Cryogenic Pressure Vessel with Thermal Barrier and Structural Insert
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airplane tanks are inadequate for storing hydrogen due to the need for large-volume, high-pressure tanks with enhanced shock resistance and cooling capabilities, which are not met by existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic fluid pressure vessel with a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic first wall layer, a thermal barrier second wall layer, and a structural insert for mechanical coupling, designed to withstand high pressures and provide efficient cooling and shock resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large-volume tank is used to store hydrogen, then the storage capacity is improved, but the tank requires increased shock resistance and structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner liner layer for hydrogen containment, an intermediate structural layer for pressure resistance and shock absorption, and an outer thermal insulation layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining large storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The tank employs composite material construction with the inner liner made of hydrogen-compatible materials, the structural layer using high-strength alloys or composites for shock resistance, and the outer layer using thermal insulation materials. This composite approach enables the tank to meet multiple requirements (storage capacity, shock resistance, thermal protection) without increasing complexity
2Quantity of substance
If the tank is designed to withstand high pressure, then the hydrogen storage density is improved, but the tank requires enhanced structural strength and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank uses composite material construction with high-strength-to-weight ratio materials in the structural layer, such as carbon-fiber reinforced polymers or aluminum-lithium alloys, which provide the necessary pressure resistance while minimizing weight increase
Solution Approach 2:
The tank structure implements local quality optimization by concentrating structural reinforcement only in areas subjected to highest stress concentrations, such as the dome ends and circumferential joints, while using thinner walls in less critical areas, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining high-pressure capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If jet fuel is stored in the wings for uniform mass distribution, then the mass distribution is improved, but the cooling capability for hydrogen storage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a thermal management system with coolant channels and heat exchangers as intermediary elements between the hydrogen storage spaces and the wing structure, enabling efficient heat transfer from the hydrogen to the wing cooling system, thus maintaining uniform mass distribution while providing adequate cooling capability
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 cryogenic fluid pressure vessel effectively stores cryogenic fluids like hydrogen, ensuring safe and efficient operation by addressing the challenges of high pressure, low temperature, and shock resistance, while also integrating seamlessly with aircraft architecture.
Implementation Method 1
a second wall layer (5), which is arranged on an outer surface (4) of the first wall layer (2) and has a thermal barrier (6)
Implementation Method 2
a first wall layer (2), which contains carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, having an inner contact surface (3) for the contact with a pressurized cryogenic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic fluid pressure vessel for an aircraft, having: a first wall layer, which contains carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, having an inner contact surface for the contact with a pressurized cryogenic fluid to be accommodated inside the cryogenic fluid pressure vessel; a second wall layer, which is arranged on an outer surface of the first wall layer and has a thermal barrier; a closable inlet/outlet opening for cryogenic fluid, which extends through the first and the second wall layer; and a structural insert integrated in the first and the second wall layer, which has a fastening connecting piece located on the outside of the cryogenic fluid pressure vessel for mechanically coupling the cryogenic fluid pressure vessel with external structures; wherein the cryogenic fluid pressure vessel forms an essentially cylindrical main body. Furthermore, the present invention provides an aircraft having such a cryogenic fluid pressure vessel.