Multi-Cryotank Hydrogen Supply With Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-tank hydrogen storage systems for motor vehicles face issues such as reduced vehicle range due to unused hydrogen when a cryocontainer fails, and pressure and temperature inconsistencies between tanks, leading to inefficient fuel delivery and filling challenges.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cryostorage system with two cryocontainers connected via a cryogenic line, featuring a cryopump in the primary tank to supply hydrogen at low pressure and temperature to a heat exchanger, with check valves for pressure equilibration and a buffer container to manage fluctuating delivery, allowing for efficient fuel transfer and pressure management between tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple independent cryocontainers are used to store hydrogen, then the storage capacity and vehicle range are increased, but the system complexity and pressure management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cryocontainers into a unified hydraulic system where tanks are connected via common supply lines and a central pressure control valve. This allows the system to manage multiple tanks with reduced complexity by centralizing control functions rather than requiring independent control for each tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control valve serves multiple functions: it regulates pressure for the entire multi-tank system, enables selective supply from different tanks, and maintains pressure equilibrium between tanks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If cryocontainers are designed to be technically complete and independent, then reliability is improved, but hydrogen waste occurs when a container fails and the operating pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central pressure control valve as an intermediary that mediates between multiple cryocontainers and the consumer. This valve enables flexible routing and pressure regulation, allowing the system to maintain reliability while preventing hydrogen waste through coordinated management of all tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different tank configurations and supply paths based on real-time conditions such as tank pressure levels and consumer demands. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize hydrogen utilization and prevent waste while maintaining reliable supply.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sizes and extraction rates are used in cryocontainers, then adaptability is improved, but pressure and temperature inconsistencies arise affecting subsequent filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pressure feedback control through the central pressure control valve that continuously monitors and adjusts system pressure based on tank levels and consumer demands. This feedback mechanism maintains pressure and temperature consistency despite varying extraction rates and tank sizes, ensuring stable conditions for subsequent filling operations.
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 minimizes operating pressure in the inner tanks, enables efficient hydrogen delivery to consumers, and optimizes system weight and cost by using a single cryopump for multiple tanks, ensuring consistent fuel supply and reduced pressure differences between tanks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cryopump is arranged in the inner tank of one of the cryocontainers, namely in the primary inner tank of the primary storage system. Liquid and/or gaseous hydrogen can be supplied by the cryopump at very low temperature
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger, which warms the hydrogen and delivers it further to a consumer
Implementation Method 3
the two cryocontainers, in particular, the two inner containers, are connected in hydraulic communication, i.e., so as to convey fluid, via a cryogenic connecting line
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-cryostorage system that includes at least two cryocontainers for storing hydrogen. The at least two cryocontainers are connected in hydraulic communication via a cryogenic connecting line, and include a primary storage system having a primary inner tank and a primary outer container, and at least one secondary storage system having a secondary inner tank and a secondary outer container. A heat exchanger is operable to heat the hydrogen, and at least one cryopump is arranged in the primary inner tank to supply unpressurised liquid hydrogen and/or unpressurised gaseous hydrogen in one or more stages at low temperature, to the heat exchanger for delivery to a consumer at a pressure higher than the pressure in the primary inner tank.