Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage Control for Boil-Off Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic hydrogen storage systems in vehicles suffer from boil-off losses due to heat penetration, leading to increased tank pressure and the need to vent gaseous hydrogen, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the hydrogen level and consumption based on predicted stop duration and location to prevent boil-off losses by optimizing refueling and energy storage usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the hydrogen tank is well-insulated to reduce heat penetration, then boil-off losses are reduced, but cost, weight, and storage space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future stop durations and locations, calculating the maximum allowable hydrogen level in advance, and adjusting the hydrogen charge level before the vehicle reaches the stop location. This prevents boil-off losses proactively rather than reacting to pressure increases after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical insulation solutions with a control system that uses sensors, processors, and communication interfaces to monitor and manage hydrogen levels. This substitutes hardware-based thermal protection with software-based predictive control, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the hydrogen level in the tank is kept high to ensure sufficient fuel for long ranges, then vehicle range is improved, but pressure increases and venting becomes necessary causing boil-off losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the hydrogen charge level based on predicted stop durations and locations. Rather than maintaining a fixed high level for maximum range, the system optimizes the hydrogen level in real-time, keeping it high when no stops are anticipated and reducing it when long stops are predicted, thus balancing range requirements with boil-off prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the actual stop duration and location, compares it with predicted values, and adjusts the hydrogen level accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the hydrogen charge level is optimized based on actual operating conditions, preventing both excessive venting and insufficient range.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the vehicle stops for a long time, then passenger comfort and logistics are improved, but heat penetration increases causing pressure rise and hydrogen venting
Solution Approach 1:
The system obtains predicted stop duration information in advance and calculates the maximum hydrogen level that will prevent boil-off during the anticipated stop. By adjusting the hydrogen level before the stop occurs, the system prepares the tank to withstand the predicted thermal load without pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the hydrogen charge level parameter based on predicted stop duration. For long stops, the hydrogen level is reduced to a maximum safe level that prevents boil-off, while for short stops or continuous operation, the hydrogen level can be maintained higher to ensure sufficient range.
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
Reduces boil-off losses without additional hardware, maintaining tank pressure within safe limits and avoiding venting, thus optimizing hydrogen usage and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
Heat input from the environment into a cryogenic tank leads to hydrogen evaporating, which increases the pressure
Implementation Method 2
Cryogenic hydrogen in a vehicle is stored in an insulated tank. But some heat penetration from ambient always occurs
Data Source
AI summary
Control system and method for controlling state of hydrogen charge in hydrogen storage system in a vehicle to prevent hydrogen boil-off losses. The control system obtains information about predetermined stop duration and location for vehicle; obtains information on required hydrogen usage for reaching predetermined stop location from a current location of the vehicle; obtains information on a maximum hydrogen level of the hydrogen storage system to prevent hydrogen boil-off losses when the vehicle reaches the predetermined stop location and the stop duration starts; and generates a control signal for controlling the state of hydrogen charge of the hydrogen storage system based on a current hydrogen level in the hydrogen storage system when the vehicle is at the current location, the required hydrogen usage for reaching the predetermined stop location and the maximum hydrogen level of the hydrogen storage system to prevent hydrogen boil-off losses.