U.S. patent application number 12/601635 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-14 for device and method for storing hydrogen for an aircraft.
This patent application is currently assigned to AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is Oliver Thomaschewski, Andreas Westenberger. Invention is credited to Oliver Thomaschewski, Andreas Westenberger.
Application Number | 20130062354 12/601635 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39941977 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130062354 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Westenberger; Andreas ; et
al. |
March 14, 2013 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STORING HYDROGEN FOR AN AIRCRAFT
Abstract
The present invention relates to a tank device for storing
hydrogen for an aircraft. The tank device comprises an outer tank
and an inner tank. The inner tank is held in the outer tank. The
outer tank is arranged such that the hydrogen with first physical
characteristics can be stored. The inner tank is designed such that
the hydrogen with second physical characteristics can be stored.
The outer tank is connected to the inner tank such that the
hydrogen can be fed to the inner tank from the outer tank. The
inner tank is designed such that the hydrogen with the first
physical characteristics can be converted to the hydrogen with
second physical characteristics. The inner tank is arranged such
that the hydrogen comprising the second physical characteristics
can be fed to a consumer.
Inventors: |
Westenberger; Andreas;
(Buxtehude, DE) ; Thomaschewski; Oliver; (Hamburg,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Westenberger; Andreas
Thomaschewski; Oliver |
Buxtehude
Hamburg |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
Hamburg
DE
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20100170907 A1 |
July 8, 2010 |
|
|
Family ID: |
39941977 |
Appl. No.: |
12/601635 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
May 21, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2008/056264 PCKC 00 |
371 Date: |
November 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60932789 |
May 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/586 ;
220/203.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 2203/0304 20130101;
F17C 2223/035 20130101; F17C 2205/0332 20130101; F17C 2227/0178
20130101; F17C 2227/0374 20130101; F17C 2260/025 20130101; F17C
2227/0302 20130101; F17C 2223/0123 20130101; F17C 2227/0372
20130101; F17C 2205/0149 20130101; F17C 2205/0196 20130101; F17C
2260/042 20130101; F17C 2201/0128 20130101; Y02E 60/321 20130101;
F17C 2270/0189 20130101; Y02E 60/32 20130101; F17C 2203/0629
20130101; F17C 2250/0626 20130101; F17C 2260/012 20130101; F17C
2250/0491 20130101; Y02P 90/45 20151101; F17C 2227/0337 20130101;
F17C 2203/0391 20130101; F17C 2205/0192 20130101; F17C 2223/033
20130101; F17C 2250/0439 20130101; F17C 2227/0157 20130101; F17C
2221/012 20130101; F17C 2201/0109 20130101; F17C 2203/0619
20130101; F17C 2223/0161 20130101; F17C 2203/0617 20130101; F17C
7/00 20130101; F17C 2201/054 20130101; F17C 2250/043 20130101; F17C
2250/0631 20130101; F17C 2265/032 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/586 ;
220/203.01 |
International
Class: |
F17C 1/02 20060101
F17C001/02; B65D 51/16 20060101 B65D051/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 31, 2007 |
DE |
10 2007 025 217.1 |
Claims
1. A device for storing hydrogen for an aircraft; wherein the tank
device comprises: an outer tank (1); and an inner tank (7); wherein
the inner tank (7) is held in the outer tank (1); wherein the outer
tank (1) is designed such that the hydrogen with first physical
characteristics can be stored; wherein the inner tank (7) is
designed such that the hydrogen with second physical
characteristics can be stored; wherein the outer tank (1) is
connected to the inner tank (7) such that the hydrogen can be fed
to the inner tank (7) from the outer tank; wherein the inner tank
(7) is designed such that the hydrogen with first physical
characteristics can be converted to the hydrogen with second
physical characteristics; wherein the inner tank (7) is designed
such that the hydrogen with the second physical characteristics can
be fed to a consumer.
2. The tank device of claim 1; wherein the outer tank (1) comprises
a first insulation layer (15).
3. The tank device of claim 2; wherein the inner tank (7) comprises
a second insulation layer (16); wherein the second insulation layer
(16) differs from the first insulation layer (15).
