1. A hydrogen storage system comprising:

a first hydrogen tank provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle;

a second hydrogen tank that is provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle and stores hydrogen independently of the first hydrogen tank;

a manifold provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle and connected to the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank;

a hydrogen supply line connecting a fuel cell stack provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle and the manifold; and

a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts a flow rate of hydrogen supplied from at least one of the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank to the manifold according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank.

2. The hydrogen storage system of claim 1,

the flow regulating valve includes:

a chamber housing having a working chamber communicating with the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank;

a first valve housing having a first supply flow path connected to the first hydrogen tank;

a piston member linearly moving in the working chamber according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank; and

a first valve member connected to one end of the piston member and moved in the first valve housing by the piston member to adjust an opening rate of the first supply flow path.

3. The hydrogen storage system of claim 2,

the working chamber is divided into a first space and a second space by the piston member, the first hydrogen tank is communicated with the first space, and the second hydrogen tank is communicated with the second space.

4. The hydrogen storage system of claim 2, further comprising:

a spring member elastically supporting movement of the piston member relative to the chamber housing.

5. The hydrogen storage system of claim 3, further comprising:

a second valve housing having a second supply flow path connected to the second hydrogen tank; and

a second valve member connected to the other end of the piston member and moved in the second valve housing by the piston member to adjust an opening ratio of the second supply flow path.

6. The hydrogen storage system of claim 5,

when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank becomes a first pressure and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank becomes a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the first valve member moves in a first direction in which the first valve member opens the first supply flow path, thereby increasing the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank to the manifold.

7. The hydrogen storage system of claim 6,

the second valve member moves in the first direction in which the second valve member closes the second supply flow path, thereby reducing the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank to the manifold, while the first valve member moves in the first direction.

8. The hydrogen storage system of claim 2,

the flow regulating valve is disposed in the manifold.

9. The hydrogen storage system of claim 2, further comprising:

a first connection line connecting the first hydrogen tank and the manifold; and

a second connection line connecting the second hydrogen tank and the manifold,

wherein the flow regulating valve is provided in at least one of the first connecting line and the second connecting line.

10. A flow regulating valve that regulates a flow of hydrogen supplied from at least one of a first hydrogen tank and a second hydrogen tank to a manifold, the flow regulating valve comprising:

a chamber housing having a working chamber communicating with the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank;

a first valve housing having a first supply flow path connected to the first hydrogen tank;

a piston member linearly moving in the working chamber according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank; and

a first valve member connected to one end of the piston member and moved in the first valve housing by the piston member to adjust an opening rate of the first supply flow path.

11. The flow regulating valve of claim 10,

the working chamber is divided into a first space and a second space by the piston member, the first hydrogen tank is communicated with the first space, and the second hydrogen tank is communicated with the second space.

12. The flow regulating valve of claim 10, further comprising:

a spring member elastically supporting movement of the piston member relative to the chamber housing.

13. The flow regulating valve of claim 11, further comprising:

a second valve housing having a second supply flow path connected to the second hydrogen tank; and

a second valve member connected to the other end of the piston member and moved in the second valve housing by the piston member to adjust an opening ratio of the second supply flow path.

14. The flow regulating valve of claim 13,

when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank becomes a first pressure and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank becomes a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the first valve member moves in a first direction in which the first valve member opens the first supply flow path, thereby increasing the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank to the manifold.

15. The flow regulating valve of claim 14,

the second valve member moves in the first direction in which the second valve member closes the second supply flow path, thereby reducing the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank to the manifold, while the first valve member moves in the first direction.

Background

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) generate electric energy by an electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen in a fuel cell stack and use the electric energy as a power source.

The fuel cell electric vehicle can continuously generate electricity by supplying fuel and air from the outside regardless of the battery capacity, and thus has high efficiency and hardly discharges pollutants. Research and development into various aspects of fuel cell electric vehicles is continuing.

A plurality of hydrogen tanks (e.g., three hydrogen tanks) are provided in a fuel cell electric vehicle, and hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen tanks along a hydrogen inflation line of a hydrogen storage system. The hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank is depressurized by a regulator and then supplied to the fuel cell stack along a hydrogen supply line for generating electric power.

