Hydrogen aircraft with cryogenic compressed storage

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for hydrogen aircraft with cryogenic compressed storage are disclosed. An example fuel distribution system includes a vacuum vessel, a cryogenic vessel positioned within the vacuum vessel, the cryogenic vessel being part of a cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly, and at least one of a heater or a thermosyphon loop to maintain pressure of the cryogenic vessel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to fuel distribution systems, and more specifically to cryogenic compression storage. Background Technology

[0002] An aircraft fuel distribution system supports fuel storage and fuel distribution to the engines. In some examples, the fuel system may include a single gravity-fed fuel tank and associated fuel lines connecting the tank to the aircraft engines. In some examples, multiple fuel tanks may exist as part of the fuel distribution system. One or more tanks may be located in the wings, fuselage, and / or tail of the aircraft. The tanks may be connected to internal fuel pumps via associated valves and / or piping to allow for engine supply, refueling, fuel discharge, individual tank isolation, and / or overall optimization of the aircraft's center of gravity. Attached Figure Description

[0003] The specification with reference to the accompanying drawings sets forth a complete and enabling disclosure of preferred embodiments for those skilled in the art, including its best mode, wherein:

[0004] Figure 1A An example location of a hydrogen-based fuel distribution system in an aircraft is shown.

[0005] Figure 1B A known system for burner startup is illustrated schematically, which uses a tank to supply liquid hydrogen to a hydrogen-based fuel distribution system.

[0006] Figure 1C A known system for burner startup is illustrated schematically, which uses tanks that supply gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen-based fuel distribution system.

[0007] Figure 2A An example known storage tank for storing liquid hydrogen (LH2) is shown schematically.

[0008] Figure 2B The improved cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) storage tank disclosed herein is illustrated schematically.

[0009] Figure 3A The use is illustrated schematically. Figure 2B The first example fuel distribution arrangement for a cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) storage tank includes a compressed natural gas (CNG) tank assembly.

[0010] Figure 3B The use is illustrated schematically. Figure 2B A second example fuel distribution arrangement for a cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) storage tank.

[0011] Figure 4A schematically shown Figure 3BThe fuel distribution path includes pressure maintenance using heaters.

[0012] Figure 4B schematically shown Figure 3B The fuel distribution path includes pressure maintenance using thermosiphon.

[0013] Figure 5 The use is illustrated schematically. Figure 2B The fuel distribution arrangement of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) storage tank includes compressed natural gas (CNG) tank banks and gaseous hydrogen (GH2) tank banks, and uses a thermosiphon loop and heaters to maintain pressure.

[0014] Figure 6A Example data relating temperature to the density and saturation pressure of liquid hydrogen (LH2) are shown.

[0015] Figure 6B Example data are shown relating pressure to the density of cryogenically compressed hydrogen at various temperatures.

[0016] Figure 7A Example data are shown relating temperature to hydrogen density under various pressures.

[0017] Figure 7B Example data are shown relating the effect of temperature on fuel levels at constant pressure.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an example fuel distribution controller circuit that can be incorporated into a fuel system developed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 This indicates that it can be implemented by the example processor circuitry. Figure 8 A flowchart of example machine-readable instructions for a fuel distribution controller circuit.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an example processing platform, including those constructed to execute... Figure 9 Example machine-readable instructions for implementation Figure 8 The processor circuit of the fuel distribution controller circuit.

[0021] These figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of a layer or region may be enlarged in the figures. Generally, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the figures and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or similar parts. As used in this patent, indicating that any part (e.g., layer, film, region, area, or plate) is on (e.g., positioned, located, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part indicates that the reference part is in contact with other parts, or that the reference part is on top of other parts, with one or more intermediate parts located therebetween. Unless otherwise stated, connection references (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, engagement, disassembly, decoupling, disconnection, separation, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between elements.

[0022] The descriptors “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein to identify multiple elements or components that can be individually mentioned. Unless otherwise specified or understood from the context of their use, such descriptors are not intended to assign any meaning of priority, physical order, or arrangement in a list or chronological order, but are merely labels to refer to multiple elements or components separately to facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while different descriptors (e.g., “second” or “third”) may be used in the claims to refer to the same element. In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only for the convenience of referring to multiple elements or components.

[0023] "Comprising" and "including" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Therefore, whenever a claim uses any form of "comprising" or "including" (e.g., including, comprising, having, etc.) in a preamble or in any type of claim statement, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or statement. As used herein, the phrase "at least" is open-ended when used as a transitional term, for example, in the preamble of a claim, as are the terms "comprising" and "including". The term "and / or" when used, for example, in the form of A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the conduct or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the conduct or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities and / or steps, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0024] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a,” “an,” “first,” “second,” etc.) do not exclude plurals. As used herein, the term “a” or “an” refers to one or more of those objects. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, elements, or method actions may be performed by, for example, the same entity or object. Additionally, while individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that combining features is impractical and / or disadvantageous. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hydrogen-based systems can be used to power aircraft and / or turbines. For aircraft-based applications, hydrogen can be stored as a pressurized gas or in liquid form. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks are lighter than tanks filled with gaseous hydrogen (GH2) because the required tank volume for storing liquid hydrogen is smaller compared to gaseous hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen requires temperature regulation to minimize heat transfer and keep it cryogenic, thus preventing hydrogen from evaporating over time. Aircraft fuel distribution systems using cryogenic fuel tanks (e.g., fuels that need to be stored at extremely low temperatures to maintain their liquid state) typically include supply tanks and / or trailers, flow control valves, volumetric flow meters, cryogenic valves, flexible vacuum jacket streamlines, and onboard cryogenic fuel tanks.

[0026] In addition to using liquid hydrogen, hydrogen-based fuel distribution systems can deliver gaseous hydrogen to the combustor at the required pressure and / or flow rate to meet transient performance requirements that ensure the engine meets transient and cruise conditions. However, the fuel flow rate of an aircraft varies considerably during a flight mission. For example, the maximum fuel flow rate used during takeoff is approximately four times that at cruise altitude. Improved fuel distribution that combines multiple fuel distribution systems to power the aircraft and / or turbine engines would allow for increased engine efficiency. Furthermore, various options for storing hydrogen fuel can further enhance fuel distribution efficiency.

[0027] The methods and apparatus disclosed herein include the storage of cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2), compressed natural gas (CNG), and / or gaseous hydrogen (GH2). In some examples, CNG tanks may be used to aid in start-up and operation using natural gas and / or natural gas / hydrogen mixtures. In some examples disclosed herein, cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) may be used in place of liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel (e.g., CcH2 may have a density similar to LH2). As described herein, cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) may be stored at cryogenic temperatures in the range of 40–70 Kelvin. For example, a double-walled cryostat (e.g., comprising a cryogenic vessel and a vacuum vessel) may be used to store CcH2. In the examples disclosed herein, if CcH2 needs to be stored at higher pressures, the cryogenic vessel may include walls thicker than those of an equivalent LH2 cryogenic vessel. In some examples, the cryogenic vessel for CcH2 storage may be a Class 3 vessel comprising an aluminum liner and a composite outer casing. The vacuum containers of LH2 cryostats and CcH2 cryostats can be the same because such cryostats are designed for the same pressure at one atmosphere.

[0028] Storing hydrogen under the cryogenic compression conditions described herein can significantly simplify fuel distribution systems. For example, if CcH2 has already been compressed, the use of an LH2 pump can be eliminated. In some examples, hydrogen can be delivered to the burner at the desired pressure via a pressure-driven flow, as described herein. For example, the pressure in the CcH2 tank can be maintained at a constant value during aircraft operation via thermosiphon and / or the use of a heater. In some examples, a hydrogen compressor can be used to deliver excess hydrogen to the burner (e.g., when the storage pressure drops below the pressure required by the burner). In some examples, the fuel distribution system disclosed herein includes a CcH2 tank, a set of hydrogen heat exchangers, a regulator, a buffer tank, a flow meter, and / or a second regulator (e.g., for regulating the burner pressure). In some examples, CNG can be mixed with other hydrogen sources (e.g., GH2 tank banks) to facilitate combustion start-up.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings disclosed herein, the same numbers denote the same elements throughout the drawings. Figure 1A The example illustration shows the positioning of a hydrogen-based fuel distribution system 102 on an aircraft 103. For example, the hydrogen-based fuel distribution system 102 may include tanks for supplying liquid hydrogen to the hydrogen-based fuel distribution system 102 and / or tank assemblies for supplying gaseous hydrogen to the hydrogen-based fuel distribution system 102, as in combination. Figure 1B And / or as described in 1C. Although Figure 1A The aircraft 103 shown is an airplane, but the examples described herein are also applicable to other fixed-wing aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and / or any type of non-aircraft-based application (e.g., ships, land-based vehicles, trains, etc.). A hydrogen-based fuel distribution system 102 can be used to provide hydrogen fuel that will be burned in the gas turbine engine of aircraft 103. However, the exemplary implementation of the fuel tank described herein is also applicable to other applications in which hydrogen is used as fuel in aircraft 103. The examples described herein are also applicable to engines other than gas turbine engines. While a gas turbine engine is an example of a generator that uses hydrogen as fuel to power aircraft 103, hydrogen can also be used as fuel for other generators. For example, the generator could be a fuel cell (hydrogen fuel cell), in which hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell to generate electricity by reacting with air.