4. The tank device of claim 3; wherein the second insulation layer
(16) differs from the first insulation layer (15) in that the
second insulation layer (16) is constructed thinner and weaker than
the first insulation layer (15) which is designed to be thicker and
stronger.
5. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 4; further comprising:
a conversion contrivance (10); wherein the conversion contrivance
(10) is designed such that the hydrogen with first physical
characteristics can be converted to the hydrogen with second
physical characteristics.
6. The tank device of claim 5; wherein the conversion contrivance
(10) comprises at least one heating element (10'), one cooling
element and one pressure control element.
7. The tank device of claim 5; wherein the conversion contrivance
(10) is selected from the group comprising heating elements,
cooling elements and pressure control elements.
8. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 7; further comprising:
an outer-tank control device (18); wherein the outer-tank control
device (18) is designed such that in the outer tank (1) the
hydrogen comprising first physical characteristics can be set;
wherein the outer-tank control device (18) is selected from the
group comprising heating elements, cooling elements and pressure
control elements.
9. The tank device of claim 8; wherein the outer-tank control
device (18) comprises at least one heating element (2), one cooling
element and one pressure control element.
10. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 9; further
comprising: a compressor (8); wherein the compressor (8) is
arranged to convey hydrogen from the outer tank (1) to the inner
tank (7) so that due to a first pressure (P1) of the hydrogen in
the outer tank (1), and a different second pressure (P2) of the
hydrogen in the inner tank (7), filling of the inner tank (7) with
hydrogen from the outer tank (1) can be implemented more
rapidly.
11. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 10; further
comprising: an inner-tank safety valve (9); wherein the inner-tank
safety valve (9) is designed to discharge the hydrogen from the
inner tank (7) off into the outer tank (1).
12. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 11; further
comprising: an outer-tank safety valve (4); wherein the outer-tank
safety valve (4) is designed to discharge the hydrogen from the
outer tank (1) in a targeted manner to the environment.
13. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 12; further
comprising: a feed device (3); wherein the feed device (3) is
provided in such a manner on the outer tank (1) that a filling
device for filling hydrogen into the outer tank (1) can be
connected.
14. The tank device of claim 13; wherein the feed device (3)
comprises a standardised and interchangeable coupling; wherein the
coupling is designed such that a host of different filling devices
can be connected.
15. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 14; wherein the outer
tank (1) comprises a bursting-disc element (5, 6); wherein the
bursting-disc element (5, 6) is designed such that when hydrogen
with critical physical characteristics is present, the
bursting-disc element (5, 6) can be deformed, and the hydrogen with
critical physical characteristics can be let off to the environment
in a targeted manner.
16. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 15; wherein the inner
tank (1) comprises a further bursting-disc element (12, 13);
wherein the further bursting-disc element (12, 13) is designed such
that when hydrogen with critical physical characteristics is
present, the further bursting-disc element (12, 13) can be
deformed, and the hydrogen with critical physical characteristics
can be given off to the outer tank (1) in a targeted manner.
17. The tank device of any one of claims 5 to 16; further
comprising: a control device; and an inner-tank sensor (20);
wherein the inner-tank sensor (20) is arranged in the inner tank
(7) such that the second physical characteristics of the hydrogen
are measurable; wherein the control device is designed such that
the control device controls the conversion device depending on
measured data from the inner-tank sensor (20).
18. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 17; wherein the inner
tank (7) is designed integrally with the outer tank (1).
19. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 18; further
comprising: a fastening device (21); wherein the fastening device
(21) is arranged such that the fastening device (21) holds the
inner tank (7) so that the latter is spaced apart from the outer
tank (1).
20. The tank device of claim 19; wherein the fastening device
comprises damping elements (19); wherein the damping elements (19)
are arranged to absorb shocks and vibration between inner tank (7)
and outer tank (1).
21. The tank device of any one of claims 1 to 20, further
comprising: a plurality of inner tanks (7); wherein the plurality
of inner tanks (7) are stored in the outer tank (1).