Meanwhile, when the pressure difference between the plurality of hydrogen tanks increases above a predetermined level, there is a problem in that: the airtightness of a high-pressure hydrogen valve (e.g., an electromagnetic valve) that maintains the pressure in the hydrogen tank when the fuel cell electric vehicle is shut down may be weakened, and the risk of hydrogen leakage may increase. Further, there are the following problems: when the fuel cell electric vehicle is restarted, abnormal operating noise may be generated due to chattering of the high-pressure hydrogen valve caused by a pressure difference between the plurality of hydrogen tanks. Therefore, it is required to minimize the pressure difference between the respective hydrogen tanks.

However, in the prior art, there are the following problems: a pressure difference may be generated between the hydrogen tanks due to a difference in length between pipes connected to the respective hydrogen tanks, and a pressure difference may be generated between the respective hydrogen tanks due to an internal temperature difference between the hydrogen tanks caused by sunlight and wind when the fuel cell electric vehicle is driven.

Therefore, research has been conducted to minimize the pressure difference between the hydrogen tanks and improve safety and reliability, but the results of such research are still insufficient. Therefore, it is required to develop a technology for minimizing a pressure difference between hydrogen tanks to improve safety and reliability.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a hydrogen storage system capable of minimizing a pressure difference between hydrogen tanks to improve safety and reliability, and a flow rate regulating valve for the hydrogen storage system.

The present disclosure may vary the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from each hydrogen tank according to the pressure difference between the hydrogen tanks to minimize the pressure difference between the hydrogen tanks.

The present disclosure may improve gas tightness, reduce the risk of hydrogen leakage, and minimize valve flutter caused by pressure differences.

In order to achieve the above objects of the present disclosure, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a hydrogen storage system including: a first hydrogen tank provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle; a second hydrogen tank provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle and configured to store hydrogen independently of the first hydrogen tank; a manifold provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle and connected to the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank; a hydrogen supply line configured to connect a fuel cell stack provided in a fuel cell electric vehicle and a manifold; and a flow rate adjustment valve configured to adjust a flow rate of hydrogen supplied from at least one of the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank to the manifold according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank.

This is to minimize the pressure difference between the hydrogen tanks and improve safety and reliability.

That is, when the pressure difference between the plurality of hydrogen tanks increases above a predetermined level, there is a problem in that: the airtightness of the high-pressure hydrogen valve that maintains the pressure in the hydrogen tank may be weakened, and the risk of hydrogen leakage may increase. Further, there is a problem that abnormal operation noise is generated due to chattering of the high-pressure hydrogen valve. Therefore, it is required to minimize the pressure difference between the respective hydrogen tanks. However, in the prior art, there are the following problems: a pressure difference may be generated between the hydrogen tanks due to a difference in length between pipes connected to the respective hydrogen tanks, and a pressure difference may be generated between the respective hydrogen tanks due to an internal temperature difference between the hydrogen tanks caused by sunlight and wind when the fuel cell electric vehicle is driven.

However, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from at least one of the first and second hydrogen tanks to the manifold is adjusted according to the pressure difference between the first and second hydrogen tanks, and therefore, an advantageous effect of minimizing the pressure difference between the first and second hydrogen tanks may be obtained.

This is because the pressure in the hydrogen tank can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen tank. For example, when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank becomes a first pressure and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank becomes a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the pressure in the first hydrogen tank may be reduced by increasing the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the first hydrogen tank, and therefore, the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank may be minimized.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, only the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank to the manifold may be adjusted, or both the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank and the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank to the manifold may be adjusted, or only the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank to the manifold may be adjusted, according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulating valve may regulate the flow of hydrogen supplied from at least one of the plurality of hydrogen tanks to the manifold according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the third hydrogen tank or a pressure difference between the second hydrogen tank and the third hydrogen tank.

The flow rate adjustment valve may have various structures capable of adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank to the manifold.

