Patent Publication Number: US-2015075661-A1

Title: Apparatus for receiving, storing, carrying, and discharging a liquid, as well as an overall system and vehicle

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns an apparatus (called tank cartridges) for receiving, storing, carrying and discharging a liquid, as well as an overall system and vehicle 
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention claims the priority of the European patent application EP 11182203.7, which was filed with the European Patent Office on 21 Sep. 2011 in the name of the present applicant. 
     The present invention claims the priority of the European patent application EP 11182203.7, which was filed with the European Patent Office on 21 Sep. 2011 in the name of the present applicant. 
     To date, petrol in most cases is sold via gasoline pumps at petrol stations. This is not only the case for fossil fuels but also for alternative fuels, such a bio-ethanol or hydrogen. 
     There are going to be more and more electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles which are either equipped with a fuel cell or which comprise a combustion engine as range extender in order to produce electric current on-board, which can be stored in a battery. Such a range extender is being supplied with fuel from a conventional tank in order to combust the fuel to drive an electric generator. 
     Most recent developments enable the production of methanol using carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Examples for this can be derived from the following patent applications: 
     International Patent application with the publication number WO2010069622A1, which was filed with the European Patent Office on 13 Aug. 2009 with title “VERFAHREN AND ANLAGE ZUM BEREITSTELLEN EINES ENERGIETRAGERS UNTER EINSATZ VON CARBON DIOXIDE ALS KOHLENSTOFFLIEFERANT AND VON ELEKTRISCHER ENERGIE”. This international Patent application concerns an intelligent mix of energies with an optimum economic and ecological combination of regenerative and conventional electric current supply in connection with the production of methanol. 
     International Patent application with the publication number WO2011018124A1, which was filed with the European Patent Office on 9 Sep. 2009 with title “Verfahren and Anlage zum Bereitstellen eines kohlenhydrogen-basierten Energietragers unter Einsatz eines Anteils von regenerativ erzeugtem Methanol und eines Anteils von Methanol, der mittels Direktoxidation oder über partielle Oxidation oder über Reformierung erzeugt wird”. This international Patent application concerns the deployment of a portion of regeneratively produced methanol and a portion of methanol being produced by means of direct oxidation or via a partial oxidation or via a reforming process. 
     International Patent application with application number PCT/EP2010/064948, which was filed with the European Patent Office on 6 Oct. 2010 with title “VERFAHREN AND ANLAGE ZUR SYNTHESE VON KOHLENHYDROGEN”. This international Patent application concerns a reactor which is particularly advantageous for the synthesis of methanol using a syngas comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). 
     International Patent application with application number PCT/EP2010/067812, which was filed with the European Patent Office on 10 Nov. 2010 with title “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE INTEGRATION SYNTHESIS OF METHANOL IN A PLANT”. This international Patent application concerns a synthesis of methanol being integrated into an overall system. Coal or hydrocarbon is combusted together with oxygen in a furnace chamber. The oxygen is provided by a water-electrolysis. Carbon dioxide is washed out of the flue gas of this combustion process and is handed over to a reforming plant. The carbon dioxide together with the gaseous hydrocarbon is therein transformed into syngas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The syngas is then transformed to methanol in a reactor together with further hydrogen from the water-electrolysis. 
     European Patent application with application number EP11155310.3, which was filed with the European Patent Office on 22 Feb. 2011 with title “Verfahren zur Bereitstellung und zum Einsetzen eines Alkohols und Verwendung des Alkohols zur Wirkungsgrad- und Leistungssteigerung einer Verbrennungskraftmaschine”. This patent application concerns the usage of an alcohol (preferably a methanol-water mixture) for improving the efficiency and power of a combustion engine, such as a diesel engine. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The methods described in these documents are based on the use of carbon dioxide for producing methanol. This offers the possibility to recycle carbon dioxide by producing methanol. The correspondingly produced methanol can be regarded to be CO2-neutral or at least partially CO2-neutral, depending on the production method and energy supply. 
     Methanol is an alcohol which is particularly advantageous since it is the simplest alcohol that exists. In the future methanol will increasingly be used in connection with the mobility, in fact either to drive direct methanol fuel cells or to be transformed in combustion engines (such as range extenders). 
     For the applications mentioned before there is a demand for providing such fuels, combustibles or heating materials, such as methanol, in a form independent from petrol stations and independent from the existing infrastructure. The circumstances concerning mobility are going to see a considerable change in the next years. Thus the installation of a distribution chain would be ideal which is based on sales points in different shops. For this a container is required which is able to safely store fuels, combustibles or heating materials. Furthermore, the handling of this container should be tamper-resistant and hazard-free. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is now an objective to provide a corresponding container which is able to receive, store, carry and discharge fuels, combustibles or heating materials. 
     In particular the providing of an overall system with container and an optional (buffer-)tank, which enables a safe fueling of the tank (decanting) or the vehicle by the employment of the tank. 
     In accordance with the invention an apparatus is provided for receiving, storing, carrying and discharging a liquid. The apparatus comprises a container with a discharging device for discharging the liquid. The discharging device has a hollow cylinder shape and it is connected with the container in an area of a first side close to the container. It comprises a discharge opening in an area of a second side. In the area of the first side close to the container a protective layer is provided being positioned with an offset of a minimum distance with respect to the discharge opening in order to prevent it from being destroyed or against unauthorized or unintended manipulation. 
