Double-Walled Inflatable Gas Storage With Pressurized Intermediate Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable structures are inadequate for storing large volumes of gas across various environmental conditions, particularly for gases like CO2, as they lack the necessary durability and adaptability to withstand extreme weather and meet industry standards for safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable structure comprising a flexible, impermeable bladder with an outer wall and a pressurized intermediate space, equipped with blowers, sensors, and controls to manage pressure, allowing for the storage of large volumes of gas such as CO2, with the option to interconnect multiple units for increased capacity and adaptability to environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer inflatable structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot withstand extreme weather conditions and has poor durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested double-walled structure where an inner inflatable bladder is placed within an outer inflatable wall. The inner bladder contains the storage gas while the outer wall provides structural support and environmental protection. This nesting arrangement enables the structure to withstand extreme weather conditions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is divided into two independent functional segments: the inner bladder for gas storage and the outer wall for environmental resistance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the contradiction between simplicity and durability.
2Strength
If the intermediate space is pressurized to meet wind and snow loading standards, then the structural strength is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressurization parameter of the intermediate space based on environmental conditions. During extreme weather events, the blower increases pressure to meet wind and snow loading standards. During normal conditions, the pressure is reduced to minimize energy consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurization level of the intermediate space is made dynamic rather than static. The blower operation is controlled to provide variable pressure levels, increasing pressure only when environmental loads require enhanced structural strength, thereby optimizing the balance between strength and energy consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple inflatable structures are interconnected to increase storage capacity, then the gas storage volume is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each inflatable structure is designed as a universal module with standardized connection interfaces. Multiple identical modules can be interconnected through ductwork to achieve different storage capacities. This universality allows scalable expansion while keeping the increase in complexity manageable, as each module performs the same functions and connects in a standardized manner.
4Reliability
If sensors and controls are added to manage pressure and environmental conditions, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are installed to monitor pressure and environmental conditions within the inflatable structure. This feedback information is fed to control systems that automatically adjust blower operation and valve positioning to maintain optimal conditions. The feedback mechanism improves reliability by enabling real-time monitoring and automatic correction of deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to autonomously manage pressure and environmental conditions based on sensor inputs, reducing the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates by automatically activating blowers, adjusting valves, and responding to environmental changes, thereby improving reliability while keeping operational complexity manageable through automation.
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 provides a cost-effective, flexible, and adaptable gas storage system capable of storing large volumes of CO2, meeting industry standards for wind and snow loading, and allowing for easy installation in diverse climates, while minimizing gas leakage and ensuring efficient gas handling and pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable bladder containing gas for storage ('storage gas') made of flexible material impermeable to the storage gas
Implementation Method 2
an outer inflatable wall, separated from the inflatable bladder by a pressurized intermediate space containing a gas different from the storage gas
Implementation Method 3
one or more blowers may be operatively connected to the intermediate space to pressurize the intermediate space with air, or other gas
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable structure for gas storage includes an inner bladder containing a gas for storage and an outer wall spaced from the inner bladder. An intermediate space between the bladder and the outer wall is pressurized with a gas (such as air) other than the storage gas so that the structure is protected from environmental conditions such as wind and snow loading. The bladder and outer wall may be flexible fabric membranes and may be provided with lightweight support frames. The structures may be combined in a network of like structures for large scale storage.