[0030] Figure 1B The use of liquid hydrogen to supply hydrogen to a hydrogen-based fuel distribution system is illustrated (e.g., Figure 1AAn example first known system 125 for burner start-up is described, using an example liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank 104 in a hydrogen-based fuel distribution system 102. The first known system 125 for burner start-up includes an LH2 fuel tank 104 for maintaining hydrogen fuel in a liquid phase. For example, the LH2 fuel tank 104 may be configured to store hydrogen fuel at a temperature of about -253°C or lower and at a pressure greater than about 1 bar and less than about 10 bar (e.g., between about 3 bar and about 5 bar), or at other temperatures and pressures, to substantially maintain the hydrogen fuel in a liquid phase. Figure 1B In the example, the burner starting components are connected in series via coupled vacuum jacket (VJ) streamlines (e.g., VJ streamline 128). Figure 1B In the example, flow control valves 130, 134, and 138 can be used to regulate the flow rate of LH2 from LH2 tank 104. Flow control valves 130, 134, and 138 can be configured to thermally insulate the cryogenic fuel during transmission so that the fluid does not heat, evaporate, and / or leak as a gas. Figure 1B In one example, flow control valve 130 is connected to LH2 fuel tank 104 via VJ flow line 128. In some examples, flow control valves 130, 134 operate at operating temperatures below 233K.

[0031] The combustor start-up components also include a cryogenic pump 132 and a heat exchanger 136 located downstream of the cryogenic pump 132. The cryogenic pump 132 can be configured to provide a flow of hydrogen fuel in the liquid phase from the LH2 fuel tank 104 via a first known system 125 for combustor start-up. The operation of the cryogenic pump 132 can be increased or decreased to achieve a change in the volume of hydrogen fuel via the first known system 125 for combustor start-up. The cryogenic pump 132 can be any suitable pump configured to provide a flow of liquid hydrogen fuel. The heat exchanger 136 is located downstream of the cryogenic pump 132 and is configured to convert the hydrogen fuel from the liquid phase to the gas phase. For example, the heat exchanger 136 can be in thermal communication with the engine and / or engine accessory systems to provide the heat necessary to increase the temperature of the hydrogen fuel to convert it from the liquid phase to the gas phase. The converted hydrogen fuel is then delivered to an example engine combustor 140. A flow control valve 138 is used to supply the required amount of fuel to the engine combustor 140.

[0032] Figure 1C An example second known system 150 is shown, which uses an example gaseous hydrogen (GH2) tank bank 152 that supplies gaseous hydrogen to a hydrogen-based fuel distribution system for burner start-up. Figure 1CIn the examples, GH2 tank assembly 152 can be configured to store gaseous hydrogen fuel. For example, GH2 tank assembly 152 can be configured to store a second portion of hydrogen fuel at a temperature within about 50°C of ambient temperature or between about -50°C and about 100°C. In some examples, GH2 tank assembly 152 can be configured as multiple gaseous hydrogen fuel tanks to reduce overall size and / or weight, which would otherwise require maintaining a desired volume of gaseous hydrogen fuel at a desired pressure. Figure 1C In the example, GH2 tank assembly 152 is connected in series with regulator 155 and burner 160. Figure 1C In the example, flow control valves 154 and 158 can be used to regulate the flow rate of GH2 from GH2 tank assembly 152. Figure 1C In the example, flow control valve 154 is connected to GH2 tank assembly 152 via high-pressure (HP) flow line 153, which then leads to regulator 155. Regulator 155 may be a gaseous hydrogen delivery assembly flow regulator (GHDA flow regulator). Regulator 155 may be configured as an actively controlled variable flow valve, configured to provide a variable flow rate ranging from 0% (e.g., fully closed position) to 100% (e.g., fully open position) and many intermediate flow rates in between. Figure 1C In the example, regulator 155 includes a valve portion 156 and an actuator 157. Actuator 157 is mechanically coupled to valve portion 156 to provide a variable flow rate through it. Figure 1C In the example, hydrogen fuel in the gas phase is delivered to the burner 160 via flow control valve 158.

[0033] Figure 2A An example known storage tank 200 for storing liquid hydrogen (LH2) is schematically shown. Although in Figure 1B and 1C In the example, hydrogen fuel storage is limited by the LH2 fuel tank 104 and / or the GH2 tank assembly 152, but storing hydrogen in a cryogenic compressed state can offer several advantages, including diversifying hydrogen fuel distribution pathways and modifying the weight and / or volume of the storage and fuel distribution system. (Known...) Figure 2A The storage tank 200 can be a double-walled cryostat, including an example cryogenic container 201 and an example vacuum container 202. Figure 2A In the example, the double-walled cryostat includes a composite outer casing 203 and / or a metal (e.g., aluminum) liner 204. The cryogenic container 201 includes a first section 220 containing gaseous hydrogen (GH2) and a second section 222 containing liquid hydrogen (LH2). Thus, Figure 2AStorage tank 200 can be used for GH2 extraction (e.g., using GH2 extraction tube 206) and / or for LH2 extraction (e.g., using LH2 extraction tube 208). In some examples, LH2 filling line tube 209 can be used to fill the cryogenic vessel with liquid hydrogen (e.g., second section 222 includes liquid hydrogen (LH2)). Figure 2A In some examples, the second section 222 of the cryogenic container containing liquid hydrogen (LH2) includes a baffle 210 to prevent the liquid from sloshing within the storage tank 200. In some examples, the baffle 210 is vertically positioned to mitigate strong liquid sloshing. In some examples, the vacuum container 202 includes multilayer insulation (MLI) 212. For example, if such insulation can minimize heat transfer, the MLI 212 can provide the required thermal performance.

[0034] Figure 2B The improved cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) storage tank 250 disclosed herein is illustrated schematically. For example, the CcH2 storage tank 250 (e.g., for GH2 fuel storage) can be used to replace... Figure 1B The LH2 tank 104, the GH2 tank group 152, and / or the known storage tank 200 (e.g., assuming CcH2 can have a similar density to LH2). In Figure 2B In the example, the CcH2 storage tank 250 includes a vacuum container 202 and a cryogenic container 252. Unlike... Figure 2A Cryogenic containers 201 and 252 include thicker walls to address the higher pressures required for storing cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) compared to liquid hydrogen (LH2). For example, while the thickness of the composite outer casing 203 and metal liner 204 walls of vacuum container 202 can remain the same, the thickness of the composite outer casing 203 and metal liner 204 walls of cryogenic container 252 is significantly greater. Figure 2B As shown in the examples. In some examples, cryogenic compressed hydrogen can be stored at cryogenic temperatures in the range of 40-70 Kelvin. In some examples, the cryogenic container 252 for CcH2 storage can be a Class 3 container comprising a metal liner 204 (e.g., an aluminum liner) and / or a composite outer packaging 203. In some examples, the liner and outer packaging can be made of the same type of material (e.g., metal and / or composite material). The vacuum container 202 of the LH2 cryostat (e.g., part of storage tank 200) and the CcH2 cryostat (e.g., part of storage tank 250) can be the same, because such cryostats are designed for the same pressure of one atmosphere. Unlike storage tank 200, storage tank 250 for CcH2 storage includes a GH2 filling line tube 254 for adding gaseous hydrogen to cryogenic container 252. GH2 can be extracted from cryogenic container 252 using GH2 extraction tube 206.

[0035] Such as combination Figure 2B As described, storage tank 250 can be used to store cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2). While the density of liquid hydrogen is much higher than that of compressed gaseous hydrogen, and storing hydrogen in liquid form is preferable to storing it in gaseous form, this can be mitigated by using cryogenic compressed hydrogen, which becomes an efficient fuel storage option. For example, cryogenic compressed hydrogen can be stored at higher pressures and regulated based on the required delivery pressure to the burner via valve-based pressure regulation, while liquid-based hydrogen can be stored at pressures lower than the required delivery pressure to the burner, and can include the use of cryogenic pumps to regulate fluid flow. Furthermore, as combined with… Figure 4A , 4B As described in and / or 5, the pressure in the storage tank 250 containing CcH2 can be maintained simply by changing the temperature of the cryogenic vessel (e.g., using a thermosiphon loop and / or heaters, etc.). For example, cold hydrogen from the bottom of the storage tank 250 can be removed via a thermosiphon loop, allowing the hydrogen to absorb heat before returning to the storage tank 250 (e.g., via a buoyancy-driven flow, etc.). However, as combined with Figure 2B As described, if a known cryogenic vessel (e.g., cryogenic vessel 201) can be designed for lower pressure levels (e.g., 10 bar), then storage tank 250 would require thicker walls compared to storage tank 200. Figure 2B The cryogenic container 252 can be designed to withstand higher pressure levels (e.g., 100 bar). Nevertheless, while the total weight of the storage tank 250 (e.g., for cryogenic hydrogen storage) can be significantly greater than that of a known storage tank 200 (e.g., for cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage), removing the cryogenic pump used to maintain pressure in a liquid hydrogen-based flow distribution system can result in the elimination of up to 5,000 pounds (e.g., significant weight reduction, simplification of the fuel distribution system, etc.). Therefore, the choice of flow distribution system may depend on a variety of factors, including vehicle storage capacity (e.g., narrow-body vs. wide-body aircraft).

