Cryogenic Pressure Container Barrier Layer Outgassing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic pressure containers for motor vehicles face insulation degradation due to outgassing from synthetic materials, which reduces the thermal properties over time, as constituents from the synthetic material layer leak into the evacuated space, compromising the insulating properties.
Innovation Solution
A barrier layer is introduced between the synthetic material layer and the evacuated space in the cryogenic pressure container, made of outgassing-free materials like metal, to prevent the transition of constituents, thereby maintaining insulation stability. This barrier layer can be formed as a surface coating and may include a gap to accommodate thermal expansion differences and collect outgassings, ensuring gas-tight separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a synthetic material layer is used in the inner container, then the structural integrity and insulation are improved, but constituents escape into the evacuated space over time, degrading the insulation properties
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the synthetic material layer and the evacuated space. This barrier layer selectively prevents constituents from the synthetic material from escaping into the vacuum while allowing the synthetic material to maintain its structural function. The barrier layer acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between using synthetic materials for strength and maintaining long-term vacuum insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container structure becomes a composite system combining the synthetic material layer with the barrier layer. This composite structure leverages the mechanical strength of the synthetic material while the barrier layer provides the gas-tight sealing function, achieving both structural integrity and long-term insulation stability simultaneously.
2Loss of energy
If the evacuated space is maintained without a barrier layer, then the thermal insulation is initially excellent, but outgassing from synthetic materials accumulates and reduces insulation performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer serves as a protective intermediary that preserves the evacuated space's insulation properties over time. It prevents the degradation mechanism (outgassing) from compromising the vacuum, thereby extending the duration of effective thermal insulation without sacrificing initial insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer is installed in advance during manufacturing to prevent outgassing issues before they can affect the evacuated space. This preliminary protective measure ensures that the insulation durability is maintained from the outset, preventing future degradation rather than addressing it later.
3Reliability
If a barrier layer is added to prevent outgassing, then long-term insulation stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer is implemented as a thin film or coating applied to the inner container surface, rather than a bulky additional component. This approach maintains insulation stability while minimizing the increase in structural complexity and volume. The thin film nature of the barrier layer allows it to be integrated into the existing container design with minimal modification.
4Reliability
If the barrier layer is made gas-tight to prevent constituent transition, then the evacuation quality is maintained, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer's gas-tight properties are achieved through controlled application parameters and material selection rather than requiring extremely tight dimensional tolerances. By optimizing the barrier layer material properties and application methods, the patent achieves effective vacuum sealing with manageable manufacturing precision requirements.
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
The barrier layer effectively prevents the deterioration of insulation properties, allowing for improved long-term thermal performance and increased fuel storage capacity by minimizing the impact of outgassing, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the cryogenic pressure container.
Implementation Method 1
Between the inner container and the outer container there is arranged, at least in certain regions, an evacuated space. The evacuated space provides particularly good heat insulation.
Implementation Method 2
Synthetic materials have a tendency to outgas when in a vacuum. The constituents of the synthetic material layer, for example gas inclusions trapped during production of the synthetic material layer, passing into the vacuum reduce the insulating properties of the evacuated space.
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic pressure container for a motor vehicle has an inner container and an outer container. An evacuated space is arranged between the inner container and the outer container at least in some regions. The inner container has a synthetic material layer. A barrier layer is arranged at least in some regions between the synthetic material layer and the evacuated space. The barrier layer is designed and arranged so as to at least reduce the transfer of constituents leaking out of the synthetic material layer into the evacuated space, wherein a gap is formed at least in some regions between the barrier layer and the synthetic material layer.