Multi-Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage With Tank Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-cryogenic storage systems for hydrogen in vehicles face issues such as unused hydrogen due to failed components, pressure imbalances, and inefficiencies in fuel distribution, leading to reduced vehicle range and refueling complications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cryogenic storage system with two cryogenic containers connected via a cryogenic line and a cryopump in the primary system, allowing pressure equalization and balanced fuel distribution using shut-off valves and a heat exchanger to deliver hydrogen at higher pressure to consumers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple cryogenic containers are used to store hydrogen, then the vehicle can carry larger quantities of fuel, but the system complexity increases and pressure imbalances occur between tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent connects multiple cryogenic containers through a common hydraulic system with shared supply lines and a central control unit, allowing the tanks to operate as an integrated system rather than independent units. This merging approach enables pressure equalization and coordinated fuel distribution while maintaining the benefits of multiple storage containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryogenic containers are designed with universal interfaces and shared control mechanisms that allow any tank to supply fuel to any consumer. The system can dynamically allocate fuel from any tank based on pressure levels, consumer demands, and refueling requirements, making the multi-tank system as versatile as a single tank system.
2Ease of operation
If cryogenic containers operate independently, then each tank is self-contained and simple to manage, but hydrogen remains unused when a key component fails in one tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a merged hydraulic system where multiple tanks are connected through common supply lines and control mechanisms. This allows fuel to be redistributed from functioning tanks to compensate for failures in other tanks, ensuring continuous fuel availability while maintaining relatively simple independent tank structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant fuel pathways and pressure equalization mechanisms that are prepared in advance to handle component failures. When a key component fails in one tank, the pre-established connections allow fuel to be rerouted from other tanks, cushioning against the failure's impact on overall system reliability.
3Productivity
If different fuel levels and pressures develop in containers, then fuel can be drawn at different rates, but this creates negative effects on subsequent refueling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure equalization mechanisms that actively maintain balanced pressure levels across all cryogenic containers during fuel draw operations. This equipotential approach allows flexible fuel extraction rates from different tanks while preventing the pressure imbalances that would complicate subsequent refueling operations.
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 minimizes operating pressures, ensures efficient fuel transfer, and maintains balanced fuel levels across tanks, optimizing vehicle range and refueling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cryopump is arranged in the inner tank of the cryogenic container of the primary storage system, which supplies liquid and gaseous hydrogen at low pressure and/or under pressure, in one or more stages, and at extremely low temperatures
Implementation Method 2
which heats the hydrogen and delivers it to a consumer at a higher pressure than the pressure in the inner tank
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-cryogenic storage system comprising at least two cryogenic containers for storing hydrogen, namely a primary storage system with an inner tank (1) and an outer tank (2) and at least one secondary storage system (30) with a further inner tank and a further outer tank, wherein the two cryogenic containers are hydraulically connected via a cryogenic connecting line (27), wherein at least one cryopump (21) is arranged in the inner tank (1) of the cryogenic container of the primary storage system, which supplies liquid and/or gaseous hydrogen at low pressure and/or under pressure, in a single or multi-stage manner, and at extremely low temperatures to a heat exchanger (7), which heats the hydrogen and delivers it further to a consumer (5) at a higher pressure than the pressure in the inner tank (1).