[0036] Figure 3A The use is illustrated schematically. Figure 2B A first example fuel distribution arrangement 300 for a cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) storage tank 250, the fuel distribution arrangement including a compressed natural gas (CNG) tank assembly 303. Figure 3AIn some examples, the fuel distribution arrangement 300 includes a compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery assembly 301 and a CcH2 delivery assembly 320. In some examples, the CNG delivery assembly 301 may be used to facilitate the starting of the vehicle's engine, which may include, for example, an aviation gas turbine engine and / or a turbofan engine. In some examples, the CNG tank group 303 and / or the CcH2 storage tank 250 arrangement may be used as a power source and / or a generator. Such an engine typically includes a combustion section with a burner (e.g., burner 354 of engine 355) having one or more fuel nozzles. However, the vehicle can be any other suitable land or air vehicle, and the engine can be any other suitable engine mounted to or within the vehicle in any suitable manner.

[0037] Figure 3A An example fuel distribution arrangement 300 includes a CNG tank bank 303 for holding natural gas and a CcH2 storage tank 250 for holding cryogenic hydrogen in the gaseous phase. For example, the CNG tank bank 303 can be used to introduce natural gas during engine start-up without relying on fuels based solely on liquid or gaseous hydrogen. In some examples, the GH2 tank bank (not shown) can also be used to supply gaseous hydrogen during takeoff and climb. For example, fuel consumption requirements can vary based on specific phases of flight (e.g., taxiing, takeoff, cruise, etc.). A relatively low hydrogen fuel flow rate is used during taxiing, while a relatively high hydrogen fuel flow rate is required during takeoff (e.g., approximately 100% of the maximum hydrogen fuel flow rate for a given flight path). Simultaneously, a relatively high hydrogen fuel flow rate is also required during climb (e.g., between approximately 50% and 90% of the maximum hydrogen fuel flow rate). Cruise, the longest operation during flight, has a relatively low commanded hydrogen fuel flow rate (e.g., between approximately 25% and approximately 40% of the maximum hydrogen fuel flow rate). Because the cruise phase is the longest part of the entire flight, the highest fuel consumption occurs during cruise. During approach and landing operations, the fuel flow rate is at its lowest during flight (e.g., less than about 20% of the maximum hydrogen fuel flow rate, for example, less than about 15%). Thus, using... Figure 3A The arrangement of CNG tank group 303 and / or CcH2 storage tank 250 shown allows for selection of fuel distribution paths based on a given operation performed by the aircraft (e.g., taxiing, takeoff, cruise, etc.) to match the necessary fuel flow rate and / or fuel availability (e.g., CcH2 may require heating, which can be done more effectively after engine start, while CNG can be readily used during the initial engine start phase).

[0038] exist Figure 3AIn one example, compressed natural gas flows from CNG tank 303 to an automatic control valve 304, which includes an actuator and a valve section. The actuator of the automatic control valve 304 is mechanically coupled to the valve section of the automatic control valve 304 to provide a variable flow rate through it. In some examples, the natural gas flows through a dynamically regulated regulator 306. Figure 3A In the example, the dynamically adjusted regulator 306 is a pneumatic valve. The flow rate from the CNG tank assembly 303 can be tracked by one or more sensors for sensing. Figure 3A Various operational parameters of the fuel distribution arrangement 300. For example, the fuel distribution arrangement 300 includes a first sensor 302 and a second sensor 308, the first sensor 302 being configured to sense data indicating CNG tank group 303, and the second sensor 308 being configured to sense data indicating CcH2 storage tank 250 (e.g., internal temperature, internal pressure, temperature and / or pressure of gaseous and / or liquid fuel flowing from fuel tanks 303, 250, etc.). Figure 3A The fuel distribution arrangement 300 also includes a third sensor 309, a fourth sensor 344, and a fifth sensor 356. The third sensor 309 is configured to sense data indicating the flow rate of compressed natural gas from the CNG tank group 303 (e.g., the temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate of gaseous hydrogen fuel at a location upstream of the RA flow regulator 347, a location downstream of the RA flow regulator 347, or both). The fourth sensor 344 is configured to sense data indicating the flow rate of hydrogen fuel through the compressor 342 (e.g., the temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate of hydrogen fuel at a location upstream of the compressor 342, a location downstream of the compressor 342, or both). The fifth sensor 356 is configured to sense data indicating the hydrogen fuel within the buffer tank 345 (e.g., the pressure, temperature, and / or mass of hydrogen fuel within the inner cavity 345 of the buffer tank 345).

[0039] Example regulator assembly 358 is in fluid communication with compressed natural gas delivery assembly 301 and / or CcH2 delivery assembly 320 for supplying hydrogen fuel to engine 355, and more specifically, to combustor 354 of engine 355. Figure 3AIn one example, regulator assembly 358 includes a buffer tank 345, a flow meter 346, and a regulator assembly flow regulator 347 (“RA flow regulator 347”). The buffer tank 345 is configured to change the mass flow rate of hydrogen fuel from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet during at least some operations. In some examples, the buffer tank 345 may be configured to purge gaseous hydrogen fuel from the buffer tank 345 via an exhaust valve when the internal pressure of the buffer tank 345 (e.g., pressure within the cavity) exceeds an upper limit threshold. For example, even when the internal pressure of the buffer tank 345 is at or exceeds an upper limit or upper limit threshold of the buffer tank 345 (e.g., a more rapid reduction in the mass flow rate of hydrogen fuel to the combustor 354 of the engine 355), the buffer tank 345 may accept hydrogen fuel at a greater flow rate than the flow rate provided by the buffer tank 345 (e.g., at the fluid outlet). By virtue of its location within the regulator assembly 358, the buffer tank 345 is in fluid communication with the compressed natural gas delivery assembly 301 and / or the CcH2 delivery assembly 320. Thus, the buffer tank 345 can be configured to receive hydrogen fuel from the compressed natural gas delivery assembly 301 (e.g., compressed natural gas) and / or the CcH2 delivery assembly 320 (e.g., hydrogen).

[0040] The flow meter 346 of the regulator assembly 358 can sense data indicating the mass flow rate of hydrogen fuel passing through the regulator assembly 358. For example, the flow meter 346 can sense data indicating one or more of the temperature and pressure of the gaseous hydrogen fuel flowing through it. In some examples, the data from the flow meter 346 can be used to control the regulator assembly (RA) flow regulator 347 to ensure that the required amount of fuel is supplied to the combustor 354 of the engine 355. The RA flow regulator 347 can be configured as an actively controlled variable flow valve, configured to provide a variable flow rate ranging from 0% (e.g., fully closed position) to 100% (e.g., fully open position) and a number of intermediate flow rates in between. For example, the RA flow regulator 347 includes a valve portion 348 and an actuator 349. The actuator 349 is mechanically coupled to the valve portion 348 to provide the variable flow rate through it. Figure 3A In the example, the RA flow regulator 347 is connected to the combustor 354 of the engine 355 via the flow control valve 350.

[0041] exist Figure 3AIn one example, flow control valve 310 regulates the flow rate of compressed natural gas (e.g., from CNG tank 303) and / or the flow rate of cryogenic compressed hydrogen (e.g., from CcH2 storage tank 250). For example, hydrogen from CcH2 storage tank 250 is directed via flow control valve 322 to heat exchanger 324. In some examples, heat exchanger 324 may be in thermal communication with engine 355, and more specifically, with accessory systems of engine 355, to provide the heat necessary to increase the temperature of the hydrogen fuel passing through CcH2 delivery assembly 320. Figure 3A In the example, the flow rate from heat exchanger 324 is regulated by flow control valve 326 along its path to a three-way automatic valve 328 that defines the input 332, the first output 330, and the second output 334. Figure 3A In the example, input 332 is in fluid communication with CcH2 storage tank 250 to receive a flow of gaseous hydrogen fuel. First output 330 is in fluid communication with regulator 336 for regulating the flow of hydrogen to regulator assembly 358 via flow control valves 310, 340. Second output 334 is in fluid communication with compressor 342. For example, three-way automatic valve 328 can be an active valve, such that the amount of gaseous hydrogen fuel supplied from input 332 to first output 330 can be actively controlled compared to the amount of gaseous hydrogen fuel supplied from second output 334. In some examples, three-way automatic valve 328 can be a passive valve. Figure 3A In one example, the gaseous hydrogen fuel stream from the first output 330 is directed to a regulator 336 (e.g., a dynamically regulated regulator). In some examples, the regulator 336 is a pneumatic valve through which the fuel stream flows to the regulator assembly 358. The gaseous hydrogen fuel stream from the second output 334 is directed to a compressor 342, which can be used to compress the gaseous hydrogen to increase the gas pressure before the fuel stream enters the regulator assembly 358 via a flow control valve 343.