22. A method for storing hydrogen for an aircraft; wherein the
method comprises: storing hydrogen with first physical
characteristics in an outer tank (1); feeding the hydrogen with
first physical characteristics from the outer tank (1) into an
inner tank (7); converting the hydrogen with first physical
characteristics to hydrogen with second physical characteristics;
feeding the hydrogen with the second physical characteristics to a
consumer; wherein the inner tank (7) is held in the outer tank
(1).
23. The method of claim 22; wherein the first hydrogen comprises a
first pressure (P1) and a first temperature (Ti); wherein the
second hydrogen comprises a second pressure (P2) and a second
temperature (T2); wherein the first pressure (P1) is higher than
the second pressure (P2); wherein the first temperature (T1) is
lower than the second temperature (T2).
24. The use of a tank device for storing hydrogen according to any
one of claims 1 to 21 in an aircraft.
25. An aircraft comprising a tank device for storing hydrogen
according to any one of claims 1 to 21.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/932,789 filed May 31, 2005 and
of German patent application No. 10 2007 025 217.1 filed on May 31,
2007, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a tank device for storing
hydrogen for an aircraft; to a method for storing hydrogen for an
aircraft; to the use of a tank device for storing hydrogen in an
aircraft; and to an aircraft comprising a tank device for storing
hydrogen.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In present-day aircraft, hydrogen is becoming increasingly
more attractive as an energy carrier. In particular, the use of APU
systems by fuel cells with a high degree of system integration is
of particular interest as far as installation in aircraft is
concerned. To this effect hydrogen tank equipment for aircraft
becomes necessary that meets the stringent safety criteria for an
aircraft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In hydrogen tank systems, highly-insulated pressure tanks
are used. For the rapid dynamic removal of large quantities of
hydrogen the pressure tanks have to be heated. However, large,
highly-insulated pressure tanks react rather passively during
removal, so that in addition a reservoir tank is used that contains
some of the hydrogen and provides it in a dynamic manner. However,
the use of various tank elements increases both the installed
volume and the weight.
[0005] There may be a need to create an efficient tank system for
storing hydrogen.
[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention this
need may be met by a tank device for storing hydrogen; a method for
storing hydrogen in an aircraft; the use of a tank device for
storing hydrogen in an aircraft; and an aircraft comprising a tank
device for storing hydrogen according to the independent
claims.
[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a tank device for storing hydrogen for an aircraft is
created. The tank device comprises an outer tank and an inner tank.
The inner tank is held in the outer tank. Furthermore, the outer
tank is arranged such that hydrogen with first physical
characteristics can be stored. The inner tank is designed such that
the hydrogen with second physical characteristics can be stored.
The outer tank is connected to the inner tank such that the
hydrogen can be fed to the inner tank. Furthermore, the inner tank
is arranged such that the hydrogen with first physical
characteristics can be converted to hydrogen with second physical
characteristics. Furthermore, the inner tank is arranged such that
the hydrogen with the second physical characteristics can be fed to
a consumer.
[0008] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the
invention, a method for storing hydrogen for an aircraft is
created. First, hydrogen with first physical characteristics is
stored in an outer tank. The hydrogen with first physical
characteristics is fed from the outer tank to an inner tank. In
this arrangement the hydrogen with first physical characteristics
is converted to hydrogen with second physical characteristics. The
hydrogen with second physical characteristics is subsequently fed
to a consumer. In this arrangement the inner tank is held in the
outer tank.
[0009] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the above tank
device is used for storing hydrogen in an aircraft.
[0010] According to a further exemplary embodiment, an aircraft
comprising the above-described tank device for storing hydrogen is
created.
[0011] Hereinafter, the term "physical characteristics of the
hydrogen" refers, for example, to the temperature, the pressure,
the state of aggregation and the hydrogen concentration of
hydrogen.
[0012] Furthermore, hydrogen can be present in high-purity form or
in hydrogen compounds, for example metal hydrides.
[0013] With the present invention, a tank-in-tank concept is
created by which part of the tank volume is provided in a second
tank container, the inner tank, wherein the inner tank in a
two-tank architecture is spatially integrated in a large outer
tank. In this arrangement the large outer tank comprises hydrogen
with first physical characteristics, which hydrogen can be conveyed
by a pump or a valve to refill the holding tank or inner tank.
