Cryogenic Storage Vessel with Secondary Thermal Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for storing cryogenic materials are expensive and difficult to manufacture, limiting their accessibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing low-cost components and common materials to store cryogenic materials efficiently, employing a primary vessel with an insulating layer and a secondary vessel that uses a secondary cryogenic material to absorb thermal energy, minimizing energy consumption through a closed cycle process involving a heat exchanger, vacuum pump, and blower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to store cryogenic material, then storage reliability is maintained, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage function into two separate vessels: a primary vessel for initial cryogenic material storage and a secondary vessel for maintaining cryogenic conditions. This segmentation allows each vessel to be simpler and cheaper to manufacture while collectively providing reliable storage through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary cryogenic material in the secondary vessel acts as an intermediary that absorbs thermal energy from the primary vessel, maintaining the cryogenic state without requiring the primary vessel to be perfectly insulated. This intermediary approach reduces the insulation requirements and manufacturing complexity of the primary vessel while ensuring storage reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional cryogenic storage systems are implemented, then storage capacity is sufficient, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase transitions of the secondary cryogenic material (between liquid and gaseous states) to absorb and release thermal energy. When thermal energy enters the secondary vessel, the material absorbs it during phase change, maintaining the primary vessel's cryogenic state without requiring continuous external energy input, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed cycle system continuously recycles the secondary cryogenic material between liquid and gaseous states, maintaining a continuous thermal energy absorption process. This continuous action ensures sustained storage capacity while minimizing external energy requirements, as the system self-regulates through the ongoing phase transition cycle.
3Ease of manufacture
If specialized equipment is used for cryogenic storage, then storage effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary vessel serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal buffer, a heat absorption medium, and a pressure regulation mechanism. By making the secondary vessel multi-functional, the system reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining storage effectiveness through the combined actions of these functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the secondary cryogenic material to automatically regulate thermal energy transfer to the primary vessel. When thermal energy increases, the secondary material absorbs it through phase change; when thermal energy decreases, the material releases it. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex active cooling systems or specialized insulation, reducing device complexity while ensuring storage effectiveness.
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 cost-effective storage of large quantities of cryogenic materials while using minimal energy, maintaining the cryogenic state by leveraging a closed cycle that recycles thermal energy and pressure differences between vessels.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer to slow the transfer of thermal energy from the surroundings into the primary cryogenic material
Implementation Method 2
the secondary vessel 30 absorbs thermal energy from the primary cryogenic material 28 within the primary vessel 24
Implementation Method 3
The pressure level inside the secondary vessel 30 is below atmospheric pressure causing the secondary cryogenic material 32 to change into the gaseous state
Implementation Method 4
The gaseous material 20 flows through a heat exchanger 18 towards a vacuum pump 14... The gaseous material 20 and secondary gaseous material 22 flow in opposite directions within the heat exchanger 18, transferring the thermal energy from the secondary gaseous material 22 to the gaseous material 20
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a system and method of storing various quantities of cryogenic material with lower cost than systems found in prior art. Novel feature of the system is the ability to use minimum amounts of different types of energy to maintain various quantities of cryogenic material. An additional novel feature is the use of common components and materials.