[0042] Figure 3B The use is illustrated schematically. Figure 2B A second example fuel distribution arrangement 380 for a cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) storage tank 250. Figure 3B In the example, the fuel distribution arrangement 380 is limited by the CcH2 delivery assembly 320 and does not include Figure 3A Compressed natural gas delivery assembly 301. However, any type of fuel distribution arrangement can be used for hydrogen-based fuel delivery, including fuel distribution arrangements having a combination of a CNG delivery assembly (e.g., CNG delivery assembly 301), a GH2 delivery assembly (not shown), and / or an LH2 delivery assembly (not shown) with a CcH2 delivery assembly 320.

[0043] Figure 4A schematically shown Figure 3BThe fuel distribution arrangement 380 includes a first pressure maintenance method 400 using a heater. Figure 4A In the example, CcH2 storage tank 250 (e.g., Figure 2B The pressure in the cryogenic vessel 252 can be maintained by introducing heat to heat the hydrogen gas using a heater. For example, over time, the pressure in cryogenic vessel 252 may begin to decrease, requiring the introduction of heat to maintain the pressure inside the vessel. Figure 4A In the example, power source 402 can be used to power heater 406 within the CcH2 delivery assembly 320. Example pressure sensor 404 can be used to monitor pressure within the CcH2 storage tank 250 (e.g., in cryogenic container 252) to determine when the heater should be activated. While heating requires energy (e.g., power source 402), Figure 4B The second pressure maintenance method 450 shown in the example allows hydrogen to be heated via thermosiphon (e.g., using natural convection) that does not require a power source. In some examples, the choice of pressure maintenance methods 400 and / or 450 may depend on the size of the delivery system and / or the availability of ambient heat and electric heating. Figure 4B In the example, CcH2 storage tank 250 includes a cryogenic container (e.g., Figure 2B Cryogenic containers (252) and vacuum (e.g., vacuum 458). Figure 4B The thermosiphon loop 452 includes an automatic valve 454 and / or a heat exchanger 456. For example, cold hydrogen can leave the CcH2 storage tank 250 via the automatic valve 454 and pass through the heat exchanger 456 on its return journey. For example, the temperature of the hydrogen inside the CcH2 storage tank 250 may be slightly higher at the top of the cryogenic container than at the bottom, causing the higher-density hydrogen to settle at the bottom of the cryogenic container, allowing this hydrogen to enter the thermosiphon loop 452. Therefore, the density of the hydrogen can decrease due to heating, but a constant pressure can be maintained within the CcH2 storage tank 250. As the hydrogen is heated because the temperature outside the CcH2 storage tank 250 is higher than the temperature inside the CcH2 storage tank 250, the hydrogen becomes less dense and enters the top of the CcH2 storage tank 250. Figure 4B In some examples, pressure sensor 404 can be used to monitor the pressure of the cryogenic container (e.g., cryogenic container 252). In some examples, when the thermosiphon does not produce the target pressure (e.g., because the temperature of the hydrogen has reached the ambient temperature outside the CcH2 storage tank 250, etc.), compressor 342 can be used to continue maintaining the required pressure. In some examples, the first pressure maintenance method 400 (e.g., using heater 406) and the second pressure maintenance method 450 (e.g., using thermosiphon loop 452) can be combined, such as in combination. Figure 5 As shown.

[0044] Figure 5 The use is illustrated schematically. Figure 2B The cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) storage tank 250 has a fuel distribution arrangement 500, which includes a compressed natural gas (CNG) tank assembly 303 and / or a gaseous hydrogen (GH2) tank assembly 503, and uses a thermosiphon loop 452 and a heater 406 to maintain pressure. Figure 5 In the example, the fuel distribution arrangement 500 includes a compressed natural gas delivery assembly 301 (e.g., as combined with...). Figure 3A The gaseous hydrogen (GH2) delivery assembly 501, the CcH2 delivery assembly 320, and the regulator assembly 358 are described above. The GH2 delivery assembly 501 includes a GH2 tank assembly 503 and a sensor 504 configured to sense data indicative of the GH2 tank assembly 503. Gaseous hydrogen delivery may include the use of a flow control valve (e.g., flow control valve 505). Gaseous hydrogen delivery may also include a three-way boil-off valve 510 defining a first input 512, a second input 516, and an output 514. Figure 5 In the example, the first input 512 is in fluid communication with the GH2 tank assembly 503 to receive a first portion of the flow of gaseous hydrogen fuel from the GH2 tank assembly 503. The three-way vaporization valve 510 can be configured to combine and / or alternate the flows from the first input 512 and the second input 516 into a single flow of gaseous hydrogen through the output 514. For example, the three-way vaporization valve 510 can be an active valve, such that the amount of gaseous hydrogen fuel supplied from the first input 512 to the output 514 can be actively controlled compared to the amount of gaseous hydrogen fuel supplied from the second input 516. In some examples, the three-way vaporization valve 510 can be a passive valve.

[0045] The GH2 delivery assembly 501 includes a gaseous hydrogen delivery assembly (GHDA) flow regulator 520. The GHDA flow regulator 520 can be configured as an actively controlled variable flow valve, configured to provide a variable flow rate ranging from 0% (e.g., fully closed position) to 100% (e.g., fully open position) and a number of intermediate flow rates in between. Figure 5 In this configuration, the GHDA flow regulator 520 includes a valve section 524 and an actuator 522. The actuator 522 is mechanically coupled to the valve section 524 to provide a variable flow rate through it. A flow control valve 526 regulates the flow rate of gaseous hydrogen (e.g., from GH2 tank assembly 503) and compressed natural gas (e.g., from CNG tank assembly 303). A regulator assembly 358 is in fluid communication with the compressed natural gas delivery assembly 301, the GH2 delivery assembly 501, and / or the CNG delivery assembly 320 for supplying hydrogen fuel to the engine 355, and more specifically, to the combustor 354 of the engine 355.

[0046] exist Figure 5In the example, regulator assembly 358 includes a three-way regulator valve 530. The three-way regulator valve 530 defines a first input 533, a second input 531, and an output 532. The first input 533 is in fluid communication with the GH2 delivery assembly 501 and / or the compressed natural gas delivery assembly 301 to receive a stream of compressed natural gas and / or a first portion of gaseous hydrogen fuel from the GH2 tank group 503. The second input 531 is in fluid communication with the CcH2 delivery assembly 320 to receive a second portion of gaseous hydrogen fuel from the CcH2 fuel storage tank 250. The three-way regulator valve 530 can be configured to combine and / or alternate the streams from the first input 533 and the second input 531 into a single stream of gaseous hydrogen through the output 532.

[0047] for Figure 5 The example shown illustrates a three-way regulator valve 530 that is an active three-way regulator valve, including an actuator such that the amount of hydrogen fuel supplied from the first input 533 to the output 532 can be actively controlled compared to the amount of hydrogen fuel supplied from the second input 531. Figure 5 In the example, the second input 531 of the three-way regulator valve 530 receives hydrogen fuel from the CcH2 delivery assembly 320, which includes a CcH2 storage tank 250, a heat exchanger 324, and a three-way automatic valve 328 connected to a regulator 336 and / or a compressor 342 downstream of the heat exchanger 324, as in combination. Figure 3A As described.

[0048] exist Figure 5 In the example, the CcH2 storage tank 250 allows the use of heater 406 and / or thermosiphon loop 452 to maintain pressure, as in combination Figure 4AAnd / or as described in 4B. For example, hydrogen can be heated via thermosiphon loop 452 when the gas can be heated using ambient temperature (e.g., the temperature outside CcH2 storage tank 250). Once ambient temperature (e.g., -40 degrees Celsius) is reached, increasing the temperature of the hydrogen originating from CcH2 storage tank 250 may require the use of a heater (e.g., heater 406). In some examples, two heating methods (e.g., thermosiphon loop 452 combined with heater 406) may be employed to accelerate the heating process as part of maintaining a constant gas pressure. In some examples, the initial start-up of engine 355 may include using CNG delivery assembly 301 to accelerate the start-up process of engine 355. Once engine 355 is started, heat exchangers 324, 456 can receive heat from exhaust gases and / or heated engine oil, thereby allowing the use of CcH2 delivery assembly 320. In some examples, compressor 342 can be engaged to achieve the desired hydrogen pressure within CcH2 delivery assembly 320 as the gas travels to regulator assembly 358 (e.g., which includes burner 354). In some examples, a specified pressure (e.g., 100 bar) can be maintained in CcH2 delivery assembly 320, but compressor 342 can be used to regulate the pressure if a reduction in pressure (e.g., 70 bar) is required for use by burner 354. In some examples, burner 354 can be engaged by CcH2 delivery assembly 320 during the initial phase of flight, while thermosiphon loop 452 and / or heater 406 can be engaged at a later phase. In some examples, CcH2 storage tank 250 is not allowed to utilize all the gas contained within it, such that the pressure in storage tank 250 reaches the minimum pressure required by burner 354 at certain points. Thus, when no more hydrogen is extracted during pressure-driven processes, temperature-based control can be used to extend and / or maintain a constant pressure for an extended period of time (e.g., using heater 406).

