Canopy-Mounted CNG Storage for Fueling Station Retrofits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gasoline/diesel stations face high costs and significant footprint changes when attempting to retrofit for natural gas, hydrogen, or other alternative fuels due to the need for new storage tanks, compressors, and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A retro-fit design that places CNG, LNG, or hydrogen storage tanks on the canopy top of a filling station, with compressors and pumps elevated above ground, eliminating the need for underground infrastructure and allowing for efficient conversion without altering the station's footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional retro-fit methods are used (excavating and replacing underground tanks), then the station can provide alternative fuels, but the construction cost increases significantly ($1 to $4 million) and the footprint changes substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves storage tanks from the traditional underground horizontal orientation to an above-ground vertical orientation on the canopy structure. This dimensional change allows the station to provide alternative fuels without excavation, reducing retro-fit costs while maintaining fuel storage and dispensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides weather protection for vehicles and customers, supports storage tanks for alternative fuels, and houses dispensing equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate above-ground tank locations, reducing both cost and footprint changes
2Area of stationary object
If underground storage tanks are used, then the station footprint remains compact, but excavation and infrastructure changes are required increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from underground to above-ground tank storage, the patent eliminates the need for excavation and complex underground infrastructure while maintaining a compact footprint. The vertical placement on the canopy utilizes unused vertical space rather than horizontal ground space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the canopy structure with the storage tank support structure, merging two functions (weather protection and fuel storage) into a single integrated system. This reduces the number of separate infrastructure elements needed, simplifying the overall station design
3Ease of manufacture
If above-ground tanks are placed on the canopy top, then retro-fit costs are reduced and footprint changes are minimized, but the tanks must be supported at elevated positions
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy structure is designed to simultaneously provide weather protection and structural support for the tanks. By utilizing the existing canopy framework rather than building separate support structures, the patent reduces costs while maintaining structural reliability through the canopy's inherent load-bearing design
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 design reduces infrastructure costs and enhances safety by keeping tanks above ground, reducing the risk of leaks and allowing for efficient fuel delivery without the need for extensive excavation or real estate changes, while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the natural gas is typically taken from the local gas utility's line at low pressure, compressed to around 3,600 pounds per square inch gauge ('psig')
Implementation Method 2
a dryer 15 to reduce the moisture content of the natural gas
Implementation Method 3
At least one storage vessel 25 is capable of holding natural gas at about 5,000 psig
Implementation Method 4
a pump 55 for transmitting the liquid fuel from the storage tank 50
Implementation Method 5
a gas dispenser 30 for dispensing to a vehicle's storage tanks
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a natural gas filling station comprising a dispenser; a structure covering the dispenser and having a canopy top; at least one tank disposed on the canopy top, the tank having at least one gas therein comprising CNG or LNG; and at least one line between the tank and the dispenser for communicating the gas between the tank and the dispenser.