In particular, the flow regulating valve may be provided in the manifold. Alternatively, the flow regulating valve may be provided in at least one of a first connection line configured to connect the first hydrogen tank and the manifold and a second connection line configured to connect the second hydrogen tank and the manifold.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a flow regulating valve may include: a chamber housing having a working chamber communicating with the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank; a first valve housing having a first supply flow path connected to a first hydrogen tank; a piston member configured to linearly move in the working chamber according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank; and a first valve member connected to one end of the piston member and configured to be moved in the first valve housing by the piston member to adjust an opening rate of the first supply flow path.

In particular, the working chamber of the chamber housing may be divided into a first space and a second space by the piston member, and the first hydrogen tank may be in communication with the first space and the second hydrogen tank may be in communication with the second space.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a hydrogen storage system may include a spring member configured to elastically support movement of a piston member relative to a chamber housing.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a flow regulating valve may include: a second valve housing having a second supply flow path connected to a second hydrogen tank; and a second valve member connected to the other end of the piston member and configured to be moved in the second valve housing by the piston member to adjust an opening ratio of the second supply flow path.

This is to simultaneously adjust the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the first hydrogen tank (supplied to the manifold) and the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the second hydrogen tank (supplied to the manifold) in accordance with the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank.

By simultaneously adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the first hydrogen tank and the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the second hydrogen tank as described above, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of more quickly and accurately correcting the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank.

In particular, when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank becomes a first pressure and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank becomes a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the first valve member may move in a first direction in which the first valve member opens the first supply flow path, so that the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank to the manifold may be increased.

More specifically, the second valve member may be moved in the first direction in which the second valve member closes the second supply flow path while the first valve member is moved in the first direction, so that the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank to the manifold may be reduced.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a flow regulating valve configured to regulate a flow rate of hydrogen supplied from at least one of a first hydrogen tank and a second hydrogen tank to a manifold, the flow regulating valve including: a chamber housing having a working chamber communicating with the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank; a first valve housing having a first supply flow path connected to a first hydrogen tank; a piston member configured to linearly move in the working chamber according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank and the second hydrogen tank; and a first valve member connected to one end of the piston member and configured to be moved in the first valve housing by the piston member to adjust an opening rate of the first supply flow path.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the working chamber may be divided into a first space and a second space by the piston member, and the first hydrogen tank may be in communication with the first space and the second hydrogen tank may be in communication with the second space.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulating valve may include a spring member configured to elastically support movement of the piston member relative to the chamber housing.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulating valve may further include: a second valve housing having a second supply flow path connected to a second hydrogen tank; and a second valve member connected to the other end of the piston member and configured to be moved in the second valve housing by the piston member to adjust an opening ratio of the second supply flow path.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank becomes the first pressure and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank becomes the second pressure lower than the first pressure, the first valve member may move in the first direction in which the first valve member opens the first supply flow path, so that the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank to the manifold may be increased.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second valve member may be movable in a first direction in which the second valve member closes the second supply flow path while the first valve member is moved in the first direction, so that the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank to the manifold may be reduced.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining a hydrogen storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a flow rate adjustment valve of a hydrogen storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation structure of a flow rate adjustment valve of a hydrogen storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining another exemplary embodiment of a flow regulating valve of a hydrogen storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of the reference numerals

10: the hydrogen storage system 20: fuel cell electric vehicle

22: hydrogen gas-filling line 24: hydrogen supply line

100: the socket 102: inflation nozzle

210: first hydrogen tank 211: first communicating pipeline

212: first connecting line 220: second hydrogen tank

221: second communication line 222: second connecting line

230: third hydrogen tank 232: third connecting line

300: the manifold 400: regulator

500: hydrogen supply device 600: fuel cell stack

700: the flow regulating valve 710: chamber housing

712: working chamber 712 a: the first space

712 b: second space 720: first valve housing

720': second valve housing 722: a first supply flow path

722': second supply flow path 730: piston component

740: first valve member 740': second valve component

750: spring member

Detailed Description

It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms as used herein generally includes motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel (e.g., derived fuel from resources other than petroleum) vehicles. As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as a gasoline and electric hybrid vehicle.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout this specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms "unit", "device", "means", and "module" described in the specification denote a unit for processing at least one function and operation, and may be implemented by hardware components or software components, and a combination thereof.