[0049] Figure 6A This is a graphical representation of example data 600 relating the effects of temperature on the density and saturation pressure of liquid hydrogen (LH2). As previously mentioned, the density of cryogenically compressed hydrogen (CcH2) is similar to that of liquid hydrogen (LH2). The density of LH2 as a function of temperature and the density of CcH2 as a function of pressure are combined... Figure 6A and 6B The figure shows the thermodynamic relationship between temperature 605 and density 615 of liquid hydrogen (LH2) and temperature 605 and saturation pressure 620. Figure 6A The thermodynamic properties of LH2 shown can be used to determine the amount to be added. Figure 2A The target temperature and saturation pressure of the storage tank 200 LH2. For example, as combined with Figure 6A As shown, the density of LH2 at 25 Kelvin (K) is 64.2 kg / m³. 3The same density can be achieved using CcH2 at 40 Kelvin and 100 bar pressure, or at 70 Kelvin and 300 bar pressure. Thus, CcH2 can be stored at low temperatures in the range of 40-70 Kelvin.

[0050] As previously combined Figure 2B As described, a double-walled cryostat can be used to store CcH2 (e.g., using cryogenic container 252 and vacuum container 202). Because CcH2 is stored under high pressure (e.g., compared to liquid hydrogen storage), cryogenic container 252 will include thicker walls than an equivalent LH2 cryogenic container (e.g., cryogenic container 201). As previously stated, cryogenic container 252 is a Class 3 container with an aluminum liner and composite outer casing, while the vacuum container 202 of the two cryostats can be identical, as both are designed for the same pressure at one atmosphere. Figure 2A As shown in 2B and / or 2B, vacuum containers are Class 3 containers with an aluminum liner and a composite outer packaging.

[0051] By storing hydrogen under cryogenic compression conditions, the fuel distribution system is simplified. For example, the LH2 pump can be eliminated because the CcH2 has already been compressed and hydrogen can be delivered to the burner 354 at the required pressure via a pressure-driven flow, while the pressure in the CcH2 tank can be maintained constant for most of the operation via thermosiphon and / or heating, as in combination. Figure 4A , 4B And / or as described in 5. Once the stored pressure drops below the pressure required by burner 354, compressor 342 can be used to deliver the remaining H2 to burner 354. Similarly, compressor 342 can be used when the pressure stored in cryogenic container 252 drops below the pressure required for use by burner 354.

[0052] Figure 6B This is a graphical description of example data 650 relating the effect of pressure 655 on the density of cryogenically compressed hydrogen (CcH2) at various temperatures, illustrating the thermodynamic properties of CcH2. Data 650 includes a first thermodynamic relationship 660 and a second thermodynamic relationship 665 for CcH2. The first thermodynamic relationship 660 represents the density (kg / m³) at a temperature of 40 K. 3 As a function of pressure (bar), the second thermodynamic relation of CcH2 (665) represents the density (kg / m³) at 70 K. 3 The density of CcH2 is expressed as a function of pressure (bar). Data 650 also includes reference line 670 to demonstrate the effect of temperature on the density of CcH2. For example, the density of CcH2 at 70 K and 300 bar is 63.7 kg / m³. 3 The density of CcH2 is 63.4 kg / m³ at 40 K and 100 bar pressure. 3For example, when CcH2 fuel is added at 40K, the internal volume of the CcH2 storage tank 250 is 20m³. 3 Considering the aircraft relies on 1200 kg of CcH2 fuel during its planned flight, the CcH2 storage tank 250 can be designed with an internal pressure limit of 100 bar. When using the same CcH2 storage tank 250 and refueling with the same amount of CcH2 fuel at 70 K, the CcH2 storage tank 250 can be designed with an internal pressure limit of 300 bar. In some examples, the CcH2 storage tank 250 incorporates more materials (e.g., aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, etc.) to structurally facilitate the retention of potentially higher pressures.

[0053] Figure 7A This is a graphical description of example data 700 relating the effect of temperature 605 on hydrogen density 615 under various pressures (e.g., 100 bar, 300 bar). Figure 7A In the example, a given temperature can be used to determine the density of the produced hydrogen. Data 700 includes a first thermodynamic relationship 710 and a second thermodynamic relationship 715, where the first thermodynamic relationship 710 represents the density (kg / m³) at a pressure of 100 bar. 3 As a function of temperature (K), the second thermodynamic relation 715 represents the density (kg / m³) at a pressure of 300 bar. 3 The first thermodynamic relationship 710 and / or the second thermodynamic relationship 715 can be used to determine the heat required to achieve a given hydrogen density (e.g., using a thermosiphon loop 452 and / or a heater 406). Figure 7B This is a graphical description of example data 750 relating the effect of temperature 605 on fuel level 755 at constant pressure (e.g., 100 bar). Figure 7B In the example, as the aircraft uses fuel, the pressure in the tank can be kept the same by increasing the temperature of the hydrogen (e.g., by using a thermosiphon or heater).

[0054] Figure 8 This is a block diagram 800 of an example fuel distribution controller circuit 802 that can be incorporated into a fuel system developed according to the teachings of this disclosure. Figure 8 In the example, the fuel distribution controller circuit 802 includes a fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804, a fuel tank identifier circuit 806, an operation status identifier circuit 807, a sensor circuit 808, a thermosiphon circuit 810, a heater circuit 812, a compressor circuit 814, and / or a data storage device 816. Figure 8 In the example, fuel distribution controller circuitry 802 is shown communicating with aircraft 820, which includes a fuel storage component 822. Fuel storage component 822 may include any fuel storage system described herein, including but not limited to... Figure 2B CcH2 storage tank 250, Figure 3A CNG tank group 303 and / or Figure 5 GH2 tank group 503.

[0055] The fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804 identifies the fuel distribution path on the aircraft 820. For example, as combined with... Figure 3A , 3B As shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 5, there are multiple fuel distribution paths that can be located on the aircraft 820. In some examples, the fuel distribution system may include a compressed natural gas delivery assembly (e.g., compressed natural gas delivery assembly 301), a gaseous hydrogen delivery assembly (e.g., GH2 delivery assembly 501), and / or a cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly (e.g., CcH2 delivery assembly 320). Thus, the fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804 can be used to identify whether the fuel delivery assembly is operational.

[0056] Fuel tank identifier circuit 806 identifies available fuel tanks and / or fuel tank status (e.g., fuel level) on aircraft 820. In some examples, fuel tank identifier circuit 806 identifies the presence of CNG tank banks, GH2 tank banks, and / or CcH2 tanks on aircraft 820. In some examples, fuel tank identifier circuit 806 identifies specific fuel levels (e.g., the amount of gaseous hydrogen, the amount of liquid hydrogen in primary and / or secondary tanks, the amount of compressed natural gas, etc.). Based on the identification by fuel tank identifier circuit 806, fuel distribution controller circuit 802 may implement fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804 to determine which fuel distribution path is best suited for a given system based on the fuel level.

[0057] Operational status identifier circuit 807 identifies the operational status of aircraft 820. In some examples, aircraft 820 may be in a stationary phase, engine start phase, cruise phase, and / or takeoff / climb phase. Based on the operational status of aircraft 820, fuel distribution controller circuit 802 can modify the fuel distribution path. For example, by identifying available fuel distribution paths using fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804, obtaining fuel tank status and / or fill level using fuel tank identifier circuit 806, and confirming the operational status of aircraft 820 using operational status identifier circuit 807, fuel distribution controller circuit 802 determines the appropriate fuel distribution component to use.

[0058] Sensor circuitry 808 uses sensors located throughout the fuel distribution path to determine data indicative of the performance of the fuel distribution components. For example, sensor circuitry 808 may communicate with one or more sensors to sense... Figure 3A , 3BVarious operability parameters of the fuel distribution arrangements 300, 380, and / or 500. For example, sensor circuit 808 can receive data from a first sensor 302, a second sensor 308, a third sensor 309, a fourth sensor 344, and a fifth sensor 356. The first sensor 302 is configured to sense data indicating CNG tank group 303, the second sensor 308 is configured to sense data indicating CcH2 storage tank 250 (e.g., internal temperature, internal pressure, temperature and / or pressure of gaseous fuel flowing from fuel storage tank 250, etc.), and the third sensor 309 is configured to sense data indicating the flow rate of compressed natural gas from CNG tank group 303 (e.g., ...). For example, at a location upstream of the RA flow regulator 347, downstream of the RA flow regulator 347, or both, the temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate of the gaseous hydrogen fuel; a fourth sensor 344 is configured to sense data indicating the flow rate of hydrogen fuel through the compressor 342 (e.g., the temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate of the hydrogen fuel at a location upstream of the compressor 342, downstream of the compressor 342, or both); and a fifth sensor 356 is configured to sense data indicating the hydrogen fuel within the buffer tank 345 (e.g., the pressure, temperature, and / or mass of the hydrogen fuel within the cavity of the buffer tank 345). In some examples, sensor circuitry 808 is... Figure 4A , 4B It communicates with and / or a designated pressure sensor of 4C (e.g., pressure sensor 404) to identify the pressure within the CcH2 storage tank 250.

