Cryogenic Tank Pressure Control via Dynamic Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing vapor pressure in cryogenic fluid supply systems for gaseous fueled engines are inefficient as they rely on fixed pressure settings, failing to adapt to varying engine demands and leading to suboptimal vapor pressure management.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent pressure management system utilizing pressure sensors, electronically controlled solenoid valves, and a programmed electronic controller to dynamically adjust vapor pressure based on engine demand, vapor volume, and temperature, allowing for variable preset pressure targets to optimize fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pressure settings are used in vapor pressure management, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying engine demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure management by replacing fixed pressure settings with an electronically controlled system that continuously adjusts vapor pressure based on real-time engine demand, vapor volume, and temperature conditions. The controller dynamically modulates the vapor valve to maintain optimal pressure, transforming a static mechanical system into a responsive electronic control system that adapts to changing operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by using pressure sensors and temperature sensors to continuously monitor tank conditions and engine demand, then feeding this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the vapor valve position accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal vapor pressure through continuous monitoring and adjustment based on actual system state.
2Productivity
If vapor pressure is maintained at high levels, then fluid delivery responsiveness is improved, but risk of tank venting and component failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the target vapor pressure setpoint based on vapor volume conditions. When vapor volume is low, the system maintains higher target pressure to ensure responsive fluid delivery. When vapor volume is high, the system lowers the target pressure to prevent tank venting. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes the trade-off between delivery responsiveness and tank safety based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vapor pressure targets and valve positions based on real-time vapor volume measurements. Rather than maintaining a fixed high pressure, the controller continuously adapts the pressure management strategy to current vapor volume conditions, ensuring high delivery responsiveness when safe and preventing tank venting when vapor volume is high.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical economizer valves are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to react to varying use device demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical economizer valve system with an electronically controlled vapor valve and digital controller. This substitution eliminates the limitations of mechanical pressure-actuated control, enabling the system to respond actively to varying engine demands through electronic sensing and control. The electronic system can modulate valve position precisely based on controller commands, providing superior responsiveness to changing operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service by using the controller to automatically manage vapor pressure based on sensor inputs without requiring external mechanical pressure actuation. The controller continuously monitors system conditions and autonomously adjusts the vapor valve to maintain optimal pressure, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pressure-balancing mechanisms while improving responsiveness to demand changes.
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 ensures robust, responsive, and efficient fluid delivery by maintaining optimal vapor pressure and temperature, preventing component failure and tank venting while adapting to changing operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heater associated with the first conduit and operable to transfer heat to the fluid flowing through the first conduit before it is delivered to the use device
Implementation Method 2
A pressure sensor measures fluid pressure at a point in the system from which pressure inside the thermally insulated storage space can be determined
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent pressure management system that controls the pressure inside a cryogenic tank between variable target vapor pressure values and/or ranges that are set as a function of system operating conditions, by actuating one or more actively controllable valves, based on a signal received from a pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the pressurized tank. The variable target vapor pressure values and/or ranges are determined as a function of system operating conditions including the vapor volume in the storage space and a fluid flow demanded by the use device. The target vapor pressure can also be adjusted based on a geographical location, predictive system operation mode, a learned operator use pattern and/or a learned system use pattern.