Cryogenic Pressure Vessel with Insert-Mounted In-Tank Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
The economical and efficient production of pressure vessels with in-tank heat exchangers for cryogenically stored media, such as hydrogen, is hindered by complex manufacturing processes and high costs due to the need for precise integration and sealing of heat exchangers within the vessel.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel design featuring cylindrical jackets with rolled ends and centrally positioned inserts that serve as bearings for the in-tank heat exchanger, allowing for independent production and mounting of the heat exchanger, which reduces production time and costs while ensuring tightness and efficient heat exchange through strategically placed pipes and heat exchange fins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat exchanger is integrated into the pressure vessel during production, then the heat exchange function is achieved, but the production time and costs increase due to complex integration and sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is designed as a separate, modular component that can be produced independently from the pressure vessel. This segmentation allows the heat exchanger to be manufactured as a standalone unit with its own optimized structure, then integrated into the vessel through standardized connections, reducing overall production complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is pre-assembled and pre-tested as a complete functional unit before being installed in the pressure vessel. This preliminary preparation ensures that the heat exchange function is already verified and optimized, eliminating the need for complex on-site integration and sealing procedures during final assembly
2Manufacturing precision
If the heat exchanger is precisely integrated into the pressure vessel, then the sealing quality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized interface or mounting structure serves as an intermediary between the heat exchanger and the pressure vessel. This intermediary component provides a pre-engineered connection point that ensures proper sealing and alignment without requiring complex custom fabrication, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing integration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates standardized dimensional parameters and tolerance specifications for the heat exchanger mounting interfaces. By defining precise parameter ranges upfront, the system achieves consistent sealing quality through standardized manufacturing processes rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments during assembly
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 design enables rapid and cost-effective production of pressure vessels with improved tightness and efficiency in heat exchange, facilitating the large-scale production of cryogenically stored hydrogen tanks for motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the pipes of the in-tank heat exchanger are provided with heat exchange fins on the outside, at least in some sections
Implementation Method 2
support the heat exchange process between the pipes and the pressure vessel content
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure vessel comprising a heat exchanger for a cryogenically stored medium, especially for use in a motor vehicle, especially for use as a pressure tank for hydrogen. Said pressure vessel includes a cylindrical jacket and rounded-off end faces which are rolled onto the ends of the jacket and which have centrally arranged openings closed by welded-in inserts, at least one first insert having filling and removal devices. The invention is characterized in that the inserts form bearings on which at least one in-tank heat exchanger is mounted.