     The present invention can not only be used in connection with vehicles, such as electric vehicles. It is also suitable for numerous other engine-powered equipment and apparatus, such as for instance gardening tools (lawn mower), kitchen and household devices, computers, ancillary units, ventilation systems, alarm systems, emergency systems and the like. 
     Further advantageous embodiments can be derived from the specification, the figures and the dependent claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Different aspects of the invention are schematically depicted in the drawings. 
         FIG. 1 : shows a diagrammatic plan which discloses the basics steps of a method for producing methanol, wherein in accordance with the invention the methanol is filled into a tank cartridge instead of providing it for fueling at a gasoline pump; 
         FIG. 2 : shows a strongly schematized sectional view of a first apparatus according to the invention, wherein a hand with a pointing finger is shown in order to indicate that the protective layer of the apparatus cannot be reached with the finger; 
         FIG. 3A : shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a further embodiment of a container while being filled up with liquid; 
         FIG. 3B-3C : shows a strongly schematized perspective view of the container of  FIG. 3A  after filling and prior to the insertion of a protective layer and the connecting of a discharging device; 
         FIG. 3D : shows a strongly schematized sectional view of the container after the insertion of the protective layer and the connecting of the discharging device; 
         FIG. 3E : shows a strongly schematized sectional view of the container including the protective layer and discharging device in a reverse state ready for use; 
         FIG. 3F : shows a strongly schematized sectional view of an overall system with a (buffer-)tank and an apparatus that comprises the container including the protective layer and discharging device, wherein the apparatus is attached to the tank and liquid is running out of the container into the tank; 
         FIG. 4A : shows a strongly schematized sectional view of a further embodiment after filling it up with liquid and prior to the connecting of a discharging device including a membrane that serves as protective layer; 
         FIG. 4B : shows a strongly schematized sectional view of the container of  FIG. 4A  after having connected the discharging device including the membrane and the connecting of a coupling nut, which serves for fixing the discharging device including the membrane; 
         FIG. 4C : shows a strongly schematized sectional view of a further overall system with a (buffer-)tank and an apparatus which comprises the container including a membrane as protective layer and the discharging device, wherein the apparatus was mounted on a tank and where liquid is running out of the container into the tank; 
         FIG. 5 : shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a further apparatus comprising a container and a discharging device being provided with two protective layers; 
         FIG. 6 : shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a further apparatus comprising a container and a discharging device being provided with a protective layer and a protection against manipulation positioned below; 
         FIG. 7A : shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a further container being provided with a tube which is positioned inside at least partially; 
         FIG. 7B : shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a further discharging device being provided with a membrane; 
         FIG. 7C : shows a strongly schematized perspective view of an apparatus comprising a container in accordance with  FIG. 7A  and a discharging device in accordance with  FIG. 7B ; 
         FIG. 8 : shows a strongly schematized view of a vehicle at the moment where a fuel is decanted from the apparatus into a (buffer-)tank; 
         FIG. 9 : shows a strongly schematized view of a vehicle with a series hybrid drive; 
         FIG. 10A : shows a strongly schematized view of an apparatus of the invention and of means in an open state, which serve for securing the apparatus in a vehicle 
         FIG. 10B : shows a strongly schematized view of an apparatus according to  FIG. 10A  in a closed state; 
         FIG. 11 : shows a perspective view of an apparatus comprising a container and a discharging device in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The word liquid  108  is herein used for all sorts of liquids. It concerns in particular liquids  108  which are combustible and/or chemically reactive. In particular concerned are fuels, combustibles or heating materials, such as methanol. 
     The word container  21  is herein used for a container or bundle which is suitable for receiving a liquid  108 , for storing it and in case of need for discharging it. Preferably, the container of all embodiments is produced from plastic. Very well suited is PET (polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), HM-HDPE (High-molecular-weight polyethylene), UHM-HDPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) or a fluorelastomer, such as for example PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), or a fluorthermoplast. Also suitable are plastics which are provided with a Fluorpoylmer coating (e.g. hydrophobic PTFE) or with an EVOH-coating (EVOH stands for Ethylene-Vinylalcohol Copolymer) 
     Exceptionally well suited are containers  21  which are produced by co-extrusion from one of the materials mentioned or from material combinations, or containers  21  which are (inside-)coated later by the application of one of said materials. 
     Exceptionally well suited are containers  21  or apparatus  20  which are produced by co-extrusion in the shape of a multilayer-extrudate (here preferably with a carrier layer of PET, PP, HDPE, HM-HDPE, UHM-HDPE and an inner layer of PTFE or EVOH). Formed components are produced by co-extrusion from which by means of further process steps the container  21  or the apparatus  20  are being produced. 
