems require a fuel supply, in the form of reservoir tanks for a
suitable agent or a cable network with sufficient capacity to
transport a suitable fuel to the stationary consumers.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, in
which a fuel tank 2 of a mobile consumer 1 with a fuel cell system
4 is supplied from a stationary fuel source 5, which also supplies
a stationary consumer 6 with a fuel 3 for heat and/or electrical
power. The stationary consumer 6, preferably a building, is
supplied in a particularly advantageous manner with fuel 3 for
operation of a stationary fuel cell system, which in turn supplies
electrical loads in the building 6.
[0015] The fuel source 5 may, for example, be a storage tank, in
which a fuel 3 is stored, to be reformed to obtain hydrogen; such
fuel may be, for example, alcohols such as methanol or ethanol and
hydrocarbons such as natural gas or petrol, ethers such as dimethyl
ether, esters or other suitable compounds containing hydrogen. The
vehicle 1 accepts the fuel and reforms it in an on-board gas
generation unit 4a, to hydrogen to provide hydrogen for a fuel cell
unit in the on-board fuel cell system 4.
[0016] The fuel source 5 may also be a hydrogen tank in which
hydrogen is stored in a stationary form as a fuel 3, with there
being no need for on-board reformation. Alternatively, the fuel
source 5 may include a stationary reformation unit, by which means
fuel which is available from a stationary source is first of all
reformed, and the tank 2 of the vehicle 1 can then be filled with
the fuel 3 in the form of hydrogen-rich reformate. In this case,
reformate cleaning can also be provided in stationary form, or can
be carried out on board the vehicle 1.
[0017] However, the fuel 3 may also be supplied to a conventional
power supply for the stationary consumer 6, such as natural gas or
mineral oil for a conventional heat and hot-water supply, via a
heating boiler supplied by the fuel source 5.
[0018] The stationary fuel source 5 has an associated means 9 which
may include, for example a filling nozzle, for discharging fuel 3
and transferring it into the on-board tank 2. The discharge means 9
has an associated recording unit 11, which records the discharge of
the fuel 3 and allows a form of payment, such as a card reader for
cash cards, customer cards or credit cards. The advantage of this
arrangement is that fuel cell vehicles can be supplied with fuel in
a decentralized manner.
[0019] Fuel cell systems are now becoming attractive as compact
power supply systems that are also highly suitable for stationary
consumers 6, including large consumers such as power stations as
well as small consumers such as private households or businesses
that are supplied with electrical power from fuel cell systems.
These necessarily require a supply, preferably reservoir tanks for
a suitable fuel 3.
[0020] The stationary consumers themselves are arranged in a
decentralized manner, for example in residential areas, industrial
areas or mixed residential and commercial areas. According to the
invention, the infrastructure provided there may also be used in a
particularly advantageous manner for supplying mobile consumers.
For example, a private household whose stationary power supply is
provided by fuel cells can easily refuel a fuel cell vehicle or can
supply the neighborhood with fuel 3 for their fuel cell vehicles.
This ensures that a reliable infrastructure is set up and made
available for decentralized supply of fuel 3 to mobile consumers 1,
without need of complex conversion or modification of conventional
refueling stations for gasoline or diesel.
[0021] It is particularly advantageous for the discharge means 9 to
be provided with an input in order to feed electrical power from a
mobile consumer 1 into the stationary system of the consumer 6; in
this case the consumer 6 may also be a communal power supply
network or a power supply network for a commercial power supplier.
The electrical connection for feeding in the power may in this case
be conductive via an electrical connection, or non-contacting
(inductive).
