CRYOGENIC TANK

A cryogenic tank with an internal tank configured to receive a cryogenic fuel, an external tank that delimits an insulation chamber having insulation between the internal tank and the external tank to reduce the heat input into the internal tank and a thermally insulated filler neck to accommodate a fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle, and the cryogenic tank includes a cryogenic valve arranged within the filler neck configured to guide the fuel flow during fueling and/or retrieval, which is arranged in a compartment accessible via the filler neck and may be removed upon removal of the fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle.

PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a cryogenic tank, in particular a cryogenic tank for receiving cryogenic hydrogen and supplying a consumer with gaseous hydrogen according to the preamble of claim1.

A fuel supply system for cryogenic fuels such as, e.g. LNG (natural gas) or LH2(hydrogen) comprises in general a two-wall container having an internal tank to receive the fuel, an external tank having insulation arranged therebetween to reduce the heat input into the internal tank, an internal tank suspension to position the internal tank within the external tank, a thermally insulated filler neck (Johnson Cox coupling) at the external tank to accommodate the fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle with valves, switching components to control the mass flow during fueling, switching components to control the mass flow during retrieval, switching components to delimit the internal tank pressure, a heat exchanger and associated switching components to maintain the internal tank pressure, a heat exchanger to heat the fuel for the consumer, lines to connect the individual switching components and heat exchangers and sensors to control the mass flows, for monitoring and diagnostics.

Such fuel storage systems for cryogenic fuels have been known, for example, from DE 19546618, DE 102009012380, DE 19945462, DE 102008063563, DE 4041170, DE 00001981744, DE 4320556, WO 2009/071208 and the like, wherein the individual applications differ from one another, for example, in regard to the fueling process, i.e. fueling with or without return of gas from the internal tank to the filling station, in regard to the pressure level, i.e. subcritical and/or supercritical fueling and storage of the fuel, in regard to the switching systems, i.e. type, number and arrangement of the switching components for fueling, for retrieval and for relieving pressure. A common feature of all applications is the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components to control the fueling process and to control the retrieval process in a thermally insulated chamber, preferably in the intermediate space between the internal tank and the external tank or in a valve box releasably or rigidly connected to the external tank, which is connected to the pipeline system to the internal tank. This configuration ensures that there will not occur any liquefaction of the air during fueling and during retrieval.

The disadvantages of cryogenic switching valves as, for example, shown in EP 1801478, are the enormous space requirements of the valve to prevent liquefaction or condensation at the external surface, the high costs of the individual cryogenic valve and the fuel supply system in the case of several valves being used, the costs for shrink-wrapping the valve housing and the welding of the connection lines to the valve as well as examination of the weld seams, discontinuation and reduction of the insulation effect in the case of arrangement of the cryogenic valve/s within the insulation chamber between the internal tank and the external tank, and the weight.

Technical Problem

The problem of the invention is to prevent the disadvantages of prior art, in particular the weight, the dimensions and the costs of a cryogenic fuel supply facility are thus reduced due to components being eliminated, work process steps being eliminated and examination processes being eliminated.

According to the invention, the present problem is solved by providing a cryogenic tank having the features of claim1.

Technical Solution

The problem is solved by the arrangement of the cryogenic valves or the cryogenic switching components, respectively, for controlling the fuel flow during fueling and/or for controlling the fuel flow during retrieval in various embodiment variants in a chamber directly or indirectly connected to the filler neck, wherein all cryogenic valves are releasable upon removal of the fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle, i.e. the arrangement of the cryogenic valves is realized in the filler neck or in a chamber accessible via the filler neck or arranged upstream or downstream of the filler neck in the direction of fueling or at or in, respectively, the fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle. The task is further solved by the preferable use of cryogenic check valves and optionally a cryogenic internal tank pressure control valve instead of electromechanical cryogenic, electro-pneumatic cryogenic or electro-hydraulic cryogenic shutoff valves.

The filler neck of the cryogenic neck is a tubular component, the external tank-sided end of which is welded to the external tank and the internal tank-sided end thereof is welded to the filling line and, if present, to the gas return line. The fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle is attached at the external tank-sided end of the filler neck and extends through the central tubular part of the filler neck up to the internal tank-sided end of the filler neck, wherein there is realized at the end of the internal tank side of the filler neck a connection of the corresponding lines. The fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle accommodates the fueling coupling on the side of the filling station during fueling and comprises valves for fueling. The central tubular part of the fueling coupling is configured to have a lower wall width to prevent condensation or liquefaction.