     Exceptionally well suited are containers  21  or apparatus  20  which are produced from preforms by means of a stretch-blowing or a blow-forming method. The preforms are preferably extruded or produced by means of a injection moulding process. The injection moulding process and the stretch-blowing or a blow-forming method can also be combined from a process-technological view in order to produce the containers  21  or apparatus  20 . 
     Exceptionally well suited are containers  21  having an omniphobic or nano-coated (inner) surface. An omniphobic and a nano-coated surface have outstanding characteristics and repels fuel (e.g. methanol) reliably. Such an apparatus  20  does not have to be cleaned or only has to be cleaned rarely. 
     Euro-Plastic canisters, which are provided in accordance with the invention, can be used as containers  21  for all embodiments. 
     Plastic bottles (e.g. square or cylindrical), which are provided in accordance with the invention, can be used as containers  21  for all embodiments. 
     Preferably, the container  21  of all embodiments satisfies one or more of the following criteria: 
     translucent, 
     stackable, 
     resistant against chemicals, 
     resistant against mineral oils, 
     resistant against methanol, 
     sealed to prevent odors, 
     explosion protected, 
     protected against overpressure, 
     non-aging, 
     recyclable, 
     easy to be cleaned, 
     can be marked. 
     Preferably, the container  21  of all embodiments has a round, oval, polygonal or rectangular horizontal cross-section and a round, oval, rectangular or funnel shape in a vertical cross-section. 
     The words discharging device  30  are herein used for a hollow cylinder shaped (pipe or hose-)body which is connectable with the container  21 . Preferably, the discharging device  30  of all embodiments has the shape of a pipe or hose. 
       FIG. 1  shows a diagrammatic plan which discloses the basics steps of a method for producing methanol (as liquid  108 ). In connection with a water-electrolysis  105 , water  102  can be transformed into hydrogen  103  and oxygen (not shown). In addition, carbon dioxide  101  is fed in. The combination of hydrogen  103  and carbon dioxide  101  with a suitable molar ratio undergoes a reaction  106  (preferably a catalytic reaction). Methanol as liquid  108  is thereby produced. This liquid  108  can be filled into an apparatus  20 , as is going to be described in the following, instead of being supplied via a gasoline pump  10 . 
     The process described can for instance be carried out in a Silicon-Fire facility  100 , as for example described in the initially mentioned international Patent application with the Publication number WO2010069622A1. 
     The methanol  108  is thus filled into a tank cartridge  20  instead being provided at a gasoline pump  10  for fueling. The tank cartridge  20  can be carried in a vehicle  20  without difficulty in order to put it to use if needed, or the liquid  108  can be decanted at a petrol station or at another sales point right from the tank cartridge  20  into the tank  60  of the vehicle  20 . The hose-free fueling takes place quickly and cleanly. 
       FIG. 2  shows a strongly schematized sectional view of a first apparatus  20  according to the invention, wherein a hand with a pointing finger is shown in order to indicate that the inside offset protective layer  40  of the apparatus  20  cannot be reached with the finger. The apparatus  20  of all embodiments is designed for receiving, storing, carrying and discharging a liquid  108 . For this purpose, it comprises a container  21 . The container  21  in  FIG. 2  is filled by about two-thirds with the liquid  108 . The container  21  furthermore comprises a discharging device  30  being designed for discharging the liquid  108 . The discharging device  30  has a hollow cylinder shape and it is connected at a first side close to the container with the container  21 . The discharging device  30  comprises a discharge opening  31  at a second side. A protective layer  40  is provided in an area of the first side close to the container, which in a sound state prevents the liquid  108  from exiting from the container  21  into the discharging device  30 . In addition, the protective layer  40  serves as odor protection and as barrier against contamination. The protective layer  40  is relatively thick in the figures in order to make it more visible. The protective layer  40  is positioned with an offset with a minimum distance A relative to the discharge opening  31  in the present example. In addition or alternatively, the discharge opening  31  can have an inner diameter D preventing an intrusion with the finger. 
     All embodiments of the invention at least have a double protection. On one hand all embodiments have the protective layer  40  to prevent a running out of the liquid  108 . On the other hand, the protective layer  40  is set back so that it cannot be reached or manipulated with a finger. The minimum distance A is at least 6 cm for this purpose and/or the inner diameter D has a maximum of 1 cm. The offsetting is herein also called manipulation protection. 
     Preferably, all embodiments comprise an inside or outside lying tube  22  at the container  21 . The embodiment which is shown in  FIG. 2  has an outside lying tube  22 , the length of which corresponds to about one-quarter of the distance A. For all embodiments the length of the tube  22  can also be chosen to be different. 
     The tube  22  can be completely outside the container  21 , it can reach partially into the inside of the container  21  or it can be completely inside. Depending on the arrangement of the tube  22 , the discharge opening  23  for discharging the liquid  108  has to be carried out and/or positioned differently. Preferably, the discharge opening  23  is always at the deepest point of the container  21  in order to facilitate a discharging due to the gravitational force. 
     The protective layer  40  of all embodiments is designed so that it can be mechanically pierced, cut through or destroyed. For this purpose, a mechanical counterpiece  61  is provided at the tank  60  (preferably this concerns in all embodiments a tank at the vehicle side) or at another receiving means at the vehicle side, which mechanically pierces, cuts through or destroys the protective layer  40  when attaching or putting on the apparatus  20 . 
     In all embodiments, the mechanical counterpiece  61  ( FIG. 3F ) can be positioned stationary or it can be positioned moveably (deliverably). 
       FIG. 3A  shows details of a further embodiment. The apparatus  20  can be turned around in order to be filled up with the liquid  108  through the tube  22 . The filling with liquid  108  is depicted in  FIG. 3A  by an arrow pointing downwards. 
