Cryogenic Tank Multi-Layer Structure Mass Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage tanks for cryogenic fluids, such as liquefied carbon dioxide, face issues with high cost, large mass, chemical incompatibility, insufficient sealing, mechanical resistance, and thermal insulation, particularly in semi-trailer type vehicles using single-walled tanks without vacuum insulation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered tank structure comprising a waterproof metallic layer, a laminated carbon or glass fiber layer, a thick thermal insulation layer, and an outer laminated layer, using materials like expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, and vacuum-insulated panels, with a specific thickness distribution to ensure mechanical strength, thermal insulation, and chemical compatibility, while reducing mass and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-walled cryogenic tank made of fine-grained carbon steel with polyurethane insulation is used, then mechanical resistance and chemical compatibility are ensured, but the tank mass and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) layers with stainless steel liners and vacuum insulation. The CFRP provides mechanical strength while being lighter than carbon steel, and the vacuum insulation eliminates the need for heavy polyurethane insulation layers, thereby reducing overall tank mass while maintaining mechanical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank wall is segmented into multiple functional layers: an inner stainless steel liner for chemical compatibility, intermediate CFRP layers for mechanical strength, and a vacuum space for thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while collectively reducing the total mass compared to a monolithic carbon steel construction.
2Loss of energy
If a single-walled cryogenic tank with polyurethane insulation is used, then thermal insulation is provided, but the tank mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the insulation medium (polyurethane foam) from the tank wall structure and replaces it with a vacuum space. By removing the thermal conduction path through the wall, vacuum insulation provides superior thermal insulation performance without the mass penalty of thick polyurethane layers, directly addressing the contradiction between insulation effectiveness and tank mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of CFRP structural layers with vacuum insulation creates a composite wall structure that achieves both mechanical strength and thermal insulation. The CFRP layers provide structural integrity while the vacuum provides thermal isolation, eliminating the need for heavy polyurethane insulation and reducing overall tank mass.
3Reliability
If fine-grained carbon steel is used for the tank wall, then mechanical resistance and chemical compatibility are ensured, but the tank cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where a thin stainless steel liner (0.5-2mm) provides chemical compatibility with cryogenic fluids, while the primary structural load-bearing function is transferred to the external CFRP layers. This allows reduction of the expensive stainless steel thickness while maintaining chemical compatibility, thereby reducing overall tank cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The stainless steel liner is applied only as a thin inner layer where chemical compatibility is required, rather than using thick carbon steel throughout the entire wall structure. The CFRP layers provide the bulk of the mechanical strength, allowing optimization of material placement according to specific functional requirements and reducing overall material cost.
4Weight of moving object
If a multi-layered structure with vacuum insulation is used, then thermal insulation and mass reduction are achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tank wall is divided into distinct functional segments: an inner stainless steel liner, intermediate CFRP layers, and a vacuum space. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function (chemical compatibility, mechanical strength, thermal insulation) while simplifying the design and manufacturing process compared to attempting a monolithic structure.
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 multi-layered structure provides effective thermal insulation, mechanical resistance, and chemical compatibility with cryogenic fluids, significantly reducing the tank's mass and cost compared to traditional fine-grained carbon steel tanks, while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency in transporting cryogenic fluids.
Implementation Method 1
the tank being devoid of vacuum insulation
Implementation Method 2
a third layer comprising a thickness of thermal insulation
Implementation Method 3
a second layer comprising a thickness of laminated material based on carbon fibers and/or glass fibres, a fourth layer comprising a thickness of laminated material based on carbon fibers and/or fiberglass
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Cryogenic fluid storage tank without vacuum insulation and comprising a wall (3) comprising a multilayer structure including, from the inside of the tank (1) to the outside of the tank (1): - a first sealed layer (13) comprising one of: a resin reinforced with glass fibers and/or carbon fibers, a polymer such as polyurethane, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, - a second layer (23) comprising a thickness of laminated material based on carbon fibers and/or glass fibers, - a third layer (33) comprising a thickness of thermal insulation, - a fourth layer (43) comprising a thickness of laminated material based on carbon fibers and/or glass fibers, the first layer (13) having a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 6 mm, the second layer (23) having a thickness of between 5 and 40 mm, the third layer (33) having a thickness of between 20 and 200 mm,the fourth layer (43) having a thickness between 2 and 20mm.