The cryogenic valves are preferably combined into a compact valve block, wherein the valve block preferably forms the housing for all switching valves and wherein bores in the valve block preferably replace the welded lines according to prior art and connect the individual switching component. Due to the configuration, a line preferably welded to the valve block and the internal tank connects the valve block to the internal tank, wherein the remaining corresponding lines between the valve block and the internal block are each connected by an interlock or screw system and arranged within the welded line.

Optionally, there are further arranged within the welded line also lines of the pressure maintenance system for the internal tank and/or lines of the pressure relief system for the internal tank.

Optionally, the shutoff valve towards the consumer is arranged at the valve block or in the filler neck.

Optionally, the valves for relieving the internal tank pressure are arranged at the valve block or in the filler neck.

Optionally, the valves for maintaining the internal tank pressure are arranged at the valve block or in the filler neck.

Optionally, the heat exchanger for heating the fuel for the consumer is arranged at the valve block or in the filler neck.

Optionally, the valve block or the filler neck comprises all necessary valves of the cryogenic tank and optionally accommodates the heat exchanger for heating the fuel as well as the fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle.

The cryogenic valves form a handable array due to the compact configuration and arrangement, thus simplifying mounting and pre-examination thereof.

Due to the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components in a chamber, which is accessible via the filler neck, each valve seat may be exchanged on demand.

Due to the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components in a chamber, which is accessible via the filler neck, shrink-wrapping of the housing for the switching components in the external tank and examination of the weld seams is eliminated.

Due to the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components in a chamber, which is accessible via the filler neck, individual connection lines between the components as well as the weldings and the examinations of the weld seams are eliminated.

Due to the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components in a chamber, which is accessible via the filler neck, the risk of a decrease in insulation quality due to leaking connection points is reduced.

Due to the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components in a chamber, which is accessible via the filler neck, insulation will not be discontinued and the insulation effect will be improved.

Due to the elimination of the housings for the individual cryogenic valves, the weight of the cryogenic tank is reduced.

Due to the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components in a chamber, which is accessible via the filler neck, the risk of icing is reduced.

Due to the arrangement of the cryogenic switching components in a chamber, which is accessible via the filler neck, there is achieved substantial cost reduction due to the elimination of components and due to the elimination of work and examination processes.

Due to the use of check valves and pressure switches instead of electromechanical or electro-pneumatic, respectively, or electro-hydraulic cryogenic shutoff valves, there is only necessary in the entire cryogenic fuel supply facility only one preferably electromechanical shutoff valve in the flow direction downstream of the heat exchanger.

FIG.1shows a section of a cryogenic tank100for a single-flow fueling without gas return to the filling station, comprising an internal tank1to receive the cryogenic fuel at a determined pressure or at a determined temperature, respectively, an external tank2to delimit the insulation chamber3between the internal tank1and the external tank2having insulation4to reduce the heat input into the internal tank1and a filler neck5in a Johnson Cox configuration to accommodate the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. There is arranged in the filler neck5a check valve7, which opens during fueling due to the fueling flow, closes the internal tank1in the driving operation and enables pressure relief into the internal tank1. The inlet of the check valve7is connected to the filling line8of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle, and the outlet of the check valve7is connected to a fueling and retrieval line9terminating in the internal tank1for filling and for retrieval as well as to a retrieval line10to the heat exchanger11for heating the cryogenic fuel and downstream of an electromagnetic shutoff valve12for closing the retrieval line in the idle state. The cryogenic valve may be preferably configured as a cryogenic check valve7or as an electromechanical cryogenic shutoff valve. In addition, the cryogenic valve may be configured to being opened due to the fuel flow during fueling.

During fueling, the cryogenic fuel will flow, due to a pressure difference, between the filling station and the internal tank1via the check valve7pushed into the opened position into the internal tank1. Upon completion of fueling, the check valve7will automatically close. During retrieval, the cryogenic fuel will flow, due to a pressure difference between the internal tank1and the consumer, across the heat exchanger11and the shutoff valve12opened due to the flow out of the internal tank1and will be heated in the heat exchanger11. The check valve7is closed during retrieval. The shutoff valve12is only open when the consumer is supplied with fuel.

