Cryogenic Fuel Transfer Tool Using Heat Exchanger Phase Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for draining and refilling cryogenic fuel in vehicle tanks are time-consuming, pose safety risks, and result in resource wastage, as they involve burning off fuel, which is inefficient and requires extensive supervision.
Innovation Solution
A tool and system utilizing a heat exchanger and cooling tank with a vertical configuration, including valves and conduits for efficient transfer of cryogenic fuel, allowing for rapid draining and refilling by vaporizing fuel to increase pressure and transfer it between tanks, with safety features like pressure regulation and gas recovery to prevent waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If fuel is burned off to drain the tank, then the tank is emptied of cryogenic fuel, but the process is time-consuming and results in complete fuel waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition by vaporizing a portion of the liquid cryogenic fuel through a heat exchanger to generate gas. This gas is then injected back into the tank to increase pressure, which forces the remaining liquid fuel out through the outlet valve. This resolves the contradiction by recovering fuel through phase change rather than burning it off, eliminating fuel waste while maintaining efficient draining speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling tank as an intermediary component between the vehicle tank and the environment. The cooling tank receives liquid fuel from the vehicle tank, allows a portion to be vaporized in the heat exchanger, and then uses the resulting pressure to discharge the remaining fuel. This intermediary system enables fuel recovery without time loss by mediating the transfer and phase change process.
2Reliability
If fuel is burned off to drain the tank, then the tank is emptied, but the process poses safety risks requiring protected conditions and constant monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled environment by containing the cryogenic fuel within the cooling tank and vehicle tank systems, both equipped with insulation and safety valves. The process uses controlled vaporization and pressure differential rather than open combustion, eliminating the need for protected conditions and constant monitoring. The system maintains safety through closed-loop operation and pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the combustion-based draining method with a mechanical/thermal pressure system. Instead of burning fuel to empty the tank, the system uses a heat exchanger to vaporize a portion of the fuel, creating pressure that mechanically forces the remaining fuel out through valves and conduits. This substitution eliminates safety risks associated with open flames while simplifying operation.
3Loss of time
If the cooling tank is filled rapidly, then refilling time is reduced, but the temperature rise causes fuel to transform into gaseous form increasing volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action during the refilling process by alternately opening and closing the outlet valve from the cooling tank. This allows controlled discharge of gas that forms due to temperature rise, preventing excessive pressure buildup while maintaining rapid refilling. The periodic valve operation balances speed with temperature management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent anticipates and manages phase transition during rapid refilling by providing an outlet for gas discharge. As liquid fuel warms in the cooling tank, the system allows controlled vaporization and gas release, preventing dangerous pressure accumulation while maintaining refilling efficiency. This managed phase change enables rapid refilling without compromising safety.
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 quick and safe draining and refilling of cryogenic fuel, reducing service time and costs, while minimizing the risk of ignition and fuel loss, allowing for efficient use of resources by recovering vented gas.
Implementation Method 1
transforming liquid fuel into gaseous form by causing the liquid fuel to pass through the heat exchanger of the tool
Implementation Method 2
transforming liquid fuel into gaseous form by causing the liquid fuel to pass through the heat exchanger of the tool
Implementation Method 3
The cooling tank can be provided with insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for draining and refilling a vehicle tank for cryogenic fuel, wherein the tool when in position for use has a vertical direction and includes a heat exchanger and a cooling tank, the cooling tank having an upper portion and a lower portion as viewed in the vertical direction of the tool and including a fuel outlet having at least one outlet valve, the fuel outlet being connected to a first fuel conduit and second fuel conduit via the at least one outlet valve, wherein the first fuel conduit includes an arrangement for connecting the first fuel conduit to an inlet on the heat exchanger, and wherein the second fuel conduit includes an arrangement for connecting the second fuel conduit to an inlet on a vehicle tank, the cooling tank further including an inlet, the inlet being connected to a fuel inlet conduit via a check valve and the fuel inlet conduit including an arrangement for connecting the inlet to an outlet from the heat exchanger, or to an outlet from a vehicle tank, and the outlet of the heat exchanger including an arrangement for connecting to an inlet on a vehicle tank, and a system and method for draining and refilling a vehicle tank.