Liquefied Gas Filling Device Scavenging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for filling cryogenic fluids like liquefied hydrogen on board a vehicle are hindered by the need for excessive on-board mass and volume, slow inerting times, and the lack of flexible and safe filling solutions that can handle low-density gases and precise temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A device with a scavenging system using multiple sources of pressurized gas and a vacuum pump, connected via valves to both liquid and gas transfer lines, allows for efficient inerting, purging, and precise control of the filling process, including a liquid-gas mixer for temperature regulation and a centralized control system for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current industrial methods for filling cryogenic fluids are used on vehicles, then filling functionality is achieved, but on-board mass and volume become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inerting function from the on-board system by using an external inert gas source connected through the filling hose, rather than carrying inerting equipment in the vehicle. This separates the inerting operation from the vehicle's permanent equipment, reducing on-board mass while maintaining filling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The filling hose is designed to serve multiple functions: transferring cryogenic liquid, providing a pathway for inert gas during inerting operations, and enabling both single-line and dual-line filling modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated inerting equipment on board
2Productivity
If current industrial methods for filling cryogenic fluids are used on vehicles, then filling functionality is achieved, but on-board volume becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inerting function from the on-board system by using an external inert gas source connected through the filling hose, rather than carrying inerting equipment in the vehicle. This separates the inerting operation from the vehicle's permanent equipment, reducing on-board volume while maintaining filling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The filling hose is designed to serve multiple functions: transferring cryogenic liquid, providing a pathway for inert gas during inerting operations, and enabling both single-line and dual-line filling modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated inerting equipment on board
3Reliability
If traditional inerting methods are used, then line inerting is achieved, but inerting time becomes excessive (over 30 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous inert gas flow through the filling hose during the entire inerting process by maintaining pressure differential and using the hose as a dedicated inert gas pathway. This continuous action replaces intermittent or manual inerting methods, reducing inerting time from over 30 minutes to a much shorter duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressurized inert gas flow through the filling hose to achieve rapid inerting. By utilizing pneumatic flow through the existing liquid transfer pathway, the system achieves fast inerting without requiring additional mechanical inerting equipment or manual operations
4Temperature
If precise temperature control is implemented, then liquefied gas injection temperature is controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the cryogenic liquid itself as the cooling medium for temperature control. The liquid hydrogen flowing through the filling hose provides passive cooling to maintain appropriate temperatures during transfer, eliminating the need for external refrigeration equipment or complex active temperature control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls temperature by managing the physical state and flow parameters of the cryogenic liquid itself. By controlling flow rate, pressure, and utilizing the liquid's own thermal properties, the system achieves temperature control without adding complex thermal management equipment
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 solution enables rapid and safe filling of cryogenic fluids by reducing on-board mass and volume, improving inerting efficiency, and providing precise temperature control, while ensuring safety and flexibility in filling methods.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump, and a fourth set of scavenging lines connecting the suction element to both the first and second transfer lines
Implementation Method 2
either using a transfer pump or by pressure differential (positive pressure between the upstream and downstream tanks)
Implementation Method 3
a liquid-gas mixer for temperature regulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Liquefied gas filling device comprising a fluid circuit having a first liquid transfer line (3) having a first end (13) intended to be connected to a liquefied gas source (4) and a second end (23) intended to be connected to a tank (5) to be filled, a second gas transfer line (6) having a first end (16) intended to be connected to the liquefied gas source (4) and a second end (26) intended to be connected to said tank (5) to be filled, the circuit comprising at least a third transfer line (7) connecting the first (3) and second (6) transfer lines, and a vent device (8) connected to the first (3) and second (6) transfer lines via a set of safety valve(s), the circuit comprising a set of valve(s) (29) for controlling the fluid flow in the lines of the circuit, the device comprising a gas purging system for the circuit,characterized in that the scavenging system comprises a first source (9) of pressurized gas, and a first set of scavenging pipe(s) (10, 22, 7, 40, 41, 28) connecting the first source (9) of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first (3) and second (6) transfer pipes via a set of valve(s) (11, 12, 14, 15).