Dual-Pressure Cryogenic Storage for Reduced Hydrogen Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for storing and dispensing liquefied hydrogen suffer from significant pressure-related losses during transportation and storage, with up to 15% of hydrogen being wasted due to the low density of liquid hydrogen and the need for pressurization, which introduces energy and requires additional infrastructure for loss recirculation.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates two liquefied gas stores with different pressures, allowing for a transfer of fluid between them via a connecting pipe with valves, enabling the second store to be filled at a lower pressure, reducing the pressure buildup in mobile stores and minimizing gaseous product losses during transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrogen is stored and transported in liquid state, then transportation efficiency is improved, but pressure buildup and evaporation losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage into two separate stores: a first store for liquid hydrogen at higher pressure and a second store for liquid hydrogen at lower pressure. This segmentation allows independent pressure management, enabling the mobile store to be filled at lower pressure from the second store, thereby reducing evaporation losses while maintaining efficient liquid-state transportation in the first store.
Solution Approach 2:
The second store acts as an intermediary between the mobile store and the first store. The mobile store is filled from the second store at lower pressure, and the second store is subsequently filled from the first store. This intermediary structure prevents direct high-pressure filling of the mobile store, reducing pressure buildup and associated evaporation losses during transportation.
2Power
If mobile stores are pressurized for discharge, then discharge capability is improved, but energy consumption and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the pressure difference between the two stores to enable self-service pressure equalization. When the mobile store needs refilling, the second store automatically fills it using its own pressure, and then the first store fills the second store when needed. This eliminates the need for external pressurization equipment and reduces system complexity while maintaining discharge capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by maintaining two different pressure levels in the two stores. The first store operates at higher pressure for efficient liquid storage, while the second store operates at lower pressure for gentle filling of mobile stores. This parameter differentiation allows the system to achieve both discharge capability and reduced pressurization requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If single high-pressure store is used, then storage density is improved, but filling losses and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two stores with different pressure levels. The first store maintains high pressure for high storage density, while the second store operates at lower pressure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall storage density while enabling low-pressure filling operations that reduce energy consumption and filling losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs different pressure parameters in the two stores: the first store uses high pressure to maximize storage density, while the second store uses lower pressure to minimize energy consumption during filling operations. This dual-parameter approach resolves the contradiction between storage density and energy efficiency.
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 limits pressure in mobile stores, reduces energy consumption for pressurization, and minimizes hydrogen losses by allowing liquefied fluid to be transferred by gravity, optimizing storage capacities and reducing the need for additional infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The two liquefied gas stores are arranged relatively so as to allow liquefied fluid to be transferred from the second store to the first store by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Plant and method for storing and distributing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, comprising a liquefied gas source and a distribution member, comprising a first fluid inlet connected to the liquefied gas source and a second end intended to be connected to a user of the pressurized liquefied gas supplied by the distribution member, the source comprising a first liquefied gas store configured to store and supply the liquefied gas to the distribution member at a first determined pressure, the source comprising a second liquefied gas store configured to store the liquefied gas at a second determined pressure which is lower than the first pressure, the plant comprising a connecting pipe having a valve assembly connecting the first and second liquefied gas stores, the plant comprising a filling pipe having a valve assembly and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas store and a second end intended to be connected to a mobile store for supplying liquefied gas to fill the source.