Fog Mitigation System for Cryogenic Vaporizers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen storage and dispensing systems, as well as other systems using cryogenic fluids, often result in fog formation due to the cold outer skin of vaporizers condensing water vapor in the air, leading to reduced visibility and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fog mitigation system that includes a fog collection device, such as a mesh body or a housing with a fan and nozzle apparatus, positioned adjacent to the vaporizer to collect and remove water from the fog, along with an air drying system to pre-treat the air before it reaches the vaporizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a vaporizer is used to heat cryogenic liquid to vapor, then the cryogenic liquid can be vaporized for dispensing, but the cold outer skin of the vaporizer condenses water vapor in the air forming fog that reduces visibility and creates safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent collects the fog (water vapor condensation) that forms around the vaporizer and uses it as a water source for landscaping irrigation. The fog collection devices capture the condensed water, which is then filtered and pumped to irrigation systems, converting the harmful fog into a beneficial water resource for environmental enhancement and cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fog collection devices as intermediary components between the vaporizer and the surrounding environment. These devices (including mesh bodies, fans, and collection chambers) act as mediators that capture and redirect the fog away from the dispersion area, preventing direct contact between the fog and the surrounding air while utilizing the condensed water beneficially.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fog collection devices are added to mitigate fog, then visibility and safety are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated fog mitigation systems that include fog collection devices, water filtration systems, and irrigation pumps working together as a unified system. The mesh bodies, fans, and collection chambers are integrated into cohesive units that perform fog capture, water collection, and irrigation functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fog collection devices serve multiple purposes: they improve visibility by capturing fog, provide water for irrigation, cool the surrounding environment through evaporation, and can be positioned to enhance aesthetic appeal