Hydrogen that is stored in the inner tank is present with second
physical characteristics and can be fed to a consumer.
[0014] In order to supply a user or consumer with hydrogen, certain
physical characteristics of the hydrogen may have to be set so that
a consumer can efficiently convert the hydrogen. In contrast to
this, hydrogen with other physical characteristics can be stored
better in a tank. With the present invention, the hydrogen may be
preset to efficient physical conditions for a consumer, while at
the same time comprising efficient physical characteristics for the
storation in a tank. Thus, the hydrogen comprising first physical
characteristics is present in the outer tank, which hydrogen
comprises the first physical characteristics that are efficient for
storing hydrogen. In the inner tank the hydrogen comprising second
physical characteristics is present, which characteristics can be
brought to physical characteristics that can efficiently serve a
consumer. For example, hydrogen may be stored in the outer tank at
high storage pressure and low temperature, while in the inner tank
hydrogen is stored at low pressure and more elevated temperature,
as required, for example, by the consumer.
[0015] In addition, with the tank-in-tank architecture according to
the invention, it is possible, in particular, to make better use of
the design and construction space while in addition less insulation
effort can be sufficient. Furthermore, the inner tank is
particularly well protected against external influences because it
is protected by the outer tank. By providing hydrogen comprising
second physical characteristics in the inner tank it is furthermore
possible to improve the dynamic response behaviour since, due to
the short bridging paths between the outer tank and the inner tank,
it is possible in an extremely short period of time to continuously
and rapidly provide hydrogen comprising second physical
characteristics. Moreover, the safety aspects are not reduced but
instead they are improved due to the inner tank being better
protected.
[0016] As a result of an inner tank being formed in the outer tank,
in addition, evaporated hydrogen from the inner tank can
automatically be collected by the outer tank so that it is no
longer necessary to provide two tanks with a heavy insulation
weight. By the tank-in-tank system it is furthermore possible to
provide redundancy, for example should the inner tank become
damaged. In this arrangement, in the case of a defect, the outer
tank can collect the quantity of water contained in the inner tank.
Moreover, by emergency jettison options, the hydrogen contained in
the outer tank can be released in a targeted manner to the
environment, wherein a small determined quantity of hydrogen with
second physical characteristics can continue to be stored in the
inner tank so that at least a small portion of hydrogen can be
available in the case of emergency in order to provide emergency
running characteristics. Moreover, the crash safety may be improved
in this way.
[0017] Hydrogen comprising second physical characteristics, which
hydrogen can efficiently be converted in a consumer, is very
difficult to store in a tank because of these second physical
characteristics. Due to the evaporation characteristics of the
hydrogen at low pressure and high temperature, heavy insulation
devices are frequently required which nonetheless are barely able
to collect hydrogen comprising second physical characteristics
before evaporation. With the present tank-in-tank architecture,
evaporation of hydrogen comprising second physical characteristics
from the inner tank can be collected using the outer tank, without
there being a need to provide additional insulation
characteristics. Loss of hydrogen due to evaporation can thus be
reduced, and safety aspects can be improved without the need for
expensive and heavy insulation devices.
[0018] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the outer tank
comprises a first insulation layer. This first insulation layer is
therefore designed such as to prevent the hydrogen comprising the
first physical characteristics from emerging. Hydrogen has volatile
characteristics and tends to evaporate from a container. By a
strongly built first insulation layer such evaporation can be
reduced. Furthermore, the hydrogen can, for example, be kept at
first physical characteristics. Consequently, those first physical
characteristics of the hydrogen can be provided which are suitable
for storing the hydrogen. For example, by the first insulation
layer the hydrogen can be kept at a defined low temperature, high
pressure, or a defined state of aggregation.
[0019] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the inner tank
comprises a second insulation layer, wherein the second insulation
layer differs from the first insulation layer. In the inner tank
the hydrogen comprising second physical characteristics can be
stored, wherein the second physical characteristics are such that
they can be efficiently converted at a user. These second physical
characteristics can, however, have inferior storage
characteristics, because, for example, they show a higher
evaporating behavior more readily, due to higher temperature or
reduced pressure. Nevertheless, the tank-in-tank architecture
provides the option of designing the second insulation layer of the
inner tank thinner than, or different from the first insulation
layer of the outer tank. While in this way hydrogen comprising
second physical characteristics can evaporate more easily from the
inner tank, this hydrogen is, however, collected by the outer
tank.