[0022] For this purpose, the recording unit 11 can be equipped with
a meter which measures the amount of electrical power fed in and,
for example, produces a credit note. An invoice can advantageously
be produced for the fuel 3 drawn against the electrical power fed
in ("fuel for electricity"). It is particularly advantageous for
the vehicle 1 also to be equipped with a conventional milometer
with an operating hours counter, which records the amount of
electrical power fed to a stationary consumer 6, and invoices this
by means of a credit note, discount or the like. In this case, a
credit account can be maintained for the mobile
electricity-generating consumer 1 allowing, for example, the mobile
consumer 1 to be refueled at low cost or as a debit against the
credit account, while travelling. This can expediently be matched
by means of the operating hours counter. Such an input feed can in
principle also be produced by other vehicles, for example hybrid
vehicles with an electrical drive motor.
[0023] It is advantageous to provide storage means and/or
identification means at an electrical power feed point (preferably
for example at a discharge means 9 and/or in the vehicle 1), which
can associate a respective user with the fuel 3 drawn from a
stationary discharge means 9 and the electrical power fed in from
the mobile consumer 1, and can balance these against one another in
a suitable way. This refinement thus allows, for example, a fuel
account for travelling or for any stationary personal requirement
for the owner of the vehicle 1 himself.
[0024] In a particularly advantageous manner, parked vehicles 1 can
generate electricity for stationary consumers 6, for example from a
parking space, when these vehicles 1 are connected to the
stationary fuel source 5. In a refinement such as this, the power
drawn by the stationary systems from this connection may turn out
to be less than if they had to be supplied with electricity
autonomously. This is particularly advantageous, for example, for
shopping centers, businesses with company parking spaces or other
such consumers, which are continuously used by visitors, who are
preferably arriving with vehicles 1. The particular stationary
power connection would then need to cover only a basic load, since
power peaks can be covered by feeding in electrical power from
visitors' vehicles. In this case, it is advantageous that the power
requirement of such centers is considerably higher during business
hours than during non-working hours, so that a large number of
vehicles 1 are also available at times when the need for power is
higher.
[0025] In one preferred further refinement of the invention, the
discharge means 9 includes an associated control system which
measures the electricity requirement of the stationary consumer 6
and emits a corresponding power request to a parked vehicle 1 or a
number of vehicles 1. The respective on-board fuel cell system 4
emits appropriate electrical power, while the on-board tank 2 is
expediently filled from the fuel source 5 at the same time.
[0026] If another vehicle 1 arrives, or drives away, the amount of
electrical power currently available and the requirement for
electrical power will be redetermined and stabilized once again.
Fluctuations in the electricity requirement of the stationary
consumer 6 can be distributed between a number of such vehicles 1,
in order to smooth out the dynamic load. One or more vehicles 1 may
optionally be operated purely dynamically, while all the other
vehicles 1 which are connected to the control system and to the
fuel source 5 are kept at an advantageous operating point, in order
to minimize the control complexity. An electric meter is
expediently provided in the vehicles 1 and is coupled to the
discharge means 9, so that the fuel 3 consumed can be automatically
replenished. The electric meter may also, however, be installed in
stationary form. Furthermore, the control system may also include a
computer, which stores a credit for the mobile consumer 1 which is
feeding electricity into the system, with this possibly being
updated by balancing it against fuel drawn from a discharge means
9.
[0027] In this case, in order to compensate for the operating costs
and as an incentive for vehicle owners, it may be advantageous to
provide more fuel 3 than is consumed for the stationary feeding-in
of electricity, or for the building operator to provide a fuel
credit note or to make a payment to the vehicle keeper in the form
of cash, or to store it for him. A device which allows electricity
to be exchanged for fuel supra-regionally as well, is particularly
advantageous.
[0028] As depicted schematically in FIG. 2, one preferred discharge
means 9 has a plug connection which allows a vehicle 1 easily to be
connected to and disconnected from the discharge means 9 and the
fuel source 5 without major installation effort. The plug
connection comprises an electricity supply 12 for feeding in
electrical power from the vehicle 1 to the stationary consumer 6
and/or for feeding it into a power supply network, a fuel supply
line 13 for transferring the fuel 3 from the fuel source 5 into the
tank 2, optionally an exhaust gas line 14 for sucking out fuel 3
which emerges during the refueling process and, preferably, an
identification means 15 for the vehicle 1 and/or for the discharge
means 9.