Further, the control logic of the present disclosure may be implemented as a non-transitory computer readable medium on a computer readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller, or the like. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, Compact Disc (CD) -ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage. The computer readable medium CAN also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed fashion, such as through a telematics server or Controller Area Network (CAN).

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

However, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to some of the exemplary embodiments described herein, but may be implemented in various different forms. One or more of the constituent elements in the exemplary embodiments may be selectively combined and replaced within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure.

In addition, unless otherwise specifically and explicitly defined and stated, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be construed as meanings that can be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The meaning of a general term such as a term defined in a dictionary may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the related art.

In addition, the terms used in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to illustrate the exemplary embodiments, not to limit the present disclosure.

The singular forms may also include the plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise in the context of this specification. The description "at least one (or one or more) of A, B and C" described herein may include one or more of all combinations that may be formed by combination A, B and C.

In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used to describe constituent elements of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, order, or sequence of constituent elements is not limited by these terms.

Further, when one constituent element is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "attached" to another constituent element, the one constituent element may be directly connected, coupled, or attached to the other constituent element, or connected, coupled, or attached to the other constituent element through still another constituent element interposed therebetween.

In addition, the description "one constituent element is formed or disposed above (on) or below (under) another constituent element" includes not only a case where two constituent elements are in direct contact with each other but also a case where one or more additional constituent elements are formed or disposed between the two constituent elements. In addition, the expression "upper (upper) or lower (lower)" may include a meaning based on a downward direction and an upward direction of one constituent element.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, a hydrogen storage system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first hydrogen tank 210 provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20; a second hydrogen tank 220 provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20 and configured to store hydrogen independently of the first hydrogen tank 210; a manifold 300 provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20 and connected to the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220; a hydrogen supply line 24 configured to connect a fuel cell stack provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20 and the manifold 300; and a flow regulating valve 700 configured to regulate a flow rate of hydrogen supplied from at least one of the first and second hydrogen tanks 210 and 220 to the manifold 300 according to a pressure difference between the first and second hydrogen tanks 210 and 220.

For reference, the hydrogen storage system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to supply hydrogen to a fuel cell electric vehicle 20 (e.g., a car or a commercial vehicle), and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type of object to which the hydrogen storage system 10 is applied.

A socket 100 may be provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20, and a charging nozzle 102 for supplying hydrogen is connected to the socket 100.

Various types of sockets 100 that may be connected (coupled) to the inflation nozzle 102 using conventional coupling structures (e.g., male-female coupling structures) may be used as the sockets 100, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the sockets 100.

In addition, a plurality of hydrogen tanks 210, 220, and 230 for storing hydrogen are provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20, and the manifold 300 is commonly connected to the hydrogen tanks 210, 220, and 230.

As an example, the first, second, and third hydrogen tanks 210, 220, and 230 may be provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20, and the manifold 300 is commonly connected to the plurality of hydrogen tanks 210, 220, and 230. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, four or more hydrogen tanks or two or less hydrogen tanks may be provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the number of hydrogen tanks and the arrangement form of the hydrogen tanks.

The manifold 300 may have various structures capable of branching the flow path of hydrogen, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the manifold 300. As an example, the manifold 300 may have a first port (not shown) connected to the hydrogen supply line 24, second to fourth ports (not shown) connected to the plurality of hydrogen tanks 210, 220, and 230, and a fifth port (not shown) connected to the hydrogen charging line 22.

For example, the first hydrogen tank 210 is connected to the manifold 300 through a first connection line 212, the second hydrogen tank 220 is connected to the manifold 300 through a second connection line 222, and the third hydrogen tank 230 is connected to the manifold 300 through a third connection line 232.

The hydrogen storage system 10 may include a hydrogen charging line 22 connecting the socket 100 and the manifold 300. The hydrogen supplied to the socket 100 through the aeration nozzle 102 flows through the hydrogen aeration line 22 and the manifold 300, and then is aerated into the respective hydrogen tanks 210, 220, and 230.

In addition, the hydrogen storage system 10 includes a hydrogen supply line 24, and the hydrogen supply line 24 connects the fuel cell stack 600 provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20 and the manifold 300.