[0020] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the second insulation layer differs from the first
insulation layer in that the second insulation layer is constructed
so as to be thinner and weaker than the first insulation layer
which is designed thicker and stronger. Due to a strong first
insulation layer of the outer tank, hydrogen that has evaporated
from the inner tank can nevertheless be prevented from evaporating
to the environment. In the outer tank, the evaporated hydrogen can
be reset to the first physical characteristics. Consequently,
weight savings can be achieved in the insulation layers because it
is not necessary to use two insulation layers that are equally
strong and thick and thus heavy in weight.
[0021] According to a further exemplary embodiment, furthermore, a
conversion contrivance is used. The conversion contrivance is
designed such that the hydrogen with first physical characteristics
can be converted to the hydrogen with second physical
characteristics. The conversion contrivance can comprise at least
one heating element, one cooling element and one pressure control
element. The conversion device can further be formed by the group
comprising heating elements, cooling elements and pressure control
elements. For example, if hydrogen comprising first physical
characteristics is conveyed from the outer tank to the inner tank,
then by the conversion contrivance the hydrogen can be converted to
hydrogen comprising second physical characteristics. If the
hydrogen is, for example, stored in the outer tank at extremely
high pressure and low temperature, then by heating elements or
pressure control elements the hydrogen can be heated and relaxed so
that hydrogen comprising second physical characteristics can be
present in the inner tank. By the conversion contrivance hydrogen
comprising second physical characteristics can permanently be
provided and resupplied so that hydrogen with efficient physical
characteristics can be provided to a consumer.
[0022] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the tank device
further comprises an outer-tank control device. The outer-tank
control device is designed such that in the outer tank the hydrogen
comprising first physical characteristics can be set. The
outer-tank control device can comprise at least one heating
element, one cooling element and one pressure control element.
Furthermore, the outer-tank control device can be selected from the
group comprising heating elements, cooling elements and pressure
control elements. By the outer-tank control device there is the
option of setting the first physical characteristics of the
hydrogen such that physical characteristics are present that are
suitable for storing the hydrogen. Thus, by the outer-tank control
device it is possible, for example, to reduce or increase a
hydrogen temperature or to set a particular pressure. Consequently,
evaporation of the hydrogen can be reduced in that first physical
characteristics of the hydrogen can be set, by which
characteristics hydrogen has a reduced evaporation
characteristics.
[0023] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the tank device
further comprises a compressor. The compressor is arranged to
convey hydrogen from the outer tank to the inner tank so that due
to a first pressure of the hydrogen in the outer tank and a
different second pressure of the hydrogen in the inner tank,
filling of the inner tank with hydrogen from the outer tank can be
implemented more rapidly. In other words, on the one hand the
hydrogen can be conveyed due to a difference in pressure between
the inner tank and the outer tank, and on the other hand a
compressor can be used for more rapid filling of the inner tank.
Consequently, hydrogen can rapidly be provided to the inner tank so
that in case of a rapid reduction of the hydrogen by a consumer
from the inner tank an adequate quantity of hydrogen can
continuously be provided.
[0024] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the tank device
further comprises an inner-tank safety valve. The inner-tank safety
valve is designed to let the hydrogen from the inner tank off into
the outer tank. In case physical characteristics of the hydrogen in
the inner tank reach a critical state, by an inner-tank safety
valve this hydrogen can be let off into the outer tank.
Consequently, it is possible to prevent that the inner tank is
destroyed in case that critical physical characteristics of the
hydrogen occur.
[0025] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the tank device
further comprises an outer-tank safety valve. The outer-tank safety
valve can be designed such that it lets off the hydrogen from the
outer tank in a targeted manner to the environment. If critical
characteristics of the hydrogen occur, by way of an outer-tank
safety valve the hydrogen can be let off in a targeted manner.
