Movable Heater Control in Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic liquid storage apparatuses face inefficiencies in storing cryogenic liquids due to inadequate thermal insulation, unnecessary heat transfer, and inefficient pressure management, leading to hydrogen discharge and reduced storage duration.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic liquid storage apparatus with a movable heating element that applies heat only when necessary, ensuring thermal insulation and minimizing heat transfer, along with precise pressure management to delay hydrogen discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating element is continuously applied to the storage container, then the pressure and temperature of the cryogenic liquid can be maintained, but unnecessary heat transfer occurs leading to hydrogen discharge and reduced storage duration
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between contact with and spacing from the storage container based on real-time pressure sensor feedback, enabling precise thermal control that prevents both overheating and unnecessary hydrogen discharge
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor continuously monitors the internal pressure of the storage container and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically activates or deactivates the heating element based on whether the pressure falls below a predetermined threshold, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents unnecessary heating
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element is kept in contact with the storage container, then heat transfer efficiency is maximized, but heat loss to the environment increases and storage insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element's movable design allows it to switch between contact mode (for efficient heat transfer when heating is needed) and spaced mode (for minimizing heat loss to environment), with the drive unit automatically adjusting its position based on thermal requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element operates in periodic cycles of contact and spacing from the storage container, activating only when the pressure sensor detects low pressure conditions and deactivating when pressure is sufficient, thereby minimizing continuous heat loss while maintaining necessary heat transfer efficiency
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation of the storage container is enhanced, then heat loss is reduced, but the ability to transfer heat to the cryogenic liquid when needed becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The movable heating element acts as an intermediary that can be positioned directly against the storage container when heat transfer is needed, temporarily overcoming the insulation barrier, while the insulation layer remains in place to prevent heat loss during non-heating periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances insulation and heat transfer by using the movable heating element to temporarily bridge the insulated barrier only when necessary, allowing the storage container to maintain strong thermal insulation while still enabling efficient heat transfer on demand
4Reliability
If the heating element is activated frequently to maintain pressure, then pressure management is improved, but residual heat from the heating element causes excessive pressure increase and hydrogen discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors internal pressure and provides real-time feedback to the control unit, which activates the heating element only when pressure falls below the threshold and deactivates it when pressure is restored, preventing both under-pressure and over-pressure conditions that would cause hydrogen discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element operates in short, periodic cycles activated only when necessary to restore pressure, with the control unit timing the activation and deactivation to allow residual heat to dissipate before the next activation, preventing cumulative heat buildup and excessive pressure increase
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
The apparatus effectively increases the pressure and temperature of cryogenic liquids only when required, enhancing storage efficiency, reducing hydrogen loss, and extending the non-loss hydrogen storage period.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to be movable from a first position at which the heating element is in contact with the storage container to a second position at which the heating element is spaced from the storage container
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum thermal insulation layer defined between the internal container and the external container
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic liquid storage apparatus includes a storage container configured to accommodate a cryogenic liquid, a heating element configured to be movable from a first position at which the heating element is in contact with the storage container to a second position at which the heating element is spaced from the storage container, and a drive portion configured to selectively provide driving power to the heating element to move the heating element from the second position to the first position, obtaining an advantageous effect of improving efficiency in storing hydrogen.