Canopy-Mounted CNG LNG Tank Retrofit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gasoline/diesel stations face high conversion costs and footprint changes when attempting to retrofit for natural gas fueling, as they require significant space and infrastructure modifications for CNG and LNG storage and compression.
Innovation Solution
A retro-fit design that places CNG or LNG tanks on the canopy top of a filling station, with compressors and related equipment housed in a superstructure above, eliminating the need for underground storage and piping, and allowing for efficient delivery of natural gas fuels without altering the station's footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional underground storage tanks and piping are used for CNG/LNG, then safety is improved by keeping tanks below ground level, but infrastructure costs and excavation requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional underground storage approach by placing tanks above ground on the canopy structure. This reversal maintains safety through elevated positioning while eliminating expensive excavation and underground piping, directly resolving the contradiction between safety and infrastructure cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal underground storage to vertical above-ground storage by utilizing the canopy structure's elevation. This dimensional change from ground level to elevated positioning achieves both safety and cost-effectiveness by using the vertical space already present at the facility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing gasoline/diesel stations are converted to natural gas fueling, then fuel type versatility is improved, but footprint changes and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy structure serves multiple functions: it provides customer shelter, supports CNG/LNG storage tanks, houses compression equipment, and facilitates fuel dispensing. This multi-functionality enables fuel type versatility without requiring additional land area, resolving the contradiction between versatility and footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions (canopy shelter, tank storage, equipment housing) into a single integrated structure. By merging these elements, the station achieves natural gas fueling capability without expanding its physical footprint.
3Productivity
If fast-fill CNG stations use large compressors and high-pressure storage systems, then refueling speed is improved, but device complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor, storage tanks, and dispensing equipment into an integrated canopy-mounted system. This merging simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining fast-fill capability through coordinated operation of the integrated components.
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 expenses, enhances safety by keeping tanks above ground, and facilitates quick-fill applications by minimizing the need for underground piping and excavation, while maintaining space efficiency and safety by elevating the natural gas storage and handling equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor package will increase the pressure of the natural gas in the inlet gas line 10 from about 5 pounds per square inch gauge ('psig') up to about 5,000 psig
Implementation Method 2
an Ingersoll Rand compressor package, which includes a compressor, an electric motor, a motor starter, a cooler, and controls
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.