Cryogenic Tank Dome Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic tanks have large dead volumes due to their design, which reduces the useful storage volume and compromises thermal performance, especially when storing sensitive fluids like hydrogen in liquid form.
Innovation Solution
A compact cryogenic tank design featuring an inner casing with a dome-shaped portion at each longitudinal end, secured to an outer casing with mechanical connections that are strategically positioned on the domes, reducing dead volume and enhancing thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional supports (neck and tie rods) are used to connect inner and outer shells, then mechanical strength is ensured, but dead volume increases and useful storage volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple discrete support elements (ribs or struts) distributed around the circumference of the tank ends, rather than using continuous neck structures. This segmentation allows the supports to provide necessary mechanical strength while minimizing the volume occupied by support structures, thereby increasing useful storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a three-dimensional neck structure extending along the longitudinal axis to a two-dimensional rib structure located at the dome ends. This dimensional change eliminates the longitudinal space occupied by necks while maintaining end-to-end mechanical connection through the dome curvature.
2Strength
If traditional supports are used to ensure mechanical strength, then structural integrity is maintained, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to increased thermal conduction paths
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is extracted from the longitudinal neck configuration and repositioned to the dome ends only. This extraction removes the continuous thermal conduction path along the length of the tank, isolating the thermal bridges to only the end regions where support is mechanically necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ribs act as intermediary elements that provide mechanical connection between inner and outer shells at the dome ends while minimizing thermal conduction. By positioning supports at the dome curvature rather than creating continuous longitudinal paths, the intermediary supports reduce thermal loss while maintaining structural integrity.
3Volume of moving object
If compact architecture is implemented to reduce dead volume, then useful storage volume increases, but mechanical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection function is merged with the dome structure itself. The support ribs are integrated into the dome geometry, combining the end cap function with the support function in a single structural element, thereby simplifying the overall design while achieving compact architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The dome structure serves multiple functions: it provides the end closure of the tank, maintains the pressure vessel geometry, and incorporates the support ribs for mechanical connection between shells. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the mechanical connection system while maximizing useful volume.
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 design achieves a more efficient use of volume, reduces thermal inputs, and maintains mechanical strength, allowing for the storage of cryogenic fluids with improved thermal performance and increased storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the space between said inner and outer casings comprising thermal insulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Cryogenic tank comprising a structure for holding an inner casing (2) in an outer casing (3), with a first connection (5) between the first end (21) of the inner casing (2) and the first end (31) of the outer casing (3), and a second connection (6) between the second end (22) of the inner casing (2) and the second end (32) of the outer casing (3), the first connection (5) being integral on the one hand with a curved region of the dome (31) of the first end of the outer casing (3) and on the other hand with a curved region of the dome (21) of the first end of the inner casing (2), the second connection (6) being integral on the one hand with a curved region of the dome (32) of the second end of the outer casing (3) and on the other hand with a curved region of the dome (22) of the second end of the inner casing (2).