The hydrogen supply line 24 is provided to supply hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tanks 210, 220, and 230 to the fuel cell stack 600.

In particular, the hydrogen supply line 24 is configured to connect the fuel cell stack 600 provided in the fuel cell electric vehicle 20 and the manifold 300, and the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tanks 210, 220, and 230 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 600 via the manifold 300 and the hydrogen supply line 24.

For reference, the fuel cell stack 600 may have various structures capable of generating electricity through an oxidation-reduction reaction between a fuel (e.g., hydrogen) and an oxidant (e.g., air).

As an example, the fuel cell stack 600 includes: a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) (not shown) having catalyst electrode layers for electrochemical reactions on both sides of an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move; a Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) (not shown) configured to uniformly distribute reaction gas and to transmit generated electric power; a gasket (not shown) and a fastener (not shown) configured to maintain airtightness to the reaction gas and the coolant and maintain proper fastening pressure; and a separator (bipolar plate) (not shown) configured to move the reaction gas and the coolant.

In particular, in the fuel cell stack 600, hydrogen as a fuel and air (oxygen) as an oxidant are supplied to an anode (anode) and a cathode (cathode) of a membrane electrode assembly, respectively, through flow paths in separators, so that hydrogen is supplied to the anode and air is supplied to the cathode.

The hydrogen supplied to the anode is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons by the catalyst provided in the electrode layers on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. Only hydrogen ions are selectively transported to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane as a cation exchange membrane, and at the same time, electrons are transported to the cathode through the gas diffusion layer and the separator as conductors.

At the cathode, the hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and the electrons transported through the separator meet oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode through the air supply device, so that a reaction occurs in which water is produced. Electrons flow through the external wire due to the movement of hydrogen ions, and an electric current is generated due to the flow of electrons.

In addition, a regulator 400 configured to depressurize hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack 600 and a hydrogen supply device (fuel processing system (FPS))500 configured to regulate the supply amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack 600 are provided on the hydrogen supply line 24.

Specifically, the regulator 400 is connected to the hydrogen supply line 24 and disposed between the manifold 300 and the fuel cell stack 600. High-pressure (e.g., 700bar) hydrogen supplied through the hydrogen supply line 24 may be supplied to the fuel cell stack 600 in a state of being depressurized (e.g., 16bar) while passing through the regulator 400.

The hydrogen supply device 500 is connected to the hydrogen supply line 24 and disposed between the regulator 400 and the fuel cell stack 600. The hydrogen supply device 500 adjusts the supply amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack 600. In addition, the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 600 may be selectively allowed or blocked by the hydrogen supply device 500.

The flow rate adjustment valve 700 is provided to adjust the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from each hydrogen tank to the manifold 300 according to the pressure difference between the plurality of hydrogen tanks.

As an example, the flow regulating valve 700 may be configured to regulate the flow of hydrogen supplied from at least one of the first and second hydrogen tanks 210 and 220 to the manifold 300 according to a pressure difference between the first and second hydrogen tanks 210 and 220.

Hereinafter, a configuration in which the flow rate adjustment valve 700 adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank 210 to the manifold 300 according to the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220 will be described as an example.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulating valve 700 may regulate both the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank 210 to the manifold 300 and the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank 220 to the manifold 300 according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220, or the flow regulating valve 700 may regulate only the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank 220 to the manifold 300. Alternatively, the flow rate adjustment valve 700 may adjust the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from at least one of the plurality of hydrogen tanks (e.g., the third hydrogen tank) to the manifold 300 according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the third hydrogen tank 230 or a pressure difference between the second hydrogen tank 220 and the third hydrogen tank 230.

This is because the pressure in the hydrogen tank can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen tank (the flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the manifold). For example, when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210 becomes a first pressure and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220 becomes a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210 may be reduced by increasing the flow rate of hydrogen discharged (supplied to the manifold) from the first hydrogen tank 210, and thus, the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220 may be minimized. Alternatively, the pressure drop in the second hydrogen tank 220 may be slowed by reducing the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the second hydrogen tank 220 to minimize the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220.