The fueling path for filling the internal tank1between the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle and the internal tank1comprises, together with the cryogenic check valve7, a cryogenic switching component. The retrieval path for emptying the internal tank1between the internal tank1and the feed line to the consumer comprises, together with the electromagnetic shutoff valve12, a non-cryogenic switching component.

The cryogenic tank100may be filled with supercritical cryogenic fuel, i.e. fuel in the supercritical state, or with liquid cryogenic fuel, wherein no gaseous cryogenic fuel will return to the filling station. If the fueling and retrieval line9terminates at the bottom side13of the internal tank1, upon supercritical fueling, depending on the heat capacity of an internal tank heat exchanger, supercritical cryogenic and/or liquid cryogenic fuel will be retrieved. If the fueling and retrieval line9terminates at the bottom side13of the internal tank1, upon subcritical fueling, there will be retrieved predominantly liquid cryogenic fuel. If the fueling and retrieval line9terminates at the top side14of the internal tank1, upon supercritical fueling, depending on the heat capacity of an internal tank heat exchanger, supercritical cryogenic and/or gaseous cryogenic fuel will be retrieved. If the fueling and retrieval line9terminates at the top side14of the internal tank1, upon subcritical fueling, there will be retrieved gaseous cryogenic fuel.

Preferably, the check valve7is arranged at the end of the filler neck5at the side of the internal tank and accessible upon removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7is arranged in a space downstream of the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank in the fueling direction and connected to the filler neck5and accessible via the filler neck6upon removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7is arranged in a space upstream of the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank in the fueling direction or at or in, respectively, the fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle and accessible upon removal the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7is arranged in a separate, thermally insulated and tubular part, which is connected to the external tank, and accessible via the tubular part.

Preferably, retrieval is carried out via the fueling and retrieval line9and the retrieval line10. Optionally, retrieval is carried out via a separate retrieval line between the internal tank1and the outlet of the check valve7or a separate retrieval line between the internal tank1and the heat exchanger11.

Optionally, an electromechanical shutoff valve will replace the check valve7.

Preferably, the shutoff valve12is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger, optionally the shutoff valve12is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger, preferably in the area of the cryogenic valves.

Preferably, fueling is carried out with supercritical cryogenic fuel, optionally fueling is carried out with liquid cryogenic fuel.

FIG.2shows an alternative embodiment variant of the cryogenic tank100according to the invention with a section of a cryogenic tank100for a single-flow fueling without gas return to the filling station comprising an international tank1to receive the cryogenic fuel at a determined pressure or at a determined temperature, respectively, an external tank2to delimit the insulation chamber3between the internal tank1and the external tank2with insulation4to reduce the heat input into the internal tank1and a filler neck5in Johnson Cox configuration to accommodate the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. In the filler neck5, there is arranged a check valve7, which opens during fueling due to the fueling flow, closes the internal tank1during driving operation and enables pressure relief towards the internal tank1. The inlet of the check valve7is connected to the filling line8of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle, and the outlet of the check valve7is connected to a fueling and retrieval line9terminating in the internal tank1and intended for filling and retrieval. In the filler neck5, there is further arranged an internal tank pressure control valve15for retrieval and connected to the fueling and retrieval line9at and a retrieval line16terminating in the internal tank1on the side of the inlet and to the retrieval line10at the side of the outlet to the heat exchanger11, wherein the fueling and retrieval line9to retrieve liquid cryogenic fuel terminates at the bottom side13of the internal tank1and has an appropriate bore and the retrieval line16terminates at the top side14of the internal tank1. The heat exchanger11heats the cryogenic fuel, and the electromagnetic shutoff valve12arranged downstream closes the retrieval line10in the idle state.

The internal tank pressure control valve15is a switching element, which has been known from LNG tanks, and provides, in the case of internal tank pressures above a determined change-over pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve15, for the retrieval of gaseous cryogenic or supercritical cryogenic, respectively, fuel and, in the case of internal tank pressures below a determined change-over pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve15, for the retrieval of liquid cryogenic or supercritical cryogenic, respectively, fuel.

During fueling, the cryogenic fuel will flow due to a pressure difference between the filling station and the internal tank1via the opened check valve7into the internal tank1. Upon completion of fueling, the check valve7will close automatically. During retrieval, the cryogenic fuel will flow due to a pressure difference between the internal tank1and the consumer in dependency on the pressure within the internal tank1via the filling and retrieval line9or the retrieval line16, the internal tank pressure control valve15, the heat exchanger11and the opened shutoff valve12from the internal tank1and will be heated in the heat exchanger11. The check valve7is closed during retrieval. The shutoff valve12is only open when the consumer is supplied with fuel.