     In  FIG. 3B  a strongly schematized perspective view of the container  21  of  FIG. 3A  after the filling up and prior to the insertion of a protective layer  40  and the connecting of a discharging device  30  is shown.  FIG. 3C  shows a corresponding, strongly schematized sectional view. 
     Steps are shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C  that may follow after the filling up. After the filling up a protective layer  40 , here having the shape of a separate circular foil  41 , can be inserted into the tube  22 . The foil  41  has an outer diameter D2 which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the tube  22 . There is a ring shoulder  25  in a transitional area between the tube  22  and the container  21  in the example shown. The ring shoulder  25  has an inner diameter D3 being smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the foil  41 . 
     Preferably, in all embodiments a single layer or multi-layer foil  41  is employed. 
     Preferably, in all embodiments a plastic foil  41  is employed. 
     Preferably, in all embodiments a foil  41  is employed having a deformation behavior (i.e. the elasticity of which) and physical bursting characteristics (i.e. the failure characteristics of which) given so that the foil  41  can be destroyed by the mechanic counteraction with the mechanical counterpiece  61  and that the remained of the foil  41  retract/shorten. In case of a homogeneous planar pressure it should not be possible for the foil  41  to be destroyed, whereas it should burst at a punctual load by action of the counterpiece  61 . 
     The discharging device  30  can now be connected to the tube  22 . The discharging device  30  here has got an outside thread  32  and the tube  22  a complementary internal thread  24 . The connection is provided by screwing the discharging device  30  into the tube  22 . 
     In the assembled state, which is schematically depicted in  FIG. 3D , the foil  41  is lying on the ring shoulder  25  and it seals in its sound state the discharge opening  23 . The foil  41  is held in position by the ringshaped lower ridge  33  (see  FIGS. 3B and 3C ) of the discharging device  30  and is pressed against the ring shoulder  25 . If the whole apparatus  20  is now turned around, as shown in  FIG. 3E , no liquid  108  can run out. 
       FIG. 3F  shows a first overall system  200  with (buffer-)tank  60  and apparatus  20 , wherein the apparatus  20  comprises a container  21  including protective layer  40  (here a foil  41 ) and discharging device  30 . An overhead opening  62  is provided at the tank  60 , which enables an insertion of the discharging device  30  into the inside of the tank  60 . There is a mechanical counterpiece  61  (here in the shape of a needle) which, when inserting the discharging device  30  with the protective layer  40 , here provided as a foil  41 , enters into a mechanical interaction to pierce the foil  41 . The state right after the piercing is shown in  FIG. 3F . The droplets underneath the discharging device  30  indicate that the liquid  108  due to the gravitational force is running through the inner side of the discharging device  30  into the tank  60 . The mechanical counterpiece  61  can be statically connected to the fastening means  63  in the tank  60 , as schematically depicted in  FIG. 3F . 
     Means are provided preferably for all embodiments in order to allow air to stream in so that no under pressure builds up in the container  21  which prevents or slows down the running out of the liquid  108 . 
     Depending on the embodiment, the mechanical counterpiece  61  can be designed as needle (as shown in  FIG. 3F  and as indicated in  FIG. 10A ,  10 B), as hollow needle (as indicated in  FIG. 6 ) or as hollow cylinder with a sharp-edged upper edge. 
     A further embodiment of the invention is shown in the  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C.  FIG. 4A  shows the situation after the filling up with liquid  108  and prior to attaching the discharging device  30  including membrane  42 , which serves a protective layer  40 . Here an elastic membrane  42  is employed which is being pulled over or sheathed over the lower most area of the discharging device  30 , as can be seen in  FIG. 4A . The elastic membrane  42  is intentionally shown too thick in the figures in order to make it clearly visible. The thickness of the membrane  42  in reality is smaller. The discharging device  30  here comprises a collar  34  lying outside, which is schematically depicted in  FIG. 4A , and a coupling nut  35 . The coupling nut  35  has an internal thread  36  being complementary with respect to an outside thread  26  of the tube  22 . 
     Preferably in all embodiments, a membrane  42  is produced from a thin, non tear-resistant plastic which can be destroyed by mechanical interaction with the counterpiece  61 . 
     Preferably in all embodiments, a membrane  42  is employed having a deformation behavior (e.g. the elasticity of which) and physical burst characteristics (e.g. the failure characteristics of which) are defined so that the membrane  42  is destroyed due to the mechanical interaction with the counterpiece  61  and that the remainders of the membrane  42  retract/contract. In case of a homogeneous planar pressure the membrane  42  should be stretchable, whereas it should burst at a punctual load by action of the counterpiece  61 . 
     Preferably in all embodiments, a membrane  42  is employed which is made from vulcanized rubber. 
     Preferably in all embodiments, a membrane  42  is employed which is made from Polyethylene (PE), Polyurethane (PUR) or Polyisoprene. 
       FIG. 4B  shows the container  21  after attachment of the discharging device  30  including the membrane  42  and the attachment of the coupling nut  35  which serves to fix the discharging device  30  including membrane  42 . The discharging device  30  including membrane  42  is pushed into the inner side of the tube  22 . Then the coupling nut  35  screwed onto the thread  26  of the tube  22 . The coupling nut  35  is lying at the collar  34  and pulls, while screwing the coupling nut  35 , the discharging device  30  including membrane  42  into the inner side of the tube  22 . 
     The elastic membrane  42  may optionally comprise a circumferential ridge  43 , as can be well seen in  FIG. 4A . This ridge  43  on the one hand provides stiffness and on the other hand serves as seal which in the mounted state is lying between the upper, ring-shaped edge  27  of the tube  22  and the collar  34 . When screwing tight the coupling nut  35  the ridge  43  is compressed and thus serves as seal. 
     The mechanical counterpiece  61  can be designed as needle (as shown in  FIG. 3E , for example), or as hollow needle  65  (as indicated in  FIG. 6 ) or for instance as hollow cylinder with a sharp-edged upper edge, in order to destroy the elastic membrane  42  when inserting the discharging device  30  into an opening  62  of a tank  60 . The membrane  42  bursts because of the elasticity when it enters into contact with the counterpiece  61  and thus opens up the passage between the container  21  and the discharging device  30 . Similar to  FIG. 3F , the liquid can exit and run into the tank  60 . 
     In situations where no intermediate tank  60  is employed, the apparatus  20  can be directly or indirectly coupled to a fuel pipe  203 , for example, as indicated in  FIG. 3E . The connection can be done by means of a transition element  213 . The transition element  213  may comprise an optional fuel pump and/or a fuel filter. 
     A second overall system  200  with tank  60  and apparatus  20  is shown in  FIG. 4C , wherein the apparatus  20  comprises a container  21  including protective layer  40  (here a membrane  42 ) and discharging device  30 . An overhead opening  62  is provided at the tank  60  which enables the insertion of the discharging device  30  into the inner side of the tank  60 . There is a mechanical counterpiece  61  seated in the area of the overhead opening  62  (here having the shape of a hollow cylinder  64 ), which, when inserting the discharging device  30  enters into a mechanical interaction with the protective layer  40 , here in the form of a membrane  42 , to pierce the membrane  42 . In the example illustrated, a hollow cylinder  64  with sharp-edged upper edge is employed as mechanical counterpiece  61 . The hollow cylinder  64  has an outer diameter being exactly adapted to the inner diameter of the discharging device  30  and the diameter of the discharge opening  23  of the container  21 . 
     The state right after the piercing is shown in schematic form in  FIG. 4C . The droplets underneath the discharge opening  31  indicate that the liquid  108  runs through the inner side of the mechanical counterpiece  61  into the tank  60 . In case of the embodiment shown, the liquid  108  runs only through the hollow cylinder  64  (which is here serving as counterpiece  61 ) into the tank  60 . 
     In case of the embodiment shown, the liquid  108  runs only through the hollow cylinder  64  (here serving as counterpiece  61 ) into the tank  60 . The inner side of the discharging device  30  is not wetted. If one removes the apparatus  20  after decanting the liquid  108  into the tank  60 , one could touch the inner side of the discharging device  30  with the finger without getting in touch with the remainders of the liquid  108 . 
     The hollow cylinder  64  can be connected with fastening means in the tank  60 , which are not shown in  FIG. 4C . The hollow cylinder  64  can also be mounted moveably (for instance like the needle in  FIG. 10A ,  10 B). 
     In the following sections and the corresponding figures details of further embodiments are described. These details can be applied to the respective other embodiments and can be combined with other means of the invention described. 
       FIG. 5  shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a further container  21  with discharging device  30  being provided with two protective layers (here having the shape of two circular foils  41 ,  44 ). The first foil  41  sits, as described, in the area of transition from the discharging device  30  into the container  21 . The second foil  44  (also called lower foil) sits in the area of the discharge opening  31  of the discharging device  30 . The second foil  44  serves as so-called protective means  60 . The foils  41  and/or  44  can be glued on, vulcanized on, clamped or can be screwed on e.g. by employing a thread and (coupling)nut. A solution in accordance with  FIG. 5  offers a double protection against unwanted discharge or against manipulation. 
       FIG. 6  shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a further container  21  with a discharging device  30  being provided with a protective layer  40  (here having the shape of a circular foil  41 ) and a (mechanical) manipulation protection  45  at the bottom. The manipulation protection  45  serves as additional protection means. In the example shown, a hollow needle  65  is employed as mechanical counterpiece  61 . The hollow needle  65  in turn sits in a tank  60  or a vehicle  201 , which is not shown. When inserting the discharging device  30  into the opening  62  of the tank  60  or vehicle  201 , the hollow needle  65  presses the manipulation protection  45  aside. Then, when inserting the discharging device  30  deeper into the opening  62 , the ring-shaped upper edge  66  of the hollow needle  65  pierces the foil  41  and thus opens the passage  23  from the container  21  to the inner part of the discharging device  30 . 
     Preferably, the manipulation protection  45  is provided for all embodiments. In all embodiments, it can be designed so that only a hollow needle  65  or another mechanical counterpiece  61  allows or enables the opening of the manipulation protection  45 . 
       FIG. 7A  shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a further container  21  being provided with a tube  22  which is positioned at least partially inside. There are passages  28  (here with circular shape) provided at the tube  22  which are lying at the deepest point of the container  21  in order to let all of the liquid  108  run out due to the gravitational force. Here the tube  22  comprises an upper discharge opening  23 . This discharge opening  23  is optional. 
       FIG. 7B  shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a discharging device  30  being provided with an elastic membrane  42 . The membrane  42  can have the shape of a topcoat, as described already in connection with  FIG. 4A . Passages  38  are also provided at the discharging device  30  (here with circular shape), which are designed and positioned so that they essentially overlap with the passages  28  at the tube  22 , if the discharging device  30  is plugged into the tube  22 , as shown in  FIG. 7C . Optionally, a lower foil  44  can be provided, as described already, in order to provide an additional manipulation protection. 