[0059] Thermosiphon circuit 810 control Figure 4B And / or 5 thermosiphon loops 452. In some examples, the thermosiphon circuit 810 identifies the pressure in the CcH2 storage tank 250 via pressure sensor 404. In some examples, the thermosiphon circuit 810 uses a second sensor 308 to identify the temperature of the hydrogen in the CcH2 storage tank 250, the second sensor 308 being configured to sense data indicating the CcH2 storage tank 250 (e.g., internal temperature, internal pressure, temperature and / or pressure of gaseous fuel flowing from the fuel storage tank 250, etc.). In some examples, the thermosiphon circuit 810 can be used to transfer hydrogen via the thermosiphon loop 452 to maintain a constant pressure in the CcH2 storage tank 250 (e.g., in the cryogenic container 252), as in combination Figure 4BAs described. For example, thermosiphon circuit 810 can engage thermosiphon loop 452 via automatic valve 454, which allows hydrogen gas of higher density to exit from the bottom of CcH2 storage tank 250 and pass through heat exchanger 456, which can be used to heat the passing hydrogen gas using heat from the exit gas and / or other available heat sources. If the heated hydrogen gas would become less dense and rise to return to CcH2 storage tank 250 through an opening located in the upper portion of cryogenic container 252, the heated hydrogen gas can return to cryogenic container 252 of CcH2 storage tank 250. In some examples, thermosiphon circuit 810 monitors ambient temperature to determine whether thermosiphon loop 452 can continue to be used to maintain a constant pressure in CcH2 storage tank 250.

[0060] Heater circuit 812 uses heater 406, powered by power supply 402, to maintain a constant pressure in CcH2 storage tank 250. In some examples, heater circuit 812 uses a second sensor 308 to identify the temperature of hydrogen in CcH2 storage tank 250. The second sensor 308 is configured to sense data indicating the CcH2 storage tank 250 (e.g., internal temperature, internal pressure, temperature and / or pressure of gaseous fuel flowing from fuel storage tank 250, etc.). In some examples, heater circuit 812 uses a dedicated pressure sensor 404 to identify the pressure inside CcH2 storage tank 250. Heater circuit 812 can engage heater 406 to accelerate the heating process of hydrogen, whereas using thermosiphon loop 452 might require a longer time. In some examples, heater circuit 812 can be used to activate heater 406 when the ambient temperature is no longer sufficient to maintain a constant pressure in CcH2 storage tank 250.

[0061] Compressor circuitry 814 determines whether to engage compressor 342 to compress hydrogen passing through CcH2 delivery assembly 320. In some examples, compressor circuitry 814 monitors a fourth sensor 344 configured to sense data indicating the flow rate of hydrogen fuel through compressor 342 (e.g., temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate of hydrogen fuel at a location upstream of compressor 342, a location downstream of compressor 342, or both). In some examples, compressor circuitry 814 engages compressor 342 to further compress hydrogen when it determines that the pressure in cryogenic container 252 has dropped below the pressure required by burner 354. In some examples, compressor 342 may be used to compress gaseous hydrogen to increase gas pressure before the fuel flow enters regulator assembly 358.

[0062] Data storage device 816 can be used to store any information associated with fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804, fuel tank identifier circuit 806, sensor circuit 808, thermosiphon circuit 810, heater circuit 812 and / or compressor circuit 814. Figure 8 The example data storage device 816 shown can be implemented by any memory, storage device, and / or storage disk for storing data, such as flash memory, magnetic media, optical media, etc. Furthermore, the data stored in the example data storage device 816 can be in any data format, such as binary data, comma-separated data, tab-separated data, Structured Query Language (SQL) structures, image data, etc.

[0063] Although Figure 8 An example of implementing the fuel distribution controller circuit 802 is shown, but... Figure 8 One or more elements, processes, and / or devices shown may be combined, divided, rearranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way. Further examples include fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804, fuel tank identifier circuit 806, operating status identifier circuit 807, sensor circuit 808, thermosiphon circuit 810, heater circuit 812, compressor circuit 814, and / or more generally, Figure 8 The example fuel distribution controller circuit 802 can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Thus, for example, there are fuel distribution path identifier circuits 804, fuel tank identifier circuits 806, operating status identifier circuits 807, sensor circuits 808, thermosiphon circuits 810, heater circuits 812, compressor circuits 814, and / or more generally, Figure 8 Any of the example fuel distribution controller circuits 802 can be implemented using processor circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, logic circuitry, programmable processors, programmable microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), and / or field-programmable logic devices (FPLDs) (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)). When reading any device or system claim of this patent to cover purely software and / or firmware implementations, the fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804, fuel tank identifier circuit 806, operating status identifier circuit 807, sensor circuit 808, thermosiphon circuit 810, heater circuit 812, compressor circuit 814, and / or more generally, Figure 8 At least one of the example fuel distribution controller circuits 802 is hereby explicitly defined as including a non-transitory computer-readable storage device or storage disk, such as a memory, a digital universal disc (DVD), a compact disc (CD), a Blu-ray disc, etc., including software and / or firmware. Furthermore, Figure 8 The example fuel distribution controller circuit 802 may include one or more elements, processes, and / or devices to supplement or replace [other components]. Figure 8Those shown, and / or may include more than one of any or all of the shown elements, processes and apparatus.

[0064] Indicates for implementation Figure 8 Example hardware logic circuit, machine-readable instructions, hardware-implemented state machine and / or any combination thereof flowchart of the fuel distribution controller circuit 802, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown. Machine-readable instructions can be generated by processor circuitry (e.g., in conjunction with the following). Figure 10 The processor circuitry 1012 shown in the example processor platform 1000 discussed here executes one or more executable programs or portions thereof. The program may be embodied in software stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as CDs, floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), DVDs, Blu-ray discs, volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) of any type), or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, HDDs, etc.) associated with the processor circuitry located in one or more hardware devices, but the entire program and / or portions thereof may alternatively be executed by one or more hardware devices other than the processor circuitry and / or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Machine-readable instructions may be distributed across multiple hardware devices and / or executed by two or more hardware devices (e.g., server and client hardware devices). For example, the client hardware device may be implemented by an endpoint client hardware device (e.g., a hardware device associated with a user) or an intermediate client hardware device (e.g., a radio access network (RAN) gateway that can facilitate communication between the server and the endpoint client hardware device). Similarly, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include one or more media located in one or more hardware devices. Further, although referenced... Figure 9 The flowchart shown describes the example program, but an alternative implementation can be used. Figure 8Many other methods exist for the fuel distribution controller circuit 802. For example, the execution order of the blocks can be changed, and / or some of the blocks described can be changed, eliminated, or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all blocks can be implemented by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., processor circuitry, discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuitry, FPGAs, ASICs, comparators, operational amplifiers (op-amps), logic circuitry, etc.) configured to perform the corresponding operations without executing software or firmware. Processor circuitry can be distributed across different network locations and / or local to one or more hardware devices (e.g., a single-core processor (e.g., a single-core central processing unit (CPU)), a multi-core processor in a single machine (e.g., a multi-core CPU, etc.), multiple processors distributed across multiple servers in a server rack, multiple processors distributed across one or more server racks, CPUs, and / or FPGAs located in the same package (e.g., the same integrated circuit (IC) package or in two or more separate enclosures, etc.).

[0065] The machine-readable instructions described herein can be stored in one or more of the following formats: compressed format, encrypted format, segmented format, compiled format, executable format, packaged format, etc. The machine-readable instructions described herein can be stored as data or data structures (e.g., as parts of instructions, code, code representations, etc.) that can be used to create, manufacture, and / or produce machine-executable instructions. For example, machine-readable instructions can be segmented and stored on one or more storage devices and / or computing devices (e.g., servers) located in the same or different locations within a network or network aggregate (e.g., in the cloud, at an edge device, etc.). Machine-readable instructions may require installation, modification, adaptation, updating, combination, supplementation, configuration, decryption, decompression, unpacking, distribution, reallocation, compilation, etc., to make them directly readable, interpretable, and / or executable by computing devices and / or other machines. For example, machine-readable instructions can be stored in multiple parts that are individually compressed, encrypted, and / or stored on separate computing devices, wherein these parts, when decrypted, decompressed, and / or combined, form a set of machine-executable instructions that perform one or more operations, which together can form a program, such as the program described herein.

[0066] In another example, machine-readable instructions may be stored in a state where they can be read by processor circuitry but require the addition of libraries (e.g., dynamic link libraries (DLLs)), software development kits (SDKs), application programming interfaces (APIs), etc., to be executed on a specific computing device or other device. In yet another example, it may be necessary to configure the machine-readable instructions (e.g., storage settings, data input, recorded network addresses, etc.) before they can be fully or partially executed. Therefore, as used herein, machine-readable media may include machine-readable instructions and / or programs regardless of their specific format or state at the time of storage or otherwise quiescent or transmitted.

[0067] The machine-readable instructions described in this article can be represented by any past, present, or future instruction language, scripting language, programming language, etc. For example, machine-readable instructions can be represented using any of the following languages: C, C++, Java, C#, Perl, Python, JavaScript, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Structured Query Language (SQL), Swift, etc.

