Patent · US Active

Method of discharging high pressure storage vessels

US7426935B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by

5References

22Claims

0Family size

Assignee

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

Mirko Schwan · Mittenaar, DE
Holger Winkelmann · Driedorf, DE
Wolfgang Oelerich · Wiesbaden, DE

Key dates

Filing date	Apr 14, 2005
Grant date	Sep 23, 2008
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Oct 20, 2026

Classification

Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
CPC primaryY10T137/87555
WIPO fieldMechanical elements
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A master/slave tank system for storing a compressed hydrogen gas, where the system employs an electrically driven shut-off valve for each tank in the system. The tank system includes a master tank and a slave tank for storing the gas. A first line is coupled to the master tank for providing the gas stored therein to a fuel cell stack. A master tank shut-off valve is positioned in the first line between the master tank and a pressure regulator. A second line is coupled to the slave tank for providing the gas stored therein to the master tank as the pressure difference between the slave tank and the master tank changes. An electrically driven slave tank shut-off valve is positioned within the second line, where the slave tank shut-off valve automatically closes the second line in response to an increase in the differential pressure across the slave tank valve.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.