The fueling path for filling the internal tank1between the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle and the internal tank1comprises with the cryogenic check valve7a cryogenic switching component. The retrieval path for emptying the internal tank1between the internal tank1and the feed line to the consumer comprises with the cryogenic internal tank pressure control valve15a cryogenic switching component and with the electromagnetic shutoff valve12a non-cryogenic switching component.

The cryogenic tank1may be filled with supercritical cryogenic fuel or with liquid supercritical fuel, wherein no gaseous cryogenic fuel will return to the filling station.

Upon supercritical fueling, depending on the heat capacity of the internal tank heat exchanger, there will be retrieved supercritical cryogenic and/or liquid cryogenic fuel in the case of internal tank pressures below the switching point of the internal tank pressure control valve15. Upon supercritical fueling, there will be retrieved gaseous cryogenic fuel in the case of internal tank pressures above the switching point of the internal tank pressure control valve15. Upon subcritical fueling, there will be retrieved liquid cryogenic fuel in the case of internal tank pressures below the switching point of the internal tank pressure control valve15. Upon subcritical fueling, there will be retrieved gaseous cryogenic fuel in the case of internal tank pressures above the switching point of the internal tank pressure control valve15.

Preferably, the check valve9and the internal tank pressure control valve15are arranged at the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank and accessible upon removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7and the internal tank pressure control valve15are arranged in a chamber downstream of the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank in the fueling direction and connected to the filler neck5and accessible via the filler neck5upon removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7and the internal tank pressure control valve15are arranged in a chamber upstream of the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank in the fueling direction or at the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle and accessible upon removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7and the internal tank pressure control valve15are arranged in a separate and thermally insulated tubular part, which is connected to the external tank, and accessible via the tubular part.

Preferably, the internal tank pressure control valve15is connected to the fueling and retrieval line9. Optionally, the internal tank pressure control valve15is connected to a separate retrieval line from the internal tank1.

Optionally, an electromagnetic shutoff valve will replace the check valve7, wherein the retrieval line10is arranged in the fueling direction upstream or downstream of the electromechanical shutoff valve.

Optionally, an electromechanical 2/2-way valve will replace the mechanic internal tank pressure control valve15.

Optionally, an electromagnetic 3/2-way valve or an electromechanical 3/3-way valve will replace the check valve7and the internal tank pressure control valve15, wherein the retrieval line10in the fueling direction will branch off upstream or downstream of the way valve.

Preferably, the shutoff valve12is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger, optionally the shutoff valve12is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger, preferably in the area of the cryogenic valves.

Preferably, fueling is carried out with supercritical cryogenic fuel, optionally fueling is carried out with liquid cryogenic fuel.

FIG.3shows an alternative embodiment variant of the cryogenic tank100according to the invention with a section of a cryogenic tank100for dual-flow fueling with gas return to the filling station, comprising an internal tank1to receive the cryogenic fuel at a determined pressure or temperature, respectively, an external tank2to delimit the insulation chamber3between the internal tank1and the external2with insulation4to reduce the heat input into the internal tank1and a filler neck5in Johnson Cox configuration to accommodate the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. There is arranged in the filler neck5a check valve7, which opens during fueling due to the fueling flow, closes the internal tank1in the driving operation and enables pressure relief towards the internal tank1. The inlet of the check valve7is connected to the filling line8of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle, and the outlet of the check valve7is connected to a fueling and retrieval line9terminating in the internal tank1for filling and for liquid retrieval. In the filler neck5there is further arranged an unlockable check valve17, which opens during fueling due to the pressure within the fueling line or due to a mechanic coupling with the check valve7due to the opening movement of the sealing element in the check valve7and in this way provides for the return of gas from the internal tank1to the filling station, closes the internal tank1in the driving operation and enables pressure relief from the filler neck5towards the internal tank1. The inlet of the unlockable check valve17is connected to the return gas line18of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle, and the outlet of the unlockable check valve17is connected to a retrieval line16terminating in the internal tank1for the retrieval of gas. Furthermore, there is provided a retrieval line10to the heat exchanger11, which connects the outlet of the check valve7to the inlet of the heat exchanger11for the retrieval of liquid. The heat exchanger11heats the cryogenic fuel, and the subsequently arranged electromagnetic shutoff valve12closes the retrieval line10in the idle state.