[0068] As mentioned above, Figure 10 Example operations can be implemented using executable instructions (e.g., computer and / or machine-readable instructions) stored on one or more non-transitory computer and / or machine-readable media (e.g., optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, HDDs, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), CDs, DVDs, caches, any type of RAM, registers, and / or any other storage device or disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., extended time periods, permanent, transient instances, temporary buffers, and / or cached information). As used herein, the terms non-transitory computer-readable media and non-transitory computer-readable storage media are explicitly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or disk, excluding propagated signals and transmission media.

[0069] Figure 9 This indicates that it can be implemented by the example processor circuit 1012. Figure 8 A flowchart of example machine-readable instructions 900 for a fuel distribution controller circuit. Figure 9 In the example, the fuel distribution path recognizer circuit 804 recognizes... Figure 8 The available fuel distribution paths on the aircraft 820 (box 902). For example, the fuel distribution path identifier circuit 804 determines the type of fuel distribution assembly present on the aircraft 820 (e.g., compressed natural gas distribution assembly, gaseous hydrogen distribution assembly, CcH2 distribution assembly, etc.). (See also: ...) Figure 3A , 3BAs described in 4A, 4B, and / or 5, fuel can be supplied to the burner from multiple sources (e.g., CNG tank banks, CHC2 tank banks, GH2 tank banks, etc.). In some examples, fuel tank identifier circuit 806 identifies available fuel tanks on the aircraft 820 and determines the fuel level in the available fuel tanks (e.g., CNG, CHC2, GH2 fuel levels) (box 904). In some examples, operational status identifier circuit 807 identifies the operational status of the aircraft 820 (e.g., takeoff, cruise, etc.) (box 906).

[0070] Based on the operational status of the aircraft 820, the fuel tank level, and / or the available fuel distribution paths, the fuel distribution controller circuit 802 identifies the most suitable fuel distribution path. For example, if the operational status identifier circuit 807 determines that the aircraft 820 is in the initial stage of starting the engine 355 (e.g., takeoff), the CcH2 distribution path may not be engaged until after takeoff is complete (e.g., to allow the heat exchanger 456 to maintain a constant pressure in the CcH2 storage tank 250).

[0071] In some examples, the determination by fuel distribution controller circuit 802 of which to engage the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel distribution path (box 908) may depend on which fuel distribution path is most effective at a given point in the aircraft's operational state. If fuel distribution controller circuit 802 determines that the CNG and / or GH2 hydrogen fuel distribution path should be activated (box 910), control return operational state recognizer circuit 807 updates the operational state of aircraft 820 over time until it is determined that the CcH2 distribution path (e.g., CcH2 delivery assembly 320) is activated.

[0072] Once the fuel distribution controller circuit 802 engages the CcH2 distribution path (block 908), the sensor circuit 808 determines the cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) pressure within the CcH2 storage tank 250 (block 912). In some examples, the sensor circuit 808 uses a pressure sensor 404 to determine the pressure. To regulate the pressure, the fuel distribution controller circuit 802 identifies whether the thermosiphon circuit 810, the heater circuit 812, and / or the compressor circuit 814 are engaged. For example, the internal pressure of the CcH2 storage tank 250 can be maintained by heating the hydrogen. In some examples, it can be used... Figure 7A , 7B The hydrogen density is used to determine temperature regulation based on temperature data 700 and 750. If the temperature of the cryogenic container 252 of the CcH2 storage tank 250 is lower than the ambient temperature (box 914), the thermosiphon circuit 810 can be used to maintain a constant pressure in the CcH2 storage tank 250 (box 916). For example, the thermosiphon circuit 810 can engage an automatic valve 454 and / or a heat exchanger 456 to allow hydrogen to exit the cryogenic container 252 and enter the thermosiphon loop 452, as combined with... Figure 4B As described.

[0073] When the hydrogen temperature is maintained below ambient temperature, the hydrogen can be heated without a dedicated heating power source (e.g., without the use of a heater), allowing the heated hydrogen to return to the cryogenic container 252 via thermosiphon loop 452. Once the ambient temperature is exceeded (e.g., -40 degrees Celsius), heater circuit 812 can be used to activate power supply 402, which allows dedicated heater 406 to maintain the pressure in CcH2 storage tank 250 (box 918), as combined Figure 4A As described. In some examples, the thermosiphon loop 452 and / or heater 406 may be engaged together to accelerate pressure changes in the CcH2 storage tank 250. In some examples, sensor circuitry 808 determines that the pressure in the cryogenic container 252 is below the pressure required to transfer any remaining hydrogen fuel from the CcH2 storage tank 250 to the burner 354 (box 920).

[0074] Thus, compressor circuit 814 uses compressor 342 to compress the hydrogen flow toward regulator assembly 358 (box 922). For example, compressor circuit 814 may determine whether to engage compressor 342 based on pressure readings obtained from a fourth sensor 344, which is configured to sense data indicating the flow rate of hydrogen fuel through compressor 342. During flight, fuel distribution controller circuit 802 determines whether to regulate the delivery assembly for delivering hydrogen fuel to burner 354. For example, if flight is not completed (box 924), fuel tank identifier circuit 806 continues to identify fuel tank capacity (box 904) and / or flight status (box 906) to determine whether to engage CcH2 delivery assembly 320, GH2 delivery assembly 501, and / or CNG delivery assembly 301.

[0075] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an example processor platform 1000, including those configured to execute... Figure 9 Example machine-readable instructions for implementation Figure 8 The processor circuit of the fuel distribution controller circuit. The processor platform 1000 may be, for example, a server, personal computer, workstation, self-learning machine (e.g., neural network), mobile device (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computer (e.g., iPad)). TM Personal digital assistants (PDAs), internet devices, DVD players, CD players, digital video recorders, Blu-ray players, game consoles, personal video recorders, set-top boxes, headphones (e.g., augmented reality (AR) headphones, virtual reality (VR) headphones, etc.) or other wearable devices, or any other type of computing device.

[0076] The processor platform 1000 shown in the example includes processor circuitry 1012. Processor circuitry 1012 in the example shown is hardware. For example, processor circuitry 1012 can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, FPGA microprocessors, CPUs, GPUs, DSPs, and / or microcontrollers from any desired family or manufacturer. Processor circuitry 1012 can be implemented by one or more semiconductor-based (e.g., silicon-based) devices. In this example, processor circuitry 1012 implements fuel distribution path identifier circuitry 804, fuel tank identifier circuitry 806, operating status identifier circuitry 807, sensor circuitry 808, thermosiphon circuitry 810, heater circuitry 812, and / or compressor circuitry 814.

[0077] The processor circuitry 1012 shown in the example includes local memory 1013 (e.g., cache, registers, etc.). The processor circuitry 1012 shown in the example communicates via bus 1018 with main memory, which includes volatile memory 1014 and non-volatile memory 1016. The volatile memory 1014 may be synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc. Dynamic Random Access Memory And / or any other type of RAM device. The non-volatile memory 1016 can be implemented by flash memory and / or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memory 1014, 1016 of the illustrated example is controlled by the memory controller 1017.

[0078] The processor platform 1000 shown in the example also includes interface circuitry 1020. Interface circuitry 1020 can be configured according to any type of interface standard (e.g., Ethernet interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, etc.). The interfaces (near field communication (NFC) interface, PCI interface and / or PCIe interface) are implemented in hardware.

[0079] In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 1022 are connected to interface circuitry 1020. Input devices 1022 allow users to input data and / or commands into processor circuitry 1012. Input devices 1022 can be implemented, for example, audio sensors, microphones, cameras (still or video), keyboards, buttons, mice, touchscreens, trackpads, trackballs, contour devices, and / or voice recognition systems.

[0080] One or more output devices 1024 are also connected to the interface circuitry 1020 of the illustrated example. The output devices 1024 may be implemented, for example, by a display device (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an in-place switching (IPS) display, a touchscreen, etc.), a haptic output device, a printer, and / or a speaker. Therefore, the interface circuitry 1020 of the illustrated example typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, and / or graphics processor circuitry such as a GPU.

[0081] The interface circuit 1020 of the example shown also includes communication devices, such as a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, modem, residential gateway, wireless access point, and / or network interface, to facilitate data exchange with external machines (e.g., any type of computing device) via network 1026. Communication can be via, for example, Ethernet connections, digital subscriber line (DSL) connections, telephone line connections, coaxial cable systems, satellite systems, field wireless systems, cellular telephone systems, optical connections, etc.

[0082] The processor platform 1000 shown in the example also includes one or more mass storage devices 1028 for storing software and / or data. Examples of such mass storage devices 1028 include magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, floppy disk drives, HDDs, CDs, Blu-ray disk drives, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, solid-state storage devices such as flash memory devices, and DVD drives.