[0029] In a corresponding way, the vehicle 1 has connecting means
16 for fuel discharge and feeding in electricity, namely an
electricity output 17 for feeding electrical power from the vehicle
1 to the stationary consumer 6 or into a power supply network, a
tank opening 18, which matches the fuel supply line, for
transferring the fuel from the fuel source 5 into the tank 2, and,
expediently, an identification means 19 for the vehicle 1 and/or
for the discharge means 9. The electrical means 12, 17 and the fuel
connections 13, 18 may also be physically separate from one
another, in order to reduce the risk of spark formation. The
discharge means 9 may expediently have associated recording means
11. It is advantageous, in addition to suction for emerging fuel,
to provide suction for emerging exhaust gases. This is particularly
expedient in multistorey car parks or other locations where the
requirements for a clean and/or safe environment are particularly
stringent.
[0030] One particular advantage of an arrangement such as this is
that the on-board fuel cell system 4 may also be active and at its
operating temperature when in the parked state, thus avoiding the
cold starting problems, particularly at low ambient temperatures,
for example after a long working day. There is no need for cold
starting, and the vehicle is in fact ready to be used
immediately.
[0031] Particularly in the case of vehicle fleets, such as city
buses or haulage companies, vehicles which are currently not in
use, during breaks and at night, can be connected to the regional
electricity network in order to cover the peak domestic demand for
electrical power. The exceedingly good dynamics of vehicles 1 with
on-board fuel cell systems 4 and the mutual reduction in the loads
on a relatively large number of vehicle-based electricity feeders
make it possible to increase the overall electric generation
efficiency, and to create redundancy. Better availability is
provided by there being a number of mutually independent systems.
For example, vehicle-based electricity feeding from commercial
vehicles which are stopped at a service station where they feed
electrical power from the on-board fuel cell system 4 into
stationary systems, is particularly advantageous. This would allow
virtually 100% utilization by a haulage company since, when the
vehicles are stationary, they are providing electrical power (thus,
producing profit), even though they are not being driven.
[0032] The vehicle-side connecting means 17 can particularly
advantageously be used as a starting aid or for "assisted towing"
of a broken-down vehicle 1'. This is shown in FIG. 3. When the
electrical contacts 17, 17' of an assisting vehicle 1 and of a
broken-down vehicle 1' are connected, for example with the aid of
an appropriate adapter 20, the on-board fuel cell system 4 of the
assisting vehicle 1 can provide the broken-down vehicle 1' with
electrical power for starting its system, for example for
compressor power, metering pumps, electrical heating and the like.
The electricity emission connection 17, 17' then, overall, becomes
a starter cable for fuel cell systems.
[0033] For assisting towing of a broken-down vehicle 1' with a
damaged fuel cell system 4', the damaged fuel cell system 4' can
thus be bridged, with the fuel cell system 4 of the towing vehicle
1 supplying the electrical drive of the broken-down vehicle 1'. The
conventional towing cable or towbar is replaced by a towing cable
which can also electronically transmit braking pulses to the
vehicle 1' that is being towed.
[0034] The solution according to the invention could supplement and
replace the previous refueling station infrastructure, particularly
when decentralized, stationary power supply units based on fuel
cells are used. These units can be provided for relatively large
buildings, such as apartment blocks, commercial buildings etc., as
well as for individual houses. These units 6 must also be supplied
with a fuel 3 for operation. Individual houses can be supplied
using tanker vehicles. For larger units, direct supply via a
pipeline network, such as a natural gas supply, is feasible. The
invention allows the use of a supply network which is already in
existence and is fully configured for stationary consumers, even
for supplying fuel 3 to mobile consumers 1 with fuel cell
systems.
[0035] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to
illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since
modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit
and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the
art, the invention should be construed to include everything within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *