Cryogenic Storage Redundant Withdrawal Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cryogenic storage systems are prone to total failure when a component in the withdrawal line fails, disrupting the supply of cryogenic medium to a consumer.

Innovation Solution

A redundant storage system design with multiple withdrawal lines, each equipped with controllable shut-off valves and heat exchangers, ensures that the supply of cryogenic medium remains uninterrupted even if one line fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single withdrawal line is used to connect the storage tank to the consumer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because a component failure results in total system failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply continuityVSAvoidwithdrawal line configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The withdrawal system is segmented into multiple independent withdrawal lines (first withdrawal line and second withdrawal line), each capable of independently supplying the consumer. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one line does not affect the other, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates redundant withdrawal lines as a preventive measure against component failures. By having backup pathways established in advance, the system cushions against potential failures, ensuring continuous supply even when components fail

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple withdrawal lines are implemented for redundancy, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the withdrawal function into separate modular lines, each with its own components (valves, heat exchangers). This segmentation allows for independent operation and maintenance of each line, managing complexity through standardized modular units while achieving fault tolerance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple withdrawal lines are designed with homogeneous components and configurations, making them interchangeable and simplifying maintenance and operation. The uniform design reduces training requirements and simplifies spare parts management, offsetting the complexity increase from having multiple lines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Ease of operation

If controllable shut-off valves and heat exchangers are added to each withdrawal line, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedium withdrawal controlVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controllable shut-off valves and heat exchangers in each withdrawal line serve multiple functions: they enable independent control of each line, provide isolation capabilities for maintenance, and facilitate temperature regulation. This multi-functionality justifies the added components by delivering operational flexibility and control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 redundant design prevents system-wide failures by allowing other withdrawal lines to take over the medium supply, ensuring continuous operation despite individual component failures.

Implementation Method 1

a first heat exchanger which serves to temper the withdrawn medium, in particular hydrogen, to the desired withdrawal conditions, in particular to heat it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

The internal tank heat exchanger in each extraction line serves to control or regulate the pressure inside the storage container using the heated extracted medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4191120B1Cryogenic storage system
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO KG
  • EP4191120B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4191120B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4191120B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage system for storing a cryogenic medium, in particular for storing hydrogen, comprising a storage container (1) for receiving the medium, wherein a first extraction line forms a fluid-conducting connection from the interior of the storage container (1) to a consumer connection (10) for connecting a consumer, wherein at least a first controllable line shut-off valve (6) and a first heat exchanger (3) are arranged in the first extraction line, wherein a second extraction line, distinct from the first extraction line, forms a fluid-conducting connection from the interior of the storage container (1) to a consumer connection (10) for connecting the same consumer, wherein at least a second controllable line shut-off valve (7) and a further first heat exchanger (3) are arranged in the second extraction line.