Removable Hydrogen Storage With Quick-Connect Swapping for Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft lack appropriate removable hydrogen storage systems for fuel cell applications, leading to inefficiencies in power management and increased CO2 emissions, as existing oxygen networks are not designed for hydrogen delivery to fuel cell systems.
Innovation Solution
Development of removable hydrogen storage systems with quick fit connectors and cradles that allow for easy installation, removal, and refilling of hydrogen tanks, ensuring safety and reducing logistics complexity, compatible with various types of gas cylinders and storage containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If oxygen networks are used for hydrogen storage, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but the system is not designed for hydrogen delivery to fuel cell systems and cannot be easily removed or refilled
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage system is divided into separate modular components: removable storage containers that can be detached from the aircraft and replaced at the fueling station. This segmentation allows the storage system to be refilled without servicing the entire aircraft, resolving the contradiction between using existing infrastructure and enabling easy refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
A quick-connect interface acts as an intermediary between the hydrogen storage container and the aircraft's fuel cell system. This standardized connector enables rapid attachment and detachment while ensuring compatibility with the aircraft's existing hydrogen delivery infrastructure, simultaneously achieving adaptability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If hydrogen storage tanks are permanently installed on the aircraft, then hydrogen delivery to fuel cell systems is ensured, but aircraft turn-around time increases due to on-site refilling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage function is extracted from the aircraft structure and placed in removable containers that can be quickly swapped at the fueling station. This allows refilling to occur off-aircraft during turn-around time, eliminating the delay of on-site refilling while maintaining continuous hydrogen delivery capability through pre-filled replacement containers.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrogen storage containers are pre-filled at the fueling station before being installed on the aircraft. This preliminary action ensures that hydrogen delivery is already prepared and assured when the aircraft arrives, eliminating wait time during turn-around while maintaining reliable hydrogen supply through the quick-connect interface.
3Quantity of substance
If high pressure is used in hydrogen storage cylinders, then hydrogen density and storage capacity increase, but safety risks and leakage concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple safety features including pressure relief valves, leak detection sensors, and automated shut-off mechanisms that are activated before hazardous conditions can develop. These preemptive safety measures allow the system to operate at high pressure for maximum hydrogen capacity while cushioning against potential leakage and safety risks through early detection and automatic response.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If fuel cell systems are installed on-board aircraft, then cleaner and quieter power generation is achieved, but appropriate hydrogen storage networks and systems are not in place
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage container design incorporates universal features that can serve multiple functions: the same container structure can be used for different aircraft types, the quick-connect interface can accommodate various fuel cell system configurations, and the modular design allows the system to scale from small to large aircraft. This universality reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced technology involved.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to removable storage for hydrogen networks on-board an aircraft, aerospace vehicles, or other passenger transport vehicles. They are particularly related to such vehicles that use a hydrogen network in order to support a fuel cell system, more scecifically it discloses an interchangeable hydrogen storage mounted in a trolley or in a cradle for a plane for onboard applications.