Cryogenic Vehicle Refuelling Thermal Bridge for Fast Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryogenic container refuelling systems are slow due to the need to cool the filling coupling to match the temperature of the cryogenic fluid, leading to evaporation and reduced capacity.

Innovation Solution

A system with a thermal bridge connecting the filling and removal lines, using a heat-conducting connection or direct contact to maintain the filling line at cryogenic temperature during operation, allowing immediate refuelling without pre-cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the filling coupling is insulated to match the cryogenic fluid temperature, then the refuelling speed increases, but the heat input into the cryogenic container increases causing excessive pressure rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefuelling speedVSAvoidpressure rise in container

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the thermal management of the filling coupling from the cryogenic container by introducing a thermal isolation mechanism. The filling coupling is thermally isolated from the container during refuelling, allowing independent temperature control of each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filling coupling is pre-cooled to cryogenic temperature before refuelling begins through thermal connection to the cryogenic fluid source. This preliminary cooling eliminates the need for slow in-situ cooling during refuelling, enabling immediate fast-fill operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the filling coupling is pre-cooled to cryogenic temperature, then the refuelling efficiency increases, but the time required before refuelling begins increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefuelling efficiencyVSAvoidpre-cooling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal connection between the filling coupling and cryogenic fluid source is maintained continuously, allowing the coupling to remain at operating temperature without interruption. This continuous thermal management eliminates idle pre-cooling time between refuelling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of energy

If the filling coupling is kept at ambient temperature for insulation, then the overall insulation quality improves, but the cryogenic fluid evaporates during transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall insulation qualityVSAvoidcryogenic fluid evaporation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The filling coupling has different thermal properties at different locations: the portion in contact with cryogenic fluid is thermally connected to maintain low temperature, while the external portion remains thermally isolated at ambient temperature. This local differentiation prevents evaporation at the fluid interface while maintaining overall insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A thermal bridge or heat conduction path is introduced as an intermediary between the filling coupling and the cryogenic fluid source. This intermediary allows controlled heat transfer to maintain the coupling at operating temperature without compromising the overall thermal insulation of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 fast-fill refuelling by maintaining the filling line at cryogenic temperature, reducing evaporation and increasing the refuelling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the removal line and/or the connection line is/are thermally connected to the filling line, the filling coupling and/or a connecting line connected to the filling line by means of a permanent or connectible thermal bridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250207729A1System for fast-fill refuelling of a cryogenic container of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 CRYOSHELTER GMBH

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a system for fast-fill refuelling of a cryogenic container that includes a vehicle. The cryogenic container is mounted on the vehicle. The system also includes an ancillary system for filling the cryogenic container with cryogenic fluid and for removing cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic container. The ancillary system includes a filling line with a filling coupling and a removal line routed to a consumer, with the filling line and the removal line each being routed into the cryogenic container separately or via a common connection line, wherein the removal line or the connection line is thermally connected to the filling line and/or the filling coupling by means of a permanent or connectible thermal bridge or the removal line is routed back through a section of the filling line.