Cryogenic Coupling Device Venting for Ice Formation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cryogenic refueling systems, the dead space in the coupling device can trap atmospheric humidity, leading to ice formation on components, which is problematic when cooling is not possible before coupling due to design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a main valve and a vent valve connected in parallel, a housing enclosing a volume, and a shut-off valve, allowing for automated flushing and shielding components from the environment to prevent ice formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dead space in the coupling device is flushed through the refueling hose or piping system, then the dead space is freed of air or unwanted media, but ice can form inside the refueling hose or piping system due to atmospheric humidity freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the volume into two separate sections: a first volume containing the main valve and refueling hose, and a second volume containing the vent valve and coupling. This segmentation allows the second volume to be vented separately before refueling, preventing ice formation in the refueling hose while still flushing the dead space effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the venting function from the refueling path by providing a separate vent valve that vents the second volume directly to the environment. This extraction allows dead space to be freed of air without requiring the refueling hose to be flushed, thereby preventing ice formation in the refueling system.
2Temperature
If the coupling device is designed to allow cooling before coupling, then ice formation can be prevented, but the refueling hose or piping system cannot be cooled if the dead space must be drained through it
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the volume into two separate sections with independent valve control, the patent enables the second volume to be vented and prepared for refueling without requiring the refueling hose to be cooled first. This eliminates the design constraint that would otherwise prevent cooling before coupling.
3Ease of operation
If components are exposed to the environment of the coupling device, then access and operation are easier, but water vapor or gases can freeze on these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coupling from the environmental exposure zone by placing it in the second volume that can be separately vented and isolated. This allows components to remain accessible for operation while protecting them from atmospheric humidity that would otherwise freeze on exposed surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protected environment for the coupling by allowing the second volume to be vented of atmospheric humidity before refueling begins. This effectively creates an inert or dry atmosphere around the coupling components, preventing water vapor freezing while maintaining accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling device (2) for a cryogenic refuelling arrangement (1), having a main valve (9); a venting valve (10) which is connected parallel to the main valve (9) and which serves for venting a volume (33), which is provided downstream of the main valve (9) and the venting valve (10), in order to prepare the coupling device (2) for a refuelling operation; a housing (4) which encloses a further volume (7) in which the main valve (9) and the venting valve (10) are arranged; and a shut-off valve (8) which is provided on the housing (4) and by means of which the volume (7) enclosed by the housing (4) is accessible.