Cryogenic Tank Heat Exchanger Layout for Low-Loss Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen storage devices face inefficiencies due to heat losses from cold and hot lines, exchangers, and complex pressure control systems, especially when storing large quantities, which affect operational efficiency and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a first heat exchanger located in the vacuum thermal insulation gap between the inner and outer jackets, with a withdrawal circuit featuring a three-way valve and heat exchangers in series, allowing flexible fluid routing and pressure control through a separate pressurization system, minimizing heat loss and maintaining thermodynamic equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat exchangers are located outside the vacuum insulation gap, then installation is simpler, but heat losses increase adversely affecting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The first heat exchanger is nested within the vacuum insulation gap between the inner and outer jackets of the cryogenic tank. This nesting arrangement allows the heat exchanger to be positioned in the thermal insulation zone without requiring additional external space, thereby reducing heat losses while avoiding excessive installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the heat exchanger from a conventional external position to an internal position within the vacuum insulation gap. This spatial repositioning in a different dimensional context (within the tank wall structure rather than outside) achieves better thermal isolation while maintaining manageable installation complexity through integrated design.
2Measurement precision
If a complex pressure control system with multiple valves and circuits is used, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and separates the pressurization function from the withdrawal circuit by implementing a dedicated pressurization system with a separate pressurization line. This extraction allows for simplified control of each function independently while maintaining precise pressure control through specialized components positioned strategically within the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The first heat exchanger positioned in the vacuum insulation gap serves multiple functions: it acts as a heat exchanger for the withdrawal circuit and simultaneously provides pressurization capability through integrated heating elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining control precision.
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
This configuration reduces heat losses, maintains thermodynamic equilibrium, and simplifies pressure control, enhancing operational efficiency and stability, especially under varying conditions such as vehicle movement.
Implementation Method 1
a cryogenic tank for storing liquefied fluid of the double-wall and vacuum-insulated type comprising an inner jacket delimiting the fluid storage volume and an outer jacket disposed around the inner jacket with a vacuum thermal insulation gap between the two jackets
Implementation Method 2
the withdrawal line comprising a first heating heat exchanger located outside the inner jacket and a second heating heat exchanger located inside the inner jacket
Implementation Method 3
the inlet of the first heat exchanger receiving the flow of fluid coming from the first end of the withdrawal line is located in the vacuum thermal insulation gap between the two jackets
Data Source
AI summary
A liquefied fuel cryogenic tank has an inner jacket delimiting a fluid storage volume and an outer jacket disposed around the inner jacket with a vacuum thermal insulation gap therebetween. A withdrawal circuit has an assembly of one or more valves and a withdrawal line that has a first heating heat exchanger located outside the inner jacket and a second heating heat exchanger located inside the inner jacket. Fluid flows through the withdrawal line via the first heat exchanger and then the second heat exchanger or via the first heat exchanger without entering the second heat exchanger.