       FIG. 7C  shows a strongly schematized perspective view of a corresponding apparatus  20  comprising a container  21  in accordance with  FIG. 7A  and a discharging device  30  in accordance with  FIG. 7B . If now a mechanical counterpiece  61  (not shown in  FIG. 7C ) is employed, then the membrane  42  is destroyed. The destroyed membrane  42  opens up the passages  28  and  38  so that liquid  108  can run out of the container  21  through the passages  28  and  38  into the discharging device  30  and a tank  60  or directly into a fuel pipe  203 . If in addition a discharge opening  23  is provided, the destroyed membrane  42  opens up this discharge opening  23 , too. Then liquid  108  can run out of the container  21  through the discharge opening  23  into the discharging device  30  and a tank  60 . 
     An embodiment with passages  28  and  38  and with discharge opening  23  has the advantage that air can stream in without problem and that thus no under pressure builds up which prevents or slows down the discharging. 
       FIG. 8 : shows a strongly schematized view of a vehicle  201  at the moment where a fuel  108  is decanted from an apparatus  20  into a tank  60  at the vehicle. The vehicle  201  may be an electric vehicle  201  which is equipped with an engine  202  serving as range-extender. This engine  202  is, as schematically depicted in  FIG. 8 , supplied via a fuel pipe  203  with fuel  108 , which is taken from the tank  60 . 
     In accordance with the invention, the fueling of the tank  60  takes place without pressure and without the employment of pumps or the like. Due to the gravitational force the fuel  108  runs from the container  21  of the apparatus  20  into the tank  60  as soon as the protective layer  40  has been opened. The apparatus  20  of all embodiments is thus designed for gravitation-fueling. The gravitation-fueling of all embodiments is done electroless, since no pumps have to be driven. The fueling can be done anytime and at any place without requiring a power connection or even some other form of infrastructure. 
     The apparatus  20  are absolutely safe and thus can be distributed via retail businesses or even via direct mail selling. In particular if methanol is employed as fuel  108 , this approach is particularly advantageous since methanol is difficult to inflame. Furthermore, methanol can be decomposed biologically if it should end up in water. 
     All embodiments prevent or at least make mis-manipulations so difficult that a laymen does not get into contact with the liquid  108  unconsciously or ignorantly. 
     Preferably, all embodiments comprise securing means  50  to prevent a loosening and/or removing and/or an unconscious manipulation of the discharging device  30 . The securing means  50 , however, are optional. 
     An example of a securing means  50  is shown in  FIG. 3B , which comprises a latching element  51  (e.g. a spring-mounted sphere) and a complementary receiving opening  52 . By latching the latching element  51  in the receiving opening  52  a turning or unscrewing of the discharging device  30  is prevented. Preferably, the latching element  51  of all embodiments is designed so that is cannot be manually actuated by only with a (special-)tool. 
     Preferably, all embodiments comprise a package band (made from plastic or paper) serving as securing means  50  and which is for this purpose glued around the tube  22  and a part of the discharging device  30 . This package band seals the tube  22  optically recognizable with the discharging device  30  and secures both with respect to each other. 
     Preferably, all embodiments comprise a splint, a rivet or a bolt serving as securing means  50 . 
     All embodiments of the invention can also be employed in order to receive, store, carry and discharge alcohol in order to use this alcohol for increasing the efficiency and power of a combustion engine. Details for this can be derived from the initially mentioned European Patent application with the application number EP11155310.3. 
     The apparatus  20  should preferably be designed as a passive apparatus  20  without sensor(s) and/or fuel pumps. When using the apparatus  20  in a vehicle  201  it is however important to “know” at any time how much fuel  108  is still left in the apparatus  20 . It is indicated in  FIG. 1  that the apparatus  20  may be provided with an optical filling level indication. This optical filling level indication can at any time be read if needed. However, in an automated overall system  100  a precise determination of the filling level is required. Since it is not desired to have a sensor inside the containers  21 , a solution is preferred where means  300  are attached to the apparatus  20  which can be sampled, as indicated in  FIG. 9 . At least one sensor  301  is provided in the area of the receiving opening  62  in order to be able to recognize a characteristic feature of the apparatus  20  during or after the insertion of the apparatus  20  into the receiving opening  62  and to hand it over to the (engine-)control  212 . Using this approach for instance on the side of the vehicle it is possible to distinguish a 10 liters comprising apparatus  20  from a 20 liters comprising apparatus  20 . If the apparatus  20  serves as supply of a range extender  202  with fuel  108 , the actual consumption can be determined fairly easily and very precisely, since the range extender  202  is operated with a relatively exactly defined revolution and load. On the vehicle side it can thus be determined relatively exactly by the control  212  how much fuel  108  from a 10 liters comprising apparatus  20  has been consumed and how much remaining fuel  108  thus is still available. A corresponding solution is for example known from the U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,664. 
       FIG. 9  shows a strongly schematized view of the components of a vehicle  201  with a series hybrid drive. The drive comprises a combustion engine  202  being employed as range extender and which for this purpose for example drives a generator  205  via a shaft  204 . The generator  205  generates current that can be guided via conductors  206  into a battery  208  or via an inverter  207  (transformer) to one (or more) electric engines  209  of the vehicle  201 . The electric engines  209  can for instance drive an axle  210  of the wheels  211 . Particularly preferred, however, are embodiments with wheel-hub attached engines or with wheel-side engines, wherein at least two of the wheels  211  are each equipped with one such engine. 
     Details of a suitable constellation of wheel-side engines can be derived from the published Patent application EP2199137A1 of the company Klingelnberg AG. 
