Auxiliary Bombe for LPG Refilling Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the hot season, the pressure in an LPG vehicle's main bombe often exceeds the filling pressure of an LPG filling gun, preventing the bombe from being refilled due to the operation of a check valve integrated with an excess flow valve, which remains closed.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary bombe is installed in the vehicle, connected to the main bombe via a fuel transfer line with solenoid valves and pressure sensors, allowing LPG to be transferred from the main bombe to the auxiliary bombe when pressure is high, and using an internal pressure rising means such as a pump or heater to manage pressure and temperature, enabling continuous refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main bombe is used for refilling in hot season, then the refilling process should be simple and direct, but the pressure in the main bombe exceeds the filling pressure preventing refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The single bombe system is segmented into two separate bombes (main bombe and auxiliary bombe). The main bombe continues to serve as the primary fuel storage, while the auxiliary bombe is specifically designed to handle pressure equalization and refilling operations. This segmentation allows the refilling system to bypass the pressure limitation by transferring fuel through the auxiliary bombe, which can be pressurized independently using a heater or pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary bombe acts as an intermediary device between the fueling station and the main bombe. During refilling operations, fuel is first transferred to the auxiliary bombe, which then transfers it to the main bombe when pressure conditions are favorable. This intermediary approach enables refilling to proceed even when the main bombe pressure exceeds the filling pressure at the station.
2Reliability
If an auxiliary bombe is added to the system, then refilling capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary bombe is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. It serves multiple purposes: (1) as a pressure buffer during refilling operations, (2) as an additional fuel storage when the main bombe is full, and (3) as a transfer medium for equalizing pressure between the station and main bombe. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the system avoids needing separate pressure regulation devices, transfer pumps, and storage tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the refilling function and the pressure management function into the auxiliary bombe component. Rather than adding separate complex pressure regulation systems or multiple transfer mechanisms, the auxiliary bombe combines these functions, simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable refilling capability in hot season conditions.
3Reliability
If pressure equalization is achieved through transfer, then refilling becomes possible, but the refilling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating or pressurization of the auxiliary bombe before the actual fuel transfer to the main bombe. By pre-heating the auxiliary bombe using its integrated heater or pre-pressurizing it with a pump, the system ensures that pressure equalization can occur rapidly when refilling is initiated, minimizing the time required for the transfer operation itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-bombe configuration allows for continuous fuel transfer operations. While the main bombe is being filled, the auxiliary bombe can simultaneously be recharged from the station or prepare for the next transfer cycle. This continuity ensures that the system is always ready for refilling operations without requiring lengthy pressure equalization waits, as one bombe can be preparing while the other is being filled.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system allows continuous refilling of the main bombe by transferring excess LPG to the auxiliary bombe, reducing pressure, and ensures refilling even when the main bombe's pressure is higher than the filling gun's pressure, and allows direct fuel supply to the engine during low load or emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
The internal pressure rising means may be an auxiliary fuel pump mounted in the auxiliary bombe to press LPG.
Implementation Method 2
The internal pressure rising means may be a heater mounted in the auxiliary bombe to increase the temperature in the auxiliary bombe.
Implementation Method 3
a first solenoid valve mounted on the fuel transfer line so as be openable and closable
Data Source
AI summary
A system for filling an LPG vehicle with LPG using an auxiliary bombe is provided. The system may be configured for easily filling a main bombe with LPG even in the hot season (summertime) or the like during which the outside temperature rapidly rises, by using an auxiliary bombe in addition to using the main bombe. The system may also be capable of always smoothly refilling the main bombe with LPG by moving a portion of the LPG in the main bombe to the auxiliary bombe, when the pressure in the main bombe is higher than the LPG filling pressure of a filling gun in the hot season during which the outside temperature rapidly rises, so that the pressure in the main bombe becomes lower than the filling pressure.