During fueling, the liquid cryogenic fuel will flow due to a pressure difference between the filling station and the internal tank1via the opened check valve7into the internal tank1, and the gaseous cryogenic fuel will flow due to a pressure difference between the internal tank1and the filling station via the unlocked and thus opened unlockable check valve17to the filling station. Upon completion of fueling, the check valve7and thus also the unlockable check valve17will close automatically. During retrieval, the liquid cryogenic fuel will flow due to a pressure difference between the internal tank1and the consumer via the heat exchanger11and the opened shutoff valve12out of the internal tank1and will be heated in the heat exchanger11. The check valve7and the unlockable check valve17are closed during retrieval. The shutoff valve12is only opened if the consumer is supplied with fuel.

The fueling path for filling the internal tank1between the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle and the internal tank1comprises with the cryogenic check valve7and the unlockable cryogenic check valve17two cryogenic switching components. The retrieval path for emptying the internal tank1between the internal tank1and the feed line to the consumer comprises with the electromagnetic shutoff valve12a non-cryogenic switching component.

The cryogenic tank1may be filled with liquid cryogenic fuel, wherein gaseous cryogenic fuel fill return to the filling station.

After fueling, depending on the heat capacity of the internal tank heat exchanger, there will be retrieved liquid cryogenic and then gaseous cryogenic fuel.

Preferably, the check valve7and the unlockable check valve17are arranged at the end of the filler neck5at the side of the internal tank and accessible after removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7and the unlockable check valve17are arranged in a chamber in the fueling direction downstream of the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank and connected to the filler neck5and accessible after removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the filler neck5via the filler neck5. Optionally, the check valve7and the unlockable check valve17are arranged in the fueling direction upstream of the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank or at or in, respectively, the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle and accessible after removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7and the unlockable check valve17are arranged in a separate thermally insulated and tubular part, which is connected to the external tank, and accessible via the tubular part.

Preferably, the retrieval of liquid cryogenic fuel is carried out via the fueling and retrieval line9. Optionally, the retrieval of liquid cryogenic fuel is carried out via a separate retrieval line between the internal tank1and the outlet of the check valve7or a separate retrieval line between the internal tank1and the heat exchanger11. Optionally, the retrieval of gaseous cryogenic fuel is carried out via the retrieval line16and the retrieval line10, for which purpose the retrieval line10connects the inlet of the unlockable check valve17instead of the outlet of the check valve7to the inlet of the heat exchanger11. Optionally, the retrieval of gaseous cryogenic fuel is carried out via a separate retrieval line between the internal tank1and the inlet of the unlockable check valve17or a separate retrieval line between the internal tank1and the heat exchanger11.

Optionally, an electromechanical shutoff valve will replace the check valve7.

Optionally, an electromechanical shutoff will replace the unlockable check valve17.

Optionally, a 4/3-way valve will replace the check valve7and the unlockable check valve17.

Preferably, the shutoff valve12is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger, optionally the shutoff valve12is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger, preferably in the area of the cryogenic valves.

Preferably, fueling is carried out with liquid cryogenic fuel, optionally fueling is carried out with supercritical cryogenic fuel. The cryogenic tank100comprises thus according to an embodiment variant a cryogenic check valve for guiding a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical aggregate state during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1, wherein the check valve7is opened during fueling and wherein the check valve7is closed during retrieval. In addition, the cryogenic tank100may comprises an electromechanical cryogenic shutoff valve to guide a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical aggregate state during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1, wherein the electromechanical cryogenic shutoff valve is opened during fueling and optionally during retrieval.