     If the generator  205  is an alternating current generator, a rectifier (not shown) is employed. The inverter  208  transforms the direct current of the battery  207  or of the generator  205  into an alternating current in a form which is suitable for the engine/s  209 . The engine control  212  (called engine control unit or ECU) monitors these procedures. The inverter  208  comprises circuit elements which are controlled and acted upon by the ECU  212 . The ECU  212  is provided with input values I (signals) from the different components of the vehicle  201 . The ECU  212  makes decisions based on these input values I and it outputs control values to the engine  202 , the generator  205  and the inverter  208 . 
     The apparatus  20  comprises in accordance with the invention preferably in case of all embodiments means  300 , depicted in  FIG. 9  in schematic form only, which can be sampled. One sensor  301  is present at least in the area of the receiving opening  62  (e.g. in the area of the hollow cylinder  37 ) in order to recognize a characteristic feature (e.g. the filling amount) of the apparatus  20  when or after inserting the apparatus  20  into the receiving opening  62  and to be able to hand it over to the control  212 . For this purpose there is a signal connection  302  to the ECU  212 . 
     Particularly preferred are embodiments where a mechanical feature serves as means  300  which can be sampled. Thus the hollow cylinder  37  might be provided with a drill hole, trench or nose which can be detected by the sensor  301 . There could also be a small magnetic plate serving as means  300  that can be sampled and the sensor  301  can detect the position of the magnetic plate. The volume of the containers  21  might be coded via the position of the magnetic plate. By means of this, at the side of the vehicle a 10 liters comprising apparatus  20  can be distinguished from a 20 liters comprising apparatus  20 . 
     The overall system  100 , respectively the vehicle  201  of all embodiments can comprise a tank  60 . However, the tank  60  is not mandatory. It is thus shown by dashed lines in  FIG. 9 . 
     A connection via a fuel pipe  203  to the engine  202  is established when inserting the apparatus  20  into an overall system  100  or vehicle  201 . In  FIG. 8  as well as  FIG. 9  the fuel pipe  203  is depicted in schematic form. Preferably, a fuel pump (not shown) is employed in order to supply the engine  202  with fuel  108  evenly and with sufficient pressure. The fuel pump is also controllable and can be regulated by the ECU  212 . 
     The vehicle  201  of all embodiments might comprise a fuel display  303  in order to always display the determined the calculated remaining fuel  108  in the container  21 . 
     In order to secure the apparatus  20  in a vehicle  201 , in all embodiments a bracket  400  might be used, a schematically presented in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . The apparatus  20  might be provided with a receiving section  401  for a bar or flank of the bracket  400 . A receiving section  401  is shown in the figures on the upper side  21 . 1  of the container  21 . The upper side  21 . 1  can be designed slightly arched or oblique in order to exert a fixing pressure which presses the apparatus  20  downwards, e.g. into the opening  62 . 
     Preferably, the bracket  400  is a spring bracket or a spring-mounted bracket so that it sits in the receiving section  401 . The bracket  400  is swivel mounted in the vehicle  201  (e.g. at the optional tank  60  or at another part of the vehicle). The swivel mounting is not shown in the  FIGS. 10A to 10B . 
     In  FIG. 10A  the bracket  400  is shown in an open state. After having inserted the apparatus  20  into the opening  62  at the vehicle side, the bracket  400  can be manually brought from the 9 o&#39;clock position into a 12 o&#39;clock position. In doing so, a small force is to be applied in order to let the bar or flank of the bracket  400  latch into the receiving section  401 . The closed position is shown in  FIG. 10B . 
     It is optional for all embodiments to actuate a mechanical counterpiece  61  or needle  65  by means of an action mechanism  500  in order to pierce the protective layer  40  (e.g. provided as foil  41  or membrane  42 ). The piercing moment is shown in  FIG. 10B . After the piercing liquid  108  (fuel) can exit from the container  21  and can go into the fuel pipe  203  of the vehicle  201  directly or indirectly. 
     In the  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the action mechanism  500  is intentionally shown in schematic form in order to be able to describe the function. There are many possibilities to realize such an action mechanism  500  in a small and robust form. Lever arms, actuating elements, pulling elements and springs can be employed to effect the piercing. 
     A short string  501  pulls down a needle  65  in  FIG. 10A . One end of the string  501  is connected to a lever  503 . Its second end is connected with a needle  65  or spring  502 . In the position of  FIG. 10A  the needle  65  is in a lower position and the pressure spring  502  is pressed together. If the bracket  400  is now moved into the position of  FIG. 10B . the lever  503  moves downwards in clockwise direction and the tension, which acts on the string  501 , decreases. The pressure spring  502  expands and moves the needles  65  upwards so that the tip of the needle  65  can pierce the protective layer  40 . In the example shown, the string  501  is guided around a reel  504 . 
     The principle just described, can also be applied to a hollow needle or to a counterpiece  61 . 
     Preferably, the discharging device  30  of all embodiments has a length between 6 and 10 cm. A part of the length of the discharging device  30  can sit inside the container  21 . In this case preferably only a length of 2-5 cm protrudes out of the container  21  and a discharging device according to the invention. 
     Preferably, the apparatus  20  of all embodiments comprises a handle for easy carrying and handling.  FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an apparatus  20  comprising a container  21 . A handle  53  is provided at the apparatus  20 . 
     The invention can also be used in connection with boats and other vehicles. The invention can also be used in small appliances which comprise a combustion engine or a fuel cell. 
     REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Petrol station 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 Apparatus (tank cartridge) 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 Container 
                 21 
               
