SENSOR INTEGRATED GLASS BULB TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE DESIGN FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE SYSTEMS

摘要

A TPRD for a high pressure storage vessel including an integrated pressure sensor cooperative with an activation mechanism and a method of monitoring a TPRD for use in a fuel cell system. The TPRD comprises a release piston, moveable between an open and a closed position, which controls the flow of gas from a fuel storage vessel through a gas outlet port. The thermally activated activation mechanism comprises a gas-inlet chamber and a liquid-filled bulb having an air bubble. Upon activation, the release piston moves from the closed position to the open position. The integrated pressure sensor detects the pressure within the TPRD. A difference in pressure between that of the fluid within the fuel storage vessel and the pressure within the TPRD provides indicia of impaired movement of the release piston.

主权项

1. A temperature pressure relief device for use with a fuel storage tank, the device comprising:
a housing having a conduit and a gas outlet port allowing a gas to flow through the housing from the fuel storage tank and a release piston, disposed within the conduit, moveable between an open and a closed position such that when in the closed position gas cannot flow from the fuel storage tank to the gas outlet port; an activation mechanism comprising a gas-inlet chamber and a liquid-filled bulb having an air bubble, wherein the air bubble expands and bursts the bulb upon a rise in temperature within the fuel storage tank to permit movement of the release piston from the closed position to the open position upon bursting of the bulb; and a pressure sensor cooperative with the activation mechanism such that upon detection of a difference in pressure between that of a fluid within the fuel storage tank and at least one of pressure exerted on the bulb by the release piston and pressure exerted on the release piston due to the pressure within the fuel storage tank, a signal is generated to provide indicia of impaired movement of the release piston.