Cryogenic Tank Collector Layout for Lightweight Aircraft Gas Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of storing low-polluting gases like H2, O2, or C1/C2 gases on aircraft is complicated by their small molecule size, leading to potential leaks and the need for heavy, bulky pressurized containers, which are not suitable for aircraft storage, and these gases cannot be used by existing engines without conversion to the gaseous state.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic tank with an inner container and outer envelope, featuring a reduced-pressure insulation chamber and a removable collector, allows for efficient storage and easy maintenance, while maintaining low mass and compactness, and includes features like a thermally insulating neck and anti-sway members for stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressurized containers are used to store gases like H2, O2, or C1/C2 gas, then the gases can be stored, but the containers become too heavy and bulky for aircraft use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter from pressurized gas to liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures. This phase change allows for much higher density storage without requiring heavy pressure-containing structures, thus reducing container weight while maintaining storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of gases to liquid state through cryogenic cooling. By storing gases like hydrogen, oxygen, or methane in liquid form at very low temperatures, the system achieves compact storage without the need for high-pressure containment, directly addressing the weight and volume constraints
2Reliability
If pressurized containers are used to store gases like H2, O2, or C1/C2 gas, then the gases can be stored, but the containers become too bulky for aircraft use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter from pressurized gas to liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures. This phase change allows for much higher density storage without requiring heavy pressure-containing structures, thus reducing container weight while maintaining storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of gases to liquid state through cryogenic cooling. By storing gases like hydrogen, oxygen, or methane in liquid form at very low temperatures, the system achieves compact storage without the need for high-pressure containment, directly addressing the weight and volume constraints
3Volume of moving object
If cryogenic storage is used for gases, then the storage period is limited but the volume stored can be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary gasification of the liquefied gas before engine consumption. The collector with heating means pre-warms the liquid gas, initiating the phase change to gas phase in advance, which extends the usable storage period by preparing the fuel for immediate engine injection without waiting for passive evaporation
4Productivity
If a collector passes through the outer envelope and inner container, then gas can be extracted, but the sealing must maintain reduced pressure with high precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible neck as an intermediary element between the inner container and outer envelope. This neck provides a flexible sealed passage for the collector to extract liquefied gas while maintaining the vacuum insulation, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction without compromising sealing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible neck is made of elastomeric material that can deform elastically to maintain sealing under varying thermal and pressure conditions. This flexible membrane approach allows gas extraction while preserving the vacuum barrier, reducing the need for extremely rigid precision sealing
5Volume of moving object
If liquefied gas is stored in cryogenic tanks, then compactness is achieved, but the gas must be converted to gaseous state for engine use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary gasification of the liquefied gas before engine consumption. The collector with heating means pre-warms the liquid gas, initiating the phase change to gas phase in advance, which extends the usable storage period by preparing the fuel for immediate engine injection without waiting for passive evaporation
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 solution enables reliable, compact, and safe storage of liquefied gases, facilitating easy maintenance and conversion to the gaseous state for engine use, reducing the risk of leaks and weight, and allowing for efficient operation without the need for new standards or extensive maintenance training.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation chamber defined between the inner container and the outer envelope, the reduced-pressure insulation chamber having sealing equal to or better than 10−9 millibar*litre/second
Implementation Method 2
The collector extends over a diameter or a diagonal of the inner container and has a free end close to a bottom of the inner container
Data Source
AI summary
An aeronautical cryogenic tank device for storing gas, having a spherical or annular shape about an axis, comprising an inner container (26) defining a liquefied gas storage chamber (28), an outer envelope (27) containing the inner container (26), an insulation chamber (29) defined between the inner container (26) and the outer envelope (27), the reduced-pressure insulation chamber (29) having scaling equal to or better than 10-9 millibar*litre/second, a removable collector (38) passing through the outer envelope (27) and the inner container (26) in a sealed manner, the collector (38) extending over a diameter or a diagonal of the inner container (26) and having a free end close to a bottom of the inner container (26), and a conduit supplied by the collector (38).