According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, since the pressure difference between the plurality of hydrogen tanks is minimized, the following advantageous effects may be obtained: preventing the gas tightness of the high-pressure hydrogen valve from being weakened due to a pressure difference between the respective hydrogen tanks, suppressing an increase in the risk of hydrogen leakage, and minimizing the generation of operating noise due to chattering of the high-pressure hydrogen valve.

The flow rate adjustment valve 700 may have various structures capable of adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank to the manifold 300, and the structure of the flow rate adjustment valve 700 and the method of operating the flow rate adjustment valve 700 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

As an example, the flow regulating valve 700 may be disposed inside or outside the manifold 300.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulating valve 700 includes: a chamber housing 710 having a working chamber 712 communicating with the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220; a first valve housing 720 having a first supply flow path 722 connected to the first hydrogen tank 210; a piston member 730 configured to linearly move in the working chamber 712 according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220; and a first valve member 740 connected to one end of the piston member 730 and configured to be moved in the first valve housing 720 by the piston member 730 to adjust the opening rate of the first supply flow path 722.

The chamber housing 710 may have various structures with the working chamber 712 therein, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the shape and structure of the chamber housing 710.

In particular, the working chamber 712 of the chamber housing 710 may be divided into a first space 712a and a second space 712b by the piston member 730. The first hydrogen tank 210 communicates with the first space 712a, and the second hydrogen tank 220 communicates with the second space 712 b.

As an example, the first communication line 211 connected to the first hydrogen tank 210 may be connected to one side of the chamber housing 710 (e.g., below the piston member with reference to fig. 2) so as to communicate with the first space 712a, and the second communication line 221 connected to the second hydrogen tank 220 may be connected to the other side of the chamber housing 710 (e.g., above the piston member with reference to fig. 2) so as to communicate with the second space 712 b.

For reference, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first space 712a and the second space 712b may be defined as spaces whose volumes are varied according to the movement of the piston member 730 with respect to the chamber housing 710.

The piston member 730 is provided to linearly move in the working chamber 712 according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220.

As an example, referring to fig. 2 and 3, the piston member 730 may be provided to be linearly movable in the up-down direction in the working chamber 712. The first space 712a may be defined on an upper side of the piston member 730 and the second space 712b may be defined on a lower side of the piston member 730 with reference to the piston member 730.

For example, when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210 becomes the first pressure P1 and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220 becomes the second pressure P2 lower than the first pressure P1, the pressure P1 in the first space 712a becomes higher than the pressure P2 in the second space 712b, so that the piston member 730 moves upward. In contrast, when the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220 becomes higher than the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210, the pressure in the second space 712b becomes higher than the pressure in the first space 712a, so that the piston member 730 moves downward.

The first valve housing 720 has a first supply flow path 722 connected to the first hydrogen tank 210, and may be disposed adjacent to the chamber housing 710.

The first supply flow path 722 may have various structures that can be selectively opened or closed by the first valve member 740, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the first supply flow path 722. As an example, the first valve member 740 linearly moving in the up-down direction may selectively open or close the first supply flow path 722 or adjust the opening ratio of the first supply flow path 722.

The first valve member 740 is connected to one end of the piston member 730, and is configured to adjust the opening rate of the first supply flow path 722 while linearly moving in the first valve housing 720 according to the linear movement of the piston member 730.

In this case, adjusting the opening ratio of the first supply flow path 722 is defined as adjusting the degree to which the first supply flow path 722 is open (e.g., adjusting the cross-sectional area of the first supply flow path). The flow rate of hydrogen passing through the first supply flow path 722 can be adjusted by adjusting the opening ratio of the first supply flow path 722.

As an example, referring to fig. 2, the first valve member 740 may open the first supply flow path 722 at a predetermined first opening rate under the condition that the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210 and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220 are equal (or similar) to each other. When the first supply flow path 722 is opened at the first opening ratio, hydrogen stored in the first hydrogen tank 210 may be supplied to the manifold 300 at a predetermined flow rate Q1.