Furthermore, by the outer-tank safety valve the hydrogen can be let
off at a particular location, for example from an aircraft to the
environment. Consequently, the safety in an aircraft can be
improved.
[0026] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the tank device
further comprises a feed device. The feed device is provided in
such a manner on the outer tank that a filling device for filling
hydrogen into the outer tank can be connected. The filling device
can, for example, be arranged in such a manner on the outer tank
that a connection on the aircraft fuselage is provided so that from
the outside a tank equipment can be connected. Furthermore, this
feed device can comprise standardised couplings so that a host of
different filling devices for filling the tank with hydrogen can be
connected. Consequently, the outer tank can be filled with hydrogen
in an easy way.
[0027] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the feed device
comprises a standardised and interchangeable coupling. The coupling
is designed such that a host of different filling devices can be
connected. Consequently, the tank device can be connected to
various tank equipment without this requiring major retrofitting
measures. By the standardised coupling, hydrogen can be procured
from a host of different filling devices. Consequently,
retrofitting times and refuelling times can be reduced.
[0028] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the outer tank
comprises a bursting-disc element. The bursting-disc element is
designed such that when hydrogen with critical physical
characteristics is present, the bursting-disc element can be
deformed, and the hydrogen with critical physical characteristics
can be let off to the environment in a targeted manner.
Consequently, in case of emergency situations the bursting-disc
elements can be deformed in a targeted manner so that at a targeted
location the hydrogen can escape to an environment. The environment
can be an aircraft cabin or the aircraft environment itself
Consequently, the system safety of the tank device can be improved.
Furthermore, in a further exemplary embodiment the inner tank can
comprise bursting-disc elements that allow the hydrogen to flow
into the outer tank.
[0029] The environment can be an aircraft cabin or the aircraft
environment itself This means that, by bursting-disc elements or
valves, hydrogen can be discharged from the tank device to an
aircraft cabin or to an external aircraft environment outside the
aircraft cabin.
[0030] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the inner tank
comprises a further bursting-disc element. The further
bursting-disc element is designed such that in case of the presence
of hydrogen with critical physical characteristics, the further
bursting-disc element can be deformed, and the hydrogen with
critical physical characteristics can be released to the outer tank
in a targeted manner. Consequently, the hydrogen with critical
physical characteristics can rapidly and without interruption be
diverted to the outer tank. Consequently, it is possible, for
example, to prevent the inner tank from bursting. In addition, the
hydrogen with critical physical characteristics in the outer tank
can be converted to hydrogen with first physical
characteristics.
[0031] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the tank device
further comprises a control device and an inner-tank sensor. The
inner-tank sensor can be arranged in the inner tank such that the
second physical characteristics of the hydrogen are measurable. The
control device is designed such that the control device controls
the conversion device depending on measured data from the
inner-tank sensor. The inner-tank sensor can measure physical
values, for example temperature or pressure of the hydrogen, and
can convey these values to a control device. Based on predetermined
target-value data or input data, said control device can
automatically control the conversion contrivance and in this way
reduce or increase temperature, or increase or reduce pressure.
Consequently, it is permanently ensured that the second physical
characteristics of the hydrogen are provided in the inner tank. The
same can be implemented in the outer tank by providing an
outer-tank sensor.
[0032] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the inner tank
is designed so as to be integral with the outer tank. Consequently,
the outer tank and the inner tank can be constructed as a unit,
namely in one piece and as an integral design, so that improved
stability is achievable. Furthermore, due to the integral design
the weight can be reduced. The term "integral" means that the outer
tank can be designed as a unit with the inner tank, for example in
an integral design.
[0033] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the tank device
further comprises a fastening device. The fastening device is
designed such that the fastening device holds the inner tank so
that the latter is spaced apart from the outer tank. Consequently,
by the fastening device, the inner tank can be held so that it is
spaced apart from the outer tank so that contact between the inner
tank and the outer tank is prevented. Furthermore, the fastening
device can comprise damping elements that can protect the inner
tank against vibration and shocks. By the spacing between the inner
tank and the outer tank, improved insulation characteristics can be
implemented because the inner tank is held without contact to the
outer tank.
