Cryogenic Tank Pressure Sharing for Space-Efficient Multi-Tank Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple storage tank systems for cryogenic fluids face challenges in space utilization and efficiency due to the need for individual pressure control devices for each tank, limiting capacity and requiring additional installation space, as well as inefficient charging processes when multiple tanks are used.
Innovation Solution
A multiple storage tank system where a single pressure control device manages the internal pressure of multiple tanks through a build-up line and gas transfer line, allowing all tanks to be charged and pressurized efficiently, even when only one tank is initially charged, thereby optimizing space use and charging convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple storage tanks are used to increase cryogenic fluid storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple pressure control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure control functions into a single integrated pressure control device that can control the internal pressure of multiple storage tanks simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the ability to store large amounts of cryogenic fluid across multiple tanks while eliminating the need for separate pressure control devices for each tank, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure control device is designed with multi-functional capability to perform pressure control for multiple storage tanks. This universal device can selectively control pressure in different tanks or all tanks simultaneously, providing the versatility needed to maintain storage capacity while reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure control devices are installed for each storage tank, then pressure control precision is improved, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple pressure control devices into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total installation space required while maintaining pressure control precision through centralized control mechanisms that can accurately regulate pressure across multiple tanks
3Productivity
If individual charging lines are provided for each storage tank, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging lines into a single charging line that can charge multiple storage tanks. This integrated charging system maintains charging efficiency by enabling selective or simultaneous charging of different tanks while significantly reducing the complexity and installation space requirements compared to individual charging lines for each tank
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 solution enables more efficient storage and utilization of cryogenic fluids in limited spaces by sharing a pressure control device among multiple tanks, improving user convenience and reducing the need for additional installation space and charging lines, while maintaining effective pressure control and charging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
when the internal pressure of the first storage tank is controlled... gas inside the first storage tank is transferred to at least one other storage tank... through the gas transfer line so that internal pressure of the other storage tanks is also controlled
Implementation Method 2
a build-up line branching off at a predetermined position of the supply line to control internal pressure of a first storage tank of the plurality of storage tanks
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of discharge lines respectively connected to the plurality of storage tanks to discharge the stored cryogenic fluid or introduce a cryogenic fluid; a supply line connected to the plurality of discharge lines and a supply target to supply the cryogenic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple storage tank system includes: storage tanks in which cryogenic fluid is stored; discharge lines connected to the storage tanks to discharge the stored cryogenic fluid or introduce cryogenic fluid; a supply line connected to the discharge lines and a supply target to supply the discharged cryogenic fluid to the supply target; a build-up line branching off the supply line to control internal pressure of a first storage tank of the storage tanks; and a gas transfer line connected to the storage tanks to transfer gas inside the storage tanks, wherein when the internal pressure of the first storage tank is controlled while the cryogenic fluid passes through the build-up line, gas inside the first storage tank is transferred to at least one other storage tank through the gas transfer line so that internal pressure of the at least one other storage tank is controlled.