               
                   
                 Upper side 
                 21.1 
               
               
                   
                 Tube 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 Discharge opening 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 internal thread 
                 24 
               
               
                   
                 Ring shoulder 
                 25 
               
               
                   
                 outside thread 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 upper ringshaped ridge 
                 27 
               
               
                   
                 Passages 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 Filling level indication 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 Discharging device 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 Discharge opening 
                 31 
               
               
                   
                 outside thread 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 ringshaped lower ridge 
                 33 
               
               
                   
                 Collar 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 Coupling nut 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                 internal thread 
                 36 
               
               
                   
                 Hollow cylinder 
                 37 
               
               
                   
                 Passages 
                 38 
               
               
                   
                 Protective layer 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 foil 
                 41 
               
               
                   
                 Membrane 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                 ridge 
                 43 
               
               
                   
                 Lower foil 
                 44 
               
               
                   
                 Mechanical manipulation protection 
                 45 
               
               
                   
                 Securing means 
                 50 
               
               
                   
                 Latching element 
                 51 
               
               
                   
                 Receiving opening 
                 52 
               
               
                   
                 Handle 
                 53 
               
               
                   
                 Tank 
                 60 
               
               
                   
                 mechanical counterpiece 
                 61 
               
               
                   
                 overhead opening 
                 62 
               
               
                   
                 Fastening means 
                 63 
               
               
                   
                 Hollow cylinder 
                 64 
               
               
                   
                 (Hollow) needle 
                 65 
               
               
                   
                 Silicon-Fire facility 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 Carbon dioxide 
                 101 
               
               
                   
                 Water/H 2 O 
                 102 
               
               
                   
                 Hydrogen 
                 103 
               
               
                   
                 Carrying out an electrolysis 
                 105 
               
               
                   
                 Catalytic reaction 
                 106 
               
               
                   
                 Methanol 
                 108 
               
               
                   
                 Overall system 
                 200 
               
               
                   
                 Vehicle 
                 201 
               
               
                   
                 Engine (Range-Extender) 
                 202 
               
               
                   
                 Fuel pipe 
                 203 
               
               
                   
                 Shaft 
                 204 
               
               
                   
                 Generator 
                 205 
               
               
                   
                 Conducts 
                 206 
               
               
                   
                 Battery 
                 207 
               
               
                   
                 Inverter (converter) 
                 208 
               
               
                   
                 E-Engine 
                 209 
               
               
                   
                 Axle 
                 210 
               
               
                   
                 Wheels 
                 211 
               
               
                   
                 Engine control 
                 212 
               
               
                   
                 Transitional element 
                 213 
               
               
                   
                 sampling means 
                 300 
               
               
                   
                 Sensor(s) 
                 301 
               
               
                   
                 Signal connection 
                 302 
               
               
                   
                 Fuel display 
                 303 
               
               
                   
                 Bracket 
                 400 
               
               
                   
                 Receiving section 
                 401 
               
               
                   
                 Action mechanism 
                 500 
               
               
                   
                 string 
                 501 
               
               
                   
                 Pressure spring 
                 502 
               
               
                   
                 Lever 
                 503 
               
               
                   
                 Reel 
                 504 
               
               
                   
                 Minimum distance 
                 A 
               
               
                   
                 Inner diameter 
                 D  
               
               
                   
                 Inner diameter 
                 D1 
               
               
                   
                 Outer diameter 
                 D2 
               
               
                   
                 Inner diameter 
                 D3 
               
               
                   
                 Input values 
                 I