Single-Stage CNG Compressor Feedback Loop for Rapid Tank Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling systems with multiple compressors and high source pressures are inefficient in quickly filling fuel tanks, as they require complex configurations and high pressure sources.
Innovation Solution
A CNG fueling system utilizing a single separable reciprocating gas compressor with multiple compression stages, a storage tank, and a feedback mechanism to recompress and transfer CNG, allowing for efficient filling even with low-pressure natural gas sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If multiple compressors and high pressure sources are used, then compression pressure is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single compressor is divided into multiple compression stages (first stage, second stage, third stage) that sequentially compress the natural gas. Each stage handles a portion of the compression task, allowing the system to achieve high final pressure without requiring multiple separate compressor units, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining compression pressure.
2Power
If multiple compressors are used, then compression capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple compression functions are merged into a single compressor unit with multiple stages. The first compression stage, second compression stage, and third compression stage are integrated into one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate compressor units while maintaining comprehensive compression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single compressor is designed to perform multiple compression functions across different stages. It can compress natural gas from the source, intermediate storage, and provide final high-pressure output, making one device universal for all compression needs rather than requiring specialized compressors for each function.
3Productivity
If high pressure sources are used, then compression efficiency is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process is segmented into three stages, with each stage handling a specific pressure range. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently compress gas from low source pressure through intermediate pressures to final high pressure without requiring the source itself to be at high pressure, improving ease of operation while maintaining compression efficiency.
4Device complexity
If a single compressor with multiple stages is used, then device complexity is reduced, but compression speed may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The first compression stage performs preliminary compression of the natural gas before it enters the second and third stages. This preliminary action prepares the gas for subsequent compression stages, enabling the single compressor to achieve high compression speeds efficiently without requiring complex multi-compressor configurations.
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 rapid filling of vehicle storage tanks with CNG using a single compressor and low-pressure sources, improving efficiency and reducing system complexity while maintaining high compression pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a first compression stage compressing the natural gas to a first pressure to produce compressed natural gas (CNG)
Implementation Method 2
a storage tank in selective fluid communication with an output of the fourth compression stage and configured to store the CNG
Implementation Method 3
a feedback configured to transfer the CNG from the storage tank to an input of at least one of the plurality of compression stages
Data Source
AI summary
A compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system has a single compressor comprising a first compression stage and a subsequent compression stage, wherein the first compression stage feeds the subsequent compression stage when filling a storage tank, the storage tank is configured to receive CNG from at least one of the first compression stage and the subsequent compression stage of the compressor when filling the storage tank, a CNG feedback to the subsequent compression stage of the compressor from the storage tank, the CNG being introduced back into the compressor at a location downstream relative to an output of the first compression stage, and a first heat exchanger associated with the CNG feedback.