Arrangement for storing fuel and method for operating a fuel tank

US6463965B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE
• VODAFONE GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Christian Rasche · Bochum, DE
• Bernd Wiemann · Hersbruck, DE
• Holger Klos · Karlsruhe, DE
• Hans-Dieter Wilhelm · Neu-Anspach, DE
• Karl Eck · Frankfurt, DE
• Thomas Zapp · Dortmund, DE
• Bernd Rumpf · Hockenheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 14, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 15, 2002
• Expiry date: Jun 14, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/86324
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet is connected to a separate pressure vessel by means of a pump. Fuel vapors are pumped out of the tank and into the pressure vessel while the tank is being filled via the inlet, so that fuel vapors cannot escape during filling. After filling, the inlet is closed and the pressure in the tank is increased to about 4 bar by means of a pressure regulator in a line connecting the pressure vessel to the fuel tank. The pump is then switched off and the fuel can be delivered to the engine via the outlet under the increased fuel pressure in the tank, the pressure being reduced to fuel system pressure by a pressure regulator in the outlet line.