In contrast, referring to fig. 3, when the pressure P1 in the first hydrogen tank 210 is higher than the pressure P2 in the second hydrogen tank 220, the piston member 730 moves upward such that the first valve member 740 connected to the piston member 730 opens the first supply flow path 722 at the second opening rate that is greater than the first opening rate. The flow rate Q2 of hydrogen supplied to the manifold 300 may be increased in a state where the first supply flow path 722 is open at the second opening ratio, as compared to a state where the first supply flow path 722 is open at the first opening ratio (Q2> Q1).

As described above, when the pressure P1 in the first hydrogen tank 210 becomes higher than the pressure P2 in the second hydrogen tank 220, the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank 210 to the manifold 300 is increased so that the usage amount of hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank 210 can become larger than the usage amount of hydrogen in the second hydrogen tank 220. Therefore, the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210 can be reduced according to the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydrogen storage system 10 may include a spring member 750 configured to elastically support movement of the piston member 730 with respect to the chamber housing 710.

A conventional elastic member capable of elastically supporting the linear movement of the piston member 730 may be used as the spring member 750, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the spring member 750.

As an example, under the condition that the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210 and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220 are equal (or similar) to each other, the spring member 750 may provide an elastic force such that the first valve member 740 moves to a position where the first valve member 740 opens the first supply flow path 722 at a predetermined first opening rate.

In the exemplary embodiments described and depicted in the present disclosure, an example has been described in which the flow regulating valve 700 is installed in the manifold 300. However, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulating valve 700 may be installed in at least one of the first and second connection lines 212 and 222 (or the third connection line), and may regulate the flow rate of hydrogen supplied through the first and second connection lines 212 and 222.

Fig. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining another exemplary embodiment of a flow regulating valve of a hydrogen storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, the same or equivalent components as those in the above-described configuration will be denoted by the same or equivalent reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the flow regulating valve 700 may include: a chamber housing 710 having a working chamber 712 communicating with the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220; a first valve housing 720 having a first supply flow path 722 connected to the first hydrogen tank 210; a piston member 730 configured to linearly move in the working chamber 712 according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220; a first valve member 740 connected to one end of the piston member 730 and configured to be moved in the first valve housing 720 by the piston member 730 to adjust an opening rate of the first supply flow path 722; a second valve housing 720 'having a second supply flow path 722' connected to the second hydrogen tank 220; and a second valve member 740' connected to the other end of the piston member 730 and configured to be moved in the second valve housing 720' by the piston member 730 to adjust the opening ratio of the second supply flow path 722 '.

This is to simultaneously adjust the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the first hydrogen tank 210 (supplied to the manifold) and the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the second hydrogen tank 220 (supplied to the manifold) according to the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220.

By simultaneously adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the first hydrogen tank 210 and the flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the second hydrogen tank 220, the advantageous effect of more quickly and accurately correcting the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220 can be obtained.

The working chamber 712 of the chamber housing 710 may be divided into a first space 712a and a second space 712b by the piston member 730. The first hydrogen tank 210 may communicate with the first space 712a, and the second hydrogen tank 220 may communicate with the second space 712 b.

The piston member 730 is provided to linearly move in the working chamber 712 according to a pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220.

As an example, referring to fig. 4 and 5, the piston member 730 may be provided to be linearly movable in the left and right directions in the working chamber 712. The first space 712a may be defined on the left side of the piston member 730 and the second space 712b may be defined on the right side of the piston member 730 with reference to the piston member 730.

For example, when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210 becomes the first pressure P1 and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220 becomes the second pressure P2 lower than the first pressure P1, the pressure P1 in the first space 712a becomes higher than the pressure P2 in the second space 712b, so that the piston member 730 moves rightward (with reference to fig. 5). In contrast, when the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220 becomes higher than the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210, the pressure in the second space 712b becomes higher than the pressure in the first space 712a, so that the piston member 730 moves leftward.

In particular, a plurality of piston members 730 (e.g., two piston members 730) may be disposed in the working chamber 712 so as to operate in conjunction with one another. As described above, since the plurality of piston members 730 are simultaneously linearly moved in the working chamber 712, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of stably maintaining the arrangement state of the piston members 730 and improving the operation stability.

The first valve housing 720 may have a first supply flow path 722 connected to the first hydrogen tank 210, and is disposed adjacent to one side (e.g., the left side) of the chamber housing 710.

