Cascade Compressed Gas Dispensing Without Mechanical Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressed gas dispensing systems are inefficient as they require taking the dispensing station offline for refilling storage vessels, which interrupts gas delivery to receiving vessels.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a cascade dispensing method that allows simultaneous charging of storage vessels and dispensing to receiving vessels without using compressors, utilizing a high-pressure gas source and multiple storage vessels with varying pressure ratings to maintain continuous gas delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single storage vessel is used in the dispensing system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to downtime during refilling operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous gas deliveryVSAvoidmultiple storage vessels

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the storage function into multiple independent storage vessels (first storage vessel and second storage vessel) that can operate independently. While one vessel is dispensing gas to the receiving vessel, the other vessel can be refilled from the gas source, eliminating downtime and enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary refilling of storage vessels in advance before they are needed for dispensing. The microprocessor controller monitors pressure levels and initiates refilling operations beforehand, ensuring that at least one storage vessel is always ready for immediate gas delivery without interrupting service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stress or pressure

If compressors are used to transfer gas from the gas source to storage vessels, then the gas can be pressurized, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas pressureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the inherent pressure of the gas source to automatically refill the storage vessels without requiring external compression equipment. When the gas source pressure exceeds the storage vessel pressure, gas flows automatically through pressure-balanced valves, eliminating the need for compressor operation during refilling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical compression systems with a pressure-differential-based automatic refilling system. The microprocessor controller manages pressure-balanced valves that automatically open when pressure conditions are favorable, substituting mechanical compressors with a passive pressure-driven flow system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If the dispensing station is taken offline for refilling, then the storage vessels can be replenished, but the loss of time occurs during the refilling process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas storage capacityVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous gas dispensing operation by implementing a dual storage vessel configuration with parallel operation. While the first storage vessel is connected to the receiving vessel for dispensing, the second storage vessel is simultaneously refilled from the gas source, ensuring uninterrupted gas supply and eliminating downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The microprocessor controller continuously monitors pressure levels in storage vessels and initiates refilling operations in advance before the vessels are depleted. This preliminary action ensures that refilling occurs during non-critical periods and that at least one vessel is always ready for immediate dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables continuous compressed gas dispensing to receiving vessels even during the refilling process, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency by using pressure differences between storage vessels and the gas source.

Implementation Method 1

transferred from a gas source to a receiving vessel using a pressure difference between the gas source and the receiving vessel to transfer the gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3249281B1Compressed gas dispensing

Publication Date: 2022.02.23 AIR PROD & CHEM INC

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Figure 1c~1e
Figure 1f~1h

AI summary

Compressed gas dispensing methods using cascade dispensing from a first plurality of storage vessels and a second plurality of storage vessels. A compressor is used to provide very high pressure compressed gas for the second plurality of pressure storage vessels. Various methods are described for different sources of the compressed gas. The methods are particularly suitable for dispensing hydrogen into storage vessels in vehicles.