[0083] It can be by Figure 9 The machine-readable instructions 1032 implemented by the machine can be stored in a mass storage device 1028, a volatile memory 1014, a non-volatile memory 1016, and / or a removable non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD. As can be understood from the foregoing, example systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of art have been disclosed, comprising cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2), compressed natural gas (CNG), and / or gaseous hydrogen (GH2) storage devices. In some examples disclosed herein, cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) can be used instead of liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel (e.g., CcH2 can have a density similar to LH2). As described herein, cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) can be stored at cryogenic temperatures in the range of 40-70 Kelvin. For example, a double-walled cryostat (e.g., comprising a cryogenic container and / or a vacuum container) can be used to store CcH2. In some examples, the cryogenic container for CcH2 storage can be a Class 3 container comprising an aluminum liner and / or a composite outer casing. By storing hydrogen under cryogenic compression conditions as described herein, the fuel distribution system can be significantly simplified. Furthermore, the pressure in the CcH2 tank can be maintained at a constant value during aircraft operation via thermosiphon and / or the use of heaters.

[0084] Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0085] Example 1 includes a fuel distribution system comprising a vacuum container and a cryogenic container positioned within the vacuum container, the cryogenic container serving as part of a cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly that holds cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel in the gas phase, the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly including at least one of a heater or a thermosiphon loop for maintaining pressure in the cryogenic container.

[0086] Example 2 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, and further includes a compressed natural gas tank, which is part of a compressed natural gas delivery assembly for holding compressed natural gas, wherein the compressed natural gas delivery assembly extends in a manner parallel to the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly.

[0087] Example 3 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, and further includes a regulator assembly in fluid communication with a cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly and a compressed natural gas delivery assembly.

[0088] Example 4 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, wherein the thermosiphon loop includes a heat exchanger and an automatic valve that regulates the inflow and outflow of cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel into and out of the cryogenic container.

[0089] Example 5 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, wherein the cryogenic container is a type of container comprising an aluminum liner and a composite outer casing.

[0090] Example 6 includes any of the preceding clauses of the fuel distribution system, wherein the wall thickness of the cryogenic container is determined based on the pressure rating associated with the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel tank for storing cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel.

[0091] Example 7 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, wherein the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly includes a compressor for compressing hydrogen fuel derived from a cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel tank, the compressor being located upstream of the burner.

[0092] Example 8 includes a fuel distribution system comprising: a compressed natural gas tank, which, as part of a compressed natural gas delivery assembly, is used to hold a first portion of fuel; and a cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank, which, as part of a cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly, is used to hold a second portion of fuel, the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly including a thermosiphon loop to maintain pressure in the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank.

[0093] Example 9 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, and further includes a gaseous hydrogen fuel tank, which, as part of a gaseous hydrogen delivery assembly, is used to hold a third portion of hydrogen fuel in the gaseous phase.

[0094] Example 10 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, wherein the gaseous hydrogen delivery assembly and the compressed natural gas delivery assembly extend in a manner parallel to the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly.

[0095] Example 11 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, wherein a thermosiphon loop guides a portion of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen from the lower part of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank via a heat exchanger.

[0096] Example 12 includes any of the fuel distribution systems described in the preceding clauses, wherein a thermosiphon loop directs cryogenic compressed hydrogen, which has been removed from heat, to the upper part of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank.

[0097] Example 13 includes an apparatus for controlling fuel distribution in a carrier, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory; instructions in the apparatus; and processor circuitry that executes the instructions to: identify a fuel distribution path including a cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank; identify the internal pressure of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank; regulate the internal pressure of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank using at least one of a thermosiphon loop or a heater; and direct cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel from the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank to a burner.

[0098] Example 14 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the thermosiphon loop includes a heat exchanger and an automatic valve that regulates the inflow and outflow of cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel into and out of the cryogenic container of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank.

[0099] Example 15 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the processor circuitry determines the operating state of the carrier, the operating state being used to select a fuel distribution path, the fuel distribution path further including a compressed natural gas delivery assembly.

[0100] Example 16 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the operating state relates to the operating state of the aircraft, including the cruise phase, takeoff phase, or engine start phase.

[0101] Example 17 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein when the operating state is the engine start phase, the processor circuitry engages the compressed natural gas delivery assembly.

[0102] Example 18 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the processor circuitry uses a compressor located upstream of the burner to compress cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel.

[0103] Example 19 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the processor circuitry uses a compressor to compress the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel when the internal pressure of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel is lower than the pressure used by the burner.

[0104] Example 20 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the processor circuitry is used to maintain a constant pressure in the cryogenic container of a cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank, the cryogenic container being a type III container comprising an aluminum liner and a composite outer packaging.

[0105] Example 21 includes a method for controlling fuel distribution in a carrier, the method comprising: identifying the internal pressure of a cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank; adjusting the internal pressure of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank using at least one of a thermosiphon loop or a heater; and directing cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel from the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank to a burner.

[0106] Example 22 includes the method described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the thermosiphon loop includes a heat exchanger and an automatic valve that regulates the inflow and outflow of cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel into and out of the cryogenic container of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank.

[0107] Example 23 includes the method described in any of the preceding clauses, further comprising determining the operating state of the carrier, the operating state being used to select a fuel distribution path, the fuel distribution path further including a compressed natural gas delivery assembly.

[0108] Example 24 includes the method described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein, when the operational state of the carrier relates to the operational state of the aircraft, the operational state includes the cruise phase, the takeoff phase, or the engine start phase.

[0109] Example 25 includes the method described in any of the preceding clauses, further including engaging the compressed natural gas delivery assembly when the operating state is the engine start-up phase.

[0110] Example 26 includes the method described in any of the preceding clauses, further including the use of a compressor located upstream of the burner to compress cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel.

[0111] Example 27 includes the method described in any of the preceding clauses, further comprising compressing the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel using a compressor when the internal pressure of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel is lower than the pressure used by the burner.

[0112] Example 28 includes the method described in any of the preceding clauses, further comprising maintaining a constant pressure in the cryogenic container of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank, the cryogenic container being a type of container including an aluminum liner and a composite outer packaging.

[0113] Although certain example systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture that fall fully within the scope of the claims of this patent.

[0114] The following claims are incorporated herein by reference in this detailed description, wherein each claim is an independent embodiment of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A fuel distribution system, characterized in that, include: Vacuum container; A cryogenic container, positioned within the vacuum container, is part of a cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly; At least one of a heater or a thermosiphon loop is used to maintain the pressure of the cryogenic container; and A compressed natural gas tank, which is part of a compressed natural gas delivery assembly that extends in a manner parallel to the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly.

2. The fuel distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a regulator assembly in fluid communication with the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly and the compressed natural gas delivery assembly.

3. The fuel distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermosiphon loop includes a heat exchanger and an automatic valve that regulates the inflow and outflow of cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel from the cryogenic container.

4. The fuel distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic containers mentioned above are three types of containers, including those with aluminum linings and composite outer packaging.

5. The fuel distribution system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the cryogenic container is determined based on the pressure rating associated with the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel tank used to store the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel.

6. A fuel distribution system, characterized in that, include: Compressed natural gas tank, which is part of a compressed natural gas delivery assembly, is used to hold a first portion of the fuel; A cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank, as part of a cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly for holding a second portion of fuel, the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly including a thermosiphon loop to maintain pressure in the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank; and A gaseous hydrogen fuel tank, which is part of a gaseous hydrogen delivery assembly, is used to hold a third portion of hydrogen fuel in the gaseous phase, wherein the gaseous hydrogen delivery assembly and the compressed natural gas delivery assembly extend in a manner parallel to the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly.

7. The fuel distribution system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank includes a lower portion connected to the thermosiphon loop to guide a portion of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen gas via a heat exchanger.

8. The fuel distribution system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank includes an upper portion connected to the thermosiphon loop to receive cryogenic compressed hydrogen exiting the heat exchanger.

9. A device for controlling fuel distribution in a carrier, characterized in that, The device includes: At least one memory; The instructions in the device, the instructions stored in the memory; and Processor circuitry, the processor circuitry executing the instructions to: Identify the internal pressure of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank; The internal pressure of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank is regulated using at least one of a thermosiphon loop or a heater; and Cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel is guided from the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank to the burner, wherein the processor circuitry determines the operating state of the carrier for selecting a fuel distribution path, the fuel distribution path further including a compressed natural gas delivery assembly, wherein the compressed natural gas tank is part of the compressed natural gas delivery assembly, the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank is part of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly, the compressed natural gas delivery assembly extending in a parallel manner to the cryogenic compressed hydrogen delivery assembly.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The thermosiphon loop includes a heat exchanger and an automatic valve that regulates the flow of cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel into and out of the cryogenic container of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the operational state of the carrier relates to the operational state of the aircraft, the operational state includes the cruise phase, the takeoff phase, or the engine start phase.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the operating state is the engine start-up phase, the processor circuit engages the compressed natural gas delivery assembly.

13. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The processor circuitry uses a compressor located upstream of the burner to compress cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the internal pressure of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel is lower than the pressure used by the burner, the processor circuit uses the compressor to compress the cryogenic compressed hydrogen fuel.

15. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The processor circuitry is used to maintain a constant pressure within the cryogenic container of the cryogenic compressed hydrogen tank, which is a type of container comprising an aluminum liner and a composite outer packaging.

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