The first supply flow path 722 may have various structures that can be selectively opened or closed by the first valve member 740, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the first supply flow path 722. As an example, the first valve member 740 linearly moving in the left-right direction may selectively open or close the first supply flow path 722, or adjust the opening ratio of the first supply flow path 722.

The first valve member 740 is connected to one end of the piston member 730, and is configured to adjust the opening rate of the first supply flow path 722 while linearly moving in the first valve housing 720 according to the linear movement of the piston member 730.

The second valve housing 720 'has a second supply flow path 722' connected to the second hydrogen tank 220, and may be disposed adjacent to the other side (e.g., the right side) of the chamber housing 710.

The second supply flow path 722' may have various structures that can be selectively opened or closed by the second valve member 740', and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the second supply flow path 722 '. As an example, the second valve member 740' linearly moving in the left and right direction may selectively open or close the second supply flow path 722' or adjust the opening ratio of the second supply flow path 722 '.

The second valve member 740' is connected to the other end of the piston member 730, and is configured to adjust the opening ratio of the second supply flow path 722' while linearly moving in the second valve housing 720' according to the linear movement of the piston member 730.

In particular, when the pressure in the first hydrogen tank 210 becomes a first pressure and the pressure in the second hydrogen tank 220 becomes a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the first valve member 740 moves in a first direction in which the first valve member 740 opens the first supply flow path 722, thereby increasing the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank 210 to the manifold 300. More specifically, the second valve member 740' moves in the first direction in which the second valve member 740' closes the second supply flow path 722' while the first valve member 740 moves in the first direction, thereby reducing the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank 220 to the manifold 300.

Referring to fig. 4, the first and second valve members 740 and 740 'may open the first and second supply flow paths 722 and 722', respectively, at a predetermined first opening rate under the condition that the pressure in the first and second hydrogen tanks 210 and 220 are equal (or similar) to each other. When the first and second supply flow paths 722 and 722' are opened at the first opening rate, hydrogen stored in the first and second hydrogen tanks 210 and 220 may be supplied to the manifold 300 at a predetermined flow rate.

In contrast, referring to fig. 5, when the pressure P1 in the first hydrogen tank 210 becomes higher than the pressure P2 in the second hydrogen tank 220, the piston member 730 moves rightward (in the first direction) such that the first valve member 740 opens the first supply flow path 722 at a second opening rate that is greater than the first opening rate, and the second valve member 740 'opens the second supply flow path 722' at a third opening rate that is less than the first opening rate.

In a state where the first supply flow path 722 is opened at the second opening ratio and the second supply flow path 722 'is opened at the third opening ratio (third opening ratio < second opening ratio), the flow rate Q2 of hydrogen supplied to the manifold 300 through the first supply flow path 722 may be increased, and the flow rate Q1 of hydrogen supplied to the manifold 300 through the second supply flow path 722' may be decreased.

As described above, when the pressure P1 in the first hydrogen tank 210 becomes higher than the pressure P2 in the second hydrogen tank 220, the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen tank 210 to the manifold 300 is increased, and at the same time, the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the second hydrogen tank 220 to the manifold 300 is decreased, so that the usage amount of hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank 210 can be increased and the usage amount of hydrogen in the second hydrogen tank 220 can be decreased. Therefore, an advantageous effect of more quickly eliminating the pressure difference between the first hydrogen tank 210 and the second hydrogen tank 220 can be obtained.

Although the exemplary embodiments have been described above, the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes not described above may be made to the present exemplary embodiment without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. For example, each constituent element specifically described in the exemplary embodiment may be modified and then executed. Further, it is to be construed that differences related to modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims.

According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, advantageous effects of minimizing a pressure difference between hydrogen tanks and improving safety and reliability may be obtained.

In particular, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the following advantageous effects can be obtained: the flow rates of hydrogen supplied from the respective hydrogen tanks are changed according to the pressure difference between the hydrogen tanks to minimize the pressure difference between the hydrogen tanks.

In addition, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of improving airtightness, reducing the risk of hydrogen leakage, and minimizing valve chattering caused by a pressure difference.