FIG.4shows an alternative embodiment variant of the cryogenic tank100according to the invention with a section of a cryogenic tank100for a dual-flow fueling with gas return to the filling station, comprising an internal tank1to receive the cryogenic fuel at a determined pressure or at a determined temperature, respectively, an external tank2to delimit the insulation space3between the internal tank1and the external tank2having insulation4to reduce the heat input into the internal tank1and a filler neck5in Johnson Cox configuration to accommodate the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. In the filler neck5, there is arranged a check valve7, which opens during fueling due to the fueling flow, closes the9internal tank1during the driving operation and enables pressure relief to the internal tank1. The inlet of the check valve7is connected to the filling line8of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle, and the outlet of the check valve7is connected to a fueling and retrieval line9terminating in the internal tank1for fueling and retrieval of liquid. In the filler neck5, there is arranged an unlockable check valve17, which opens during fueling due to the pressure in the fueling line or opens due to a mechanical coupling with the check valve7due to the opening movement of the sealing element in the check valve7and in this way enables the return of gas from the internal tank1to the filling station as well as closes the internal tank in the driving operation and provides for pressure relief from the filler neck5into the internal tank1. The inlet of the unlockable check valve17is connected to the return gas line18of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle, and the outlet of the unlockable check valve17is connected to a retrieval line16terminating in the internal tank1for the retrieval of gas. In the filler neck5, there is further arranged an internal tank pressure control valve15for retrieval and connected on the side of the inlet to the fueling and retrieval line9and a retrieval line18terminating in the internal tank1and on the side of the outlet to a retrieval line10to the heat exchanger11, wherein the fueling and retrieval line9terminates at the bottom side13of the internal tank1or has an appropriate bore and the retrieval line18terminates at the top side14of the internal tank1. The heat exchanger11heats the cryogenic fuel, and the electromagnetic shutoff valve12arranged downstream closes the retrieval line10in the idle state.

The internal tank pressure control valve15is a switching element, which has been known from LNG tanks and provides, in the case of internal pressures above a determined change-over pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve15, for the retrieval of gaseous fuel and, in the case of internal tank pressures below a determined change-over pressure of the internal tank pressure control valve15, for the retrieval of liquid fuel.

During fueling, the liquid cryogenic fuel will flow due to a pressure difference between the filling station and the internal tank1via the opened check valve7into the internal tank1and the gaseous cryogenic fuel will flow due a pressure difference between the internal tank1and the filling station via the unlocked and thus opened unlockable check valve17to the filling station. Upon completion fueling filling, the check valve7und thus also the unlockable check vale17will close automatically. During retrieval, depending on the internal tank pressure, the liquid cryogenic or gaseous cryogenic fuel will flow due to a pressure difference between the internal tank1and the consumer, in dependency on the pressure in the internal tank1, via the fueling and retrieval line9or the retrieval line16, the internal tank pressure control valve15, the heat exchanger11and the opened shutoff valve12from the internal tank1and will be heated in the heat exchanger11. The check valve7and the unlockable check valve17are thus closed during retrieval. The shutoff valve12is only open if the consumer is supplied with fuel.

The fueling path for filling the internal tank1between the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle and the internal tank1comprises with the cryogenic check valve7and the cryogenic unlockable check valve17two cryogenic switching components. The retrieval path for emptying the internal tank1between the internal tank1and the feed line to the consumer comprises with the cryogenic internal tank pressure control valve15a cryogenic switching component and with the electromagnetic shutoff valve12a non-cryogenic switching component.

The cryogenic tank1may be filled with liquid cryogenic fuel, wherein gaseous cryogenic fuel returns to the filling station.

Following fueling, depending on the heat capacity of the internal tank heat exchanger, there will be retrieved liquid and subsequently gaseous fuel.

Preferably, the check valve7, the unlockable check valve17and the internal tank pressure control valve15are arranged at the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank and accessible after removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the check valve7, the unlockable check valve17and the internal tank pressure control valve15are arranged in the space in the fueling direction downstream of the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank and connected to the filler neck5and accessible after removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle via the filler neck5. Optionally, the check valve7, the unlockable check valve17and the internal tank pressure control valve15are arranged in a chamber in the fueling direction upstream of the end of the filler neck5on the side of the internal tank or at or in, respectively, the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle and accessible after removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle6. Optionally, the check valve7, the unlockable check valve17and the internal tank pressure control valve15are arranged in a separate and thermally insulated tubular part, which is connected to the external tank, and accessible via the tubular part.

Preferably, retrieval of liquid cryogenic fuel is carried out via the fueling and retrieval line9. Optionally, retrieval of liquid cryogenic fuel is carried out via a separate retrieval line between the internal tank1and the internal tank pressure control valve15.

Preferably, retrieval of gaseous cryogenic fuel is carried out via the retrieval line19. Optionally, retrieval of gaseous cryogenic fuel is carried out via a separate retrieval line between the internal tank1and the internal tank pressure control valve15.

Optionally, an electromechanical shutoff valve will replace the check valve7.

Optionally, an electromechanical shutoff valve will replace the unlockable check valve17.

Optionally, an electromechanical 2/2-way valve will replace the mechanical internal tank pressure control valve15.

