Dual-Line Gas Transport Trailer for Simultaneous Multi-Consumer Refueling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas transport trailers can only supply one consumer at a time, and simultaneous refueling of multiple consumers with different refueling parameters is not possible.

Innovation Solution

A gas transport trailer with two main supply/discharge lines and corresponding connection units allows for simultaneous and independent refueling of multiple consumers with different parameters by using a control unit to manage valve arrangements and sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single main supply/discharge line is used in the gas transport trailer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases because only one consumer can be supplied at a time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefueling throughputVSAvoidnumber of main supply lines
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single main supply line is segmented into multiple independent main supply/discharge lines (first main supply line 12, second main supply line 12'). Each line can independently connect to different consumers, enabling simultaneous refueling operations while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single main supply/discharge line is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability decreases because varying refueling parameters between consumers is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefueling parameter flexibilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the refueling operation into independent channels through separate main supply lines, each with its own connection unit and control systems. This allows different refueling parameters (pressure, flow rate) to be applied to different consumers simultaneously while keeping each channel's operation simple and intuitive

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts refueling parameters for each consumer independently through separate control units that can adjust pressure, flow rate, and other parameters based on consumer-specific requirements, enabling flexible operation without compromising ease of use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If simultaneous refueling of multiple consumers is enabled, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional valve arrangements and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous refueling capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into independent control units for each main supply line, with each unit managing its own valve arrangements and sensors. This modular approach enables simultaneous refueling of multiple consumers while keeping the control logic for each unit relatively simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4459172B1Gas transport trailer, gas refuelling system and related refuelling method
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 GP JOULE HYDROGEN GMBH
  • EP4459172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4459172B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4459172B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a gas transport trailer (2) for transporting gaseous or liquid gas, comprising at least one storage section (4) with at least one receiving container (6) for receiving a gas to be transported, a main inlet/outlet line (12) which is fluidly connected to the receiving container (6), and a connection unit (14) which is fluidly connected to the main inlet/outlet line (12) and is configured to be fluidly coupled to a connection of a gas transfer unit (102) for loading or unloading the gas transport trailer (2). The invention further relates to a gas refueling system (300) and a method (400).According to the invention, it is proposed that the main supply/outlet (12) is a first main supply/outlet (12) and the gas transport trailer (2) has a second main supply/outlet (12') which is fluidly connected to the receiving container (6) and a second connection unit (14') which is fluidly connected to the second main supply/outlet (12') and is configured to be fluidly coupled to a second connection of a gas transfer unit (102) for loading or unloading the gas transport trailer (2).