EP-4735288-A1 - LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE HAVING AN ENCLOSED SPACE COMPRISING A GAS STORAGE MODULE, AND KIT FOR EQUIPPING SUCH A VEHICLE

Abstract

Disclosed is a light commercial vehicle having a closed space (1) comprises an elongate pressurized gas storage module (5) for containing a gaseous fuel for the vehicle, characterized in that the storage module (5) includes a single tank (51) that is placed vertically in the enclosed space (1) of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle. Also disclosed is a kit for equipping a light commercial vehicle with a gas storage module (5).

Inventors

• MEISSONNIER, GUILLAUME

Assignees

• Phinia Delphi Luxembourg Sarl

Dates

Publication Date

20260506

Application Date

20240423

Claims (1)

1. Claims 1. Light utility vehicle with enclosed space (1) intended to shelter people or goods, the vehicle comprising an elongated pressurized gas storage module (5, 5') for containing a gaseous fuel of the vehicle, characterized in that the storage module (5, 5') comprises a single tank (51, 51') arranged vertically in the enclosed space (1) of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle. 2. Vehicle according to claim 1, in which the storage module (5) is intended for and equipped to contain dihydrogen. 3. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the tank (51) has a cylindrical shape and is closed by flanges (510), the storage module (5) comprising a frame (50) supporting the tank (51), the frame (50) being fixed to the vehicle. 4. Vehicle according to claim 3, in which the frame (50) comprises a fixing (501) connecting the tank (51) to a lower end of the tank (51). 5. Vehicle according to one of claims 3 or 4, in which the frame (50) comprises a removable cover (502) extending over the entire width of the frame and placed in the upper part of the frame (50). 6. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which a transverse partition (3) separates the enclosed space (1) on the one hand into a cabin (2) and on the other hand into a loading space, the storage module (5) being placed in the loading space along the partition. 7. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (50') comprises a partition (504) containing the tank (51') in a sealed manner and at least one orifice (505) for placing the volume inside the partition (504) in fluid communication with the exterior of the vehicle. 8. Adaptation kit for a light utility vehicle with enclosed space (1), the kit comprising a storage module (5) with a single tank (51) fixed on a 9. Kit according to claim 8, in which the frame (50, 50') comprises a cover (502) removable extending over the entire width of the frame and placed in the upper part of the frame (50), without which the storage module (5) can move from a horizontal position to a vertical position inside the enclosed space (1), and with which the storage module (5) cannot move from the horizontal position to the vertical position inside the enclosed space (1).

Description

Light utility vehicle with enclosed space comprising a gas storage module and kit for equipping such a vehicle Technical field The invention relates to a light commercial vehicle with an enclosed space comprising a pressurized gas storage module serving as fuel for the vehicle, in particular dihydrogen. It relates to a kit for equipping a light commercial vehicle with an enclosed space with such a pressurized gas storage module. Previous technique Light commercial vehicles are vehicles designed to transport goods or people, particularly in urban areas. They are smaller than so-called heavy-duty vehicles in order to allow them to be handled more easily in narrow streets and to have lower fuel consumption. These vehicles are generally equipped with thermal engines powered by liquid fuel. The objectives of reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant gas emissions suggest exploring alternatives, including powering with dihydrogen obtained from renewable energy sources. A major constraint of this technique lies in the storage of dihydrogen in the vehicle. In the solution of storing it in gaseous form under pressure, it is necessary to provide a large storage volume, even at high pressures of 350 bars or even 700 bars. Document KR 100528222 B1 shows a utility vehicle equipped with tanks in the form of a collection of cylinders arranged horizontally one above the other at the rear of a cab. A light utility vehicle with an enclosed space frequently has a sliding side door for access just behind the cab. With the arrangement proposed by this document a significant part of this access is blocked by the tanks. In document EPI 373 002 Al, the tank is provided in a compartment reserved for the height of the chassis and which extends longitudinally over a good part of the length of the vehicle. Such a provision is only applicable to a vehicle specifically designed to receive such a tank. Document CA2287414A1 proposes to place a plurality of tanks on the roof of a passenger transport vehicle. This solution requires multiplying the number of tanks in order to limit their diameter and therefore the height requirement. In addition, adding elements at the top of the vehicle raises the position of the center of gravity, which is not favorable to the stability and comfort of the vehicle. There are also known solutions that seek to place the tanks under the floor of the vehicle. Given the limited space available and the bulk taken up by various accessories, this solution leads to multiplying the number of tanks and generally requires providing a vehicle specifically designed to accommodate them. In most cases, the volume of each tank is less than 150 liters, and 250 liters in very rare cases. Disclosure of the invention The invention therefore aims to provide a light utility vehicle with an enclosed space which can be easily equipped with a reserve of fuel in gaseous form and with a limited impact on the use of the enclosed space. With these objectives in view, the invention relates to a light utility vehicle with an enclosed space intended to shelter people or goods according to claim 1. The vehicle comprises an elongated pressurized gas storage module for containing a gaseous fuel of the vehicle, characterized in that the storage module comprises a single tank arranged vertically in the enclosed space of the vehicle along one side of the vehicle. The use of a single tank reduces installation constraints, particularly connection constraints and the associated leakage risks. The vertical position of the tank allows the volume to be used from top to bottom in the enclosed space by limiting the footprint on the floor. By placing the storage module on the side, a passage space can be preserved from a side door in vehicles that are equipped with one. equipped. The connection of the tank to the engine is simplified as a single line is sufficient with a single connection point to the tank. With such a storage module, it is possible to equip vehicles without modifying their structure, even if they were not initially designed for this equipment. According to one provision, the storage module is intended and equipped to contain dihydrogen. Adaptation to this gas results in specific provisions on the materials used, in particular with regard to sealing, and on the equipment or such as valves and/or pressure reducers with which the tank is equipped. According to one embodiment, the tank has a cylindrical shape and is closed by flanges, the storage module comprising a frame supporting the tank, the frame being fixed to the vehicle. This shape allows the tank to best respond to the mechanical constraints linked to the pressure of the gas contained. The frame makes it possible on the one hand to protect the tank and on the other hand to avoid transmitting additional constraints to it for its fixing. According to a constructive arrangement, the frame comprises a fixing connecting the tank to a lower end of the tank. This fixing makes it possible t