Preferably, the shutoff valve12is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger, optionally the shutoff valve12is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger, preferably in the area of the cryogenic valves.

Optionally, an electromechanical 5/3-way valve or a 4/3-way valve will replace the check valve7, the unlockable check valve17and the internal tank pressure control valve15, wherein the retrieval line10will branch of in the fueling direction downstream or upstream of the way valve.

Optionally, an electromechanical shutoff valve for liquid cryogenic fuel will replace the check valve7and a further electromechanical shutoff valve for gaseous cryogenic fuel will replace the unlockable check valve17and a cryogenic check valve between the two electromechanical shutoff valves having a flow direction from the gas valve to the liquid valve will replace the internal tank pressure control valve15to prevent return of liquid cryogenic fuel to the filling station during fueling, enable retrieval of liquid cryogenic fuel in the case of an opened liquid valve and a closed gas valve and enable retrieval of gaseous cryogenic fuel in the case of an opened gas valve and a closed liquid valve, wherein the retrieval line10will branch off in the fueling direction upstream of the liquid valve.

Preferably, fueling is carried out with liquid cryogenic fuel, optionally fueling is carried out with supercritical cryogenic fuel.

The cryogenic tank comprises according to an embodiment variant a cryogenic check valve7to guide a fuel flow during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1and a cryogenic unlockable check valve17to guide a gaseous fuel flow during fueling from the internal tank1to the filling station, wherein the cryogenic unlockable check valve17will open due to a pressure upstream of the cryogenic check valve7or as a result of a mechanical coupling between the cryogenic check valve7and the unlockable cryogenic check valve17by the opening a sealing element in the cryogenic check valve7, wherein the cryogenic check valve7and the unlockable cryogenic check valve17are opened during fueling and wherein the check valve7and the unlockable check valve17are closed during retrieval. In addition, the cryogenic tank100may comprise a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve to guide a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical aggregate state during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1and a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve to guide a fuel flow in the gaseous aggregate state during fueling from the internal tank1to a filling station, wherein the cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valves are closed during fueling and wherein optionally a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve is opened during retrieval.

According to the invention, there is arranged at least one cryogenic valve to guide the fuel flow during fueling and/or during retrieval within the filler neck. This is preferably arranged in a chamber connected to the filler neck5or in a chamber arranged within the filler neck5and is accessible upon removal of the fueling coupling6on the side of the vehicle. The cryogenic valve may preferably be configured as a cryogenic check valve7or a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve to guide a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical aggregate state during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1:

The cryogenic tank100thus comprises according to a preferred embodiment variant a cryogenic check valve7to guide a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical aggregate state during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1, wherein the cryogenic check valve during fueling is opened due to the fuel flow and wherein the cryogenic check valve7is closed during retrieval. In addition, the cryogenic tank100may comprise a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve to guide a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical aggregate state during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1, wherein the cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve during fueling and optionally during retrieval will be opened.

The cryogenic tank100thus comprises according to an embodiment variant a cryogenic check valve7to guide a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical aggregate state during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1and a cryogenic unlockable check valve17to guide a fuel flow in the gaseous aggregate state during felling from the internal tank1to the filling station, wherein the cryogenic unlockable check valve17opens due to a pressure upstream of the cryogenic check valve7or as a result of a mechanical coupling between the cryogenic check valve7and the unlockable cryogenic check valve17due to the sealing element of the cryogenic check valve7or another part of the cryogenic check valve7suitable for the coupling of components and wherein the cryogenic check valve7and the unlockable cryogenic check valve17are open during fueling and wherein the cryogenic check valve7and the unlockable cryogenic check valve17are closed during retrieval. In addition, the cryogenic tank100may comprise a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve to guide a fuel flow in the liquid or supercritical aggregate state during fueling from a filling station into the internal tank1and a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve to guide a fuel flow in the gaseous aggregate state during fueling from the internal tank1to the filling station, wherein the two cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valves during fueling and optionally a cryogenic electromechanical shutoff valve during retrieval will be opened.

REFERENCE LIST

1internal tank2external tank3insulation chamber4insulation5filler neck6fueling coupling on the side of the vehicle7check valve8filling line of the fueling coupling9fueling and retrieval line10retrieval line11heat exchanger12shutoff valve13bottom side14top side15internal tank pressure control valve16retrieval line17unlockable check valve18return gas line