[0034] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the fastening
device comprises damping elements. The damping elements are
designed to absorb shocks and vibration between the inner tank and
the outer tank. The damping elements can comprise a shock-absorbing
damping material or hydraulic or pneumatic shock absorbers.
Consequently, vibration of the inner tank can be prevented,
particulary as hydrogen with the second physical characteristics
can be more easily flammable.
[0035] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the tank device
comprises a plurality of inner tanks. The plurality of inner tanks
are also held in the outer tank and comprise the same
characteristics as the inner tank described above. Consequently,
each of the inner tanks can hold hydrogen with second physical
characteristics. In this way the tank device can provide the
hydrogen to the user in a more dynamic manner, because in the case
where an inner tank runs empty, hydrogen can rapidly and without
interruption be taken from a further inner tank. At the same time
the empty inner tank can take up hydrogen again. In addition, each
of the inner tanks can hold hydrogen comprising different physical
characteristics and can provide hydrogen to different consumers.
Consequently, the physical characteristics of the hydrogen in each
of the inner tanks can be adjusted to the requirements of a
particular consumer. Consequently, the system effectiveness can be
improved.
[0036] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the method,
the first hydrogen comprises a first pressure and a first
temperature, and the second hydrogen comprises a second pressure
and a second temperature. The first pressure is higher than the
second pressure, and the first temperature is lower than the second
temperature. Consequently, the hydrogen in the outer tank comprises
first physical characteristics that are suitable for storage in a
tank. Hydrogen can, for example, be stored at high pressure and low
temperature in a gaseous or liquid state of aggregation, as a
result of which at the same time evaporation of hydrogen from the
outer tank is reduced. In the inner tank the hydrogen can comprise
a lower pressure and a higher temperature, wherein this hydrogen
comprising these second physical characteristics can be converted
by a consumer at a higher degree of efficiency. While in this way
the evaporation characteristics of the hydrogen comprising second
physical characteristics are increased, any evaporated hydrogen is,
however, collected by the outer tank. Consequently, the first and
second physical characteristics of the hydrogen can always be set
according to their use, i.e. for storage or for combustion, so that
the efficiency of the entire tank device is improved as far as
weight savings and hydrogen consumption are concerned.
[0037] The exemplary embodiments of the tank device also apply to
the method, to the use, and to the aircraft, and vice-versa.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Below, for further explanation and to provide a better
understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are
described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings.
The following are shown:
[0039] FIG. 1 a diagrammatic view of the basic principle of the
tank device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 a diagrammatic view of a tank device with additional
components according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0041] FIG. 3 a diagrammatic view of the way an inner tank is held
in the outer tank according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Identical or similar components in different figures have
the same reference characters. The illustrations in the figures are
diagrammatic and not to scale.
[0043] FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A tank device for storing hydrogen for an aircraft is
shown. The tank device comprises an outer tank 1 and an inner tank
7. In this arrangement the inner tank 7 is held in the outer tank
1. In this arrangement the outer tank 1 is designed such that the
hydrogen with first physical characteristics can be stored. The
inner tank 7 is designed such that the hydrogen comprising second
physical characteristics can be stored. The outer tank is connected
to the inner tank 7 such that the hydrogen can be fed to the inner
tank 7. The inner tank 7 is designed such that the hydrogen with
first physical characteristics can be converted to the hydrogen
with second physical characteristics. The inner tank 7 is designed
such that the hydrogen with the second physical characteristics can
be fed to a consumer.
[0044] The outer tank 1 or cryotank comprises thick insulation 15,
wherein the inner tank 7 can comprise light insulation 16. In this
arrangement the outer tank stores hydrogen with first physical
characteristics, for example at a pressure P1 and a temperature T1.
This hydrogen can be fed to the inner tank, wherein at the same
time the hydrogen with first physical characteristics can be
converted to hydrogen with second physical characteristics. These
second physical characteristics comprise, for example, a lower
pressure P2 or a higher temperature T2. From this inner tank 7, by
way of a removal device 11, the hydrogen with second physical
characteristics can be provided to a consumer.
