Cryogenic Storage Tank Heat-Transfer Wall for Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic tanks experience significant temperature stratification between liquid and vapor phases, leading to rapid pressure increases, which can exceed safe limits during prolonged storage, particularly in tanks containing fluids like hydrogen or liquefied helium.
Innovation Solution
A heat-transfer wall with high thermal conductivity is arranged vertically and longitudinally within the tank, extending over a significant portion of the storage shell to homogenize temperature and reduce stratification, featuring a corrugated design with fins to enhance thermal exchange and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a heat-transfer wall is introduced to homogenize temperature, then temperature stratification is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-transfer wall is divided into multiple segments or panels that can be independently installed and maintained. This segmentation allows the complex homogenization function to be achieved through modular components, reducing the complexity of installation and repair while maintaining temperature uniformity throughout the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-transfer wall acts as an intermediary element between the liquid and vapor phases, facilitating thermal exchange without requiring direct contact or complex mechanical systems. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall device complexity while effectively homogenizing temperature through controlled thermal conduction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heat-transfer wall extends vertically over a larger portion of the storage shell, then temperature homogenization improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-transfer wall is strategically positioned to extend vertically over the critical temperature stratification zones rather than uniformly across the entire storage shell. This localized approach achieves effective temperature homogenization in the most problematic areas while reducing manufacturing complexity and material requirements compared to full-height coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-transfer wall extends vertically over 20 to 100% of the storage shell height, allowing partial coverage (20-80%) to achieve sufficient temperature homogenization without the full cost and complexity of 100% coverage. This partial action principle optimizes the balance between performance and manufacturing ease.
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 effectively reduces temperature stratification, preventing excessive pressure buildup and ensuring safe operation by maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the tank's volume.
Implementation Method 1
a homogenization device for homogenizing the temperature of the fluid vertically in the tank, the homogenization device consisting of at least one heat-transfer wall consisting of a material with a coefficient of thermal conductivity of greater than 30 W·m−1·K−1
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tank for storing cryogenic fluid, for example hydrogen or liquefied helium, having a storage shell with a cylindrical overall shape extending in a longitudinal direction that is horizontal when the tank is in the use configuration, the storage shell having, within it, a homogenization device for homogenizing the temperature of the fluid vertically in the tank, the homogenization device having at least one heat-transfer wall having a material with a coefficient of thermal conductivity of greater than 30 W·m−1·K−1, the transfer wall being arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tank and extending vertically over 20 to 100% of the height of the storage shell and extending longitudinally over at least 50% of the length of the storage shell.