Cryogenic Fuel Tank Structure for Load Support and Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrogen fuel tanks face safety risks due to high-pressure storage, which can lead to cracks and explosions, and they are costly due to the use of expensive composite materials.
Innovation Solution
A compressed fuel tank design featuring a modular inner tank with spherical or donut-shaped modular tanks, a support rod, insulating members, and a rod support part, which allows for safe storage of cryogenic liquefied hydrogen by distributing stress uniformly and using less expensive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-pressure compressed hydrogen (350 bar to 900 bar) is stored to increase hydrogen storage capacity, then the hydrogen storage capacity is improved, but cracks may occur due to increase in internal pressure or impact, leading to explosion risk and threatening vehicle stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter from high-pressure gaseous hydrogen to cryogenic liquid hydrogen at approximately atmospheric pressure. This phase change allows for high storage density without the dangerous high pressures, thereby maintaining hydrogen storage capacity while significantly improving safety by eliminating pressure-related cracking risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including an inner tank made of materials suitable for cryogenic storage (such as aluminum alloys or stainless steel) and an outer protective layer. This composite construction provides both the necessary thermal insulation for cryogenic temperatures and mechanical strength to prevent deformation, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and safety
2Reliability
If expensive composite materials are used to manufacture high-pressure hydrogen tanks to ensure safety and storage capacity, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from high-pressure gas storage to cryogenic liquid storage at atmospheric pressure, the patent eliminates the need for expensive high-pressure composite materials. The inner tank can be made from more cost-effective cryogenic-compatible materials, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining safety through the inherent stability of low-pressure liquid storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses relatively inexpensive materials for the inner tank construction compared to high-pressure composite tanks, accepting that the tank may require replacement after a certain service life due to cryogenic material degradation, thereby reducing initial manufacturing costs while maintaining operational safety
3Stability of the object's composition
If the inner tank is supported by fixing both ends to the outer tank, then the structural stability is improved, but thermal conduction occurs through the support structure, reducing insulation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal insulation materials as intermediaries between the inner tank support structure and the outer tank. These insulating materials allow the support function to be maintained while blocking thermal conduction paths, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural stability and insulation performance by mediating the thermal interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple sections with thermal breaks or insulating joints between them. This segmentation prevents continuous thermal conduction while maintaining mechanical support, allowing structural stability without compromising insulation performance
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 design enhances safety by preventing deformation and reducing material costs while increasing hydrogen storage capacity and density, allowing for easier vehicle installation.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating member provided to surround the inner tank so as to block heat transfer to the outside
Implementation Method 2
a rod support part fixed to both sides of the inside of the outer tank to support both ends of the support rod so as to transfer the load of the inner tank to both sides of the outer tank
Implementation Method 3
the modular tanks are connected by only partially joining each other so as to expand or contract according to temperature change
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a compressed fuel tank, comprising: an inner tank in which liquefied gas is stored; a support rod penetrating a central axis of the inner tank and having both sides of the inner tank fixed at both ends thereof; an insulating member provided to surround the inner tank so as to block heat transfer to the outside; an outer tank accommodating the inner tank, the support rod and the insulating member therein; and a rod support part fixed to both sides of the inside of the outer tank to support both ends of the support rod so as to transfer the load of the inner tank to both sides of the outer tank.