[0045] Under the first physical characteristics the first
temperature T1 and the first pressure P1 can be allocated. Under
the second physical characteristics the second temperature T2 and
the second pressure P2 can be allocated.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic view of the tank device
according to the invention with possible additional components
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this
arrangement the outer tank 1 comprises thick outer insulation 15.
The first physical characteristics of the hydrogen in the outer
tank 1 can, for example, be set by way of an outer-tank control
device 18, for example a heating device or an outer-tank compressor
or a valve 4. By way of a feed device 3, hydrogen can be supplied
to the outer tank 1. There is thus the option of providing a
particular pressure P1 and a particular temperature T1 by a heater
2.
[0047] Furthermore, FIG. 2 further shows the inner tank 7 that
comprises thin inner insulation 16. In the inner tank 7, the
hydrogen comprising second physical characteristics can be
provided, for example at a pressure P2 or a temperature T2. By a
conversion contrivance 10, which, for example, comprises heating
elements 10' or pressure control elements 8, the second interior
pressure P2 or the second temperature T2 can be set. In this
arrangement the second pressure P2 and the second temperature T2
are set such that hydrogen comprising these physical
characteristics achieves good efficiency at a consumer. By way of a
feed line 11, the hydrogen from the inner tank 7 can be fed to the
consumer.
[0048] Furthermore, the inner tank 7 comprises an inner-tank safety
valve 9, as a result of which arrangement hydrogen comprising
critical physical characteristics, for example increased pressure
or excessive temperature, can be let off into the outer tank 1.
[0049] For faster filling of the inner tank 7 with hydrogen from
the outer tank 1, a compressor 8 can be used which provides rapid
conveyance of hydrogen into the inner tank 7.
[0050] The outer tank 1 further comprises bursting discs 5, 6 which
are deformable in case of critical physical first characteristics
of the hydrogen and convey the hydrogen rapidly and without
interruption from the outer tank 1 to an aircraft environment with
an ambient pressure of Pa. Likewise, the inner tank 7 can comprise
bursting-disc elements 12, 13 which in the case of critical
physical characteristics of the hydrogen can be deformed and can
give off the hydrogen to the outer tank 1.
[0051] The outer tank 1 can furthermore comprise an outer-tank
control device 18 that controls the heater 2 or a vacuum valve 14
in a targeted manner in order to set first physical characteristics
of the hydrogen, for example a first pressure P1 and a first
temperature T1.
[0052] The inner tank 7 can, furthermore, comprise an inner-tank
sensor 20 which permanently measures the second physical
characteristics of the hydrogen and can transmit them, for example,
to a control device. Based on the measured sensor data, the control
device can control the conversion contrivance 10 in a targeted
manner so that the hydrogen comprising defined second physical
characteristics is permanently present.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary arrangement of holding the inner
tank 7 in the outer tank 1. In this arrangement the outer tank 1
comprises thick strong external insulation 15.
[0054] In this arrangement the inner tank 7 is held, by a fastening
contrivance 21, so as to be spaced apart. In addition, the inner
tank 7 can comprise no insulation or a thin, light-weight second
insulation layer 16. The fastening contrivance 21 can keep the
inner tank 7 spaced apart, for example, by way of rod systems.
Furthermore, damping elements 19 can be arranged on such rod
systems so that the inner tank 7 absorbs less in the way of shocks
and vibration from the outer tank 1. This can improve safety
because the inner tank 7 frequently holds hydrogen that comprises
favourable combustion characteristics for a consumer, which
hydrogen should therefore be stored in a highly sensitive
manner.
[0055] The inner tank 7 further comprises a removal device 11 by
which the hydrogen with second physical characteristics can be fed
to a consumer. For the purpose of filling the inner tank 7 with
hydrogen from the outer tank 1, a compressor 8 can be used so as to
also increase the filling speed.
[0056] In addition, it should be pointed out that "comprising" does
not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "one" does not
exclude a plural number, and that characteristics or steps which
have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary
embodiments can also be used in combination with other
characteristics or steps of other exemplary embodiments described
above. Reference characters in the claims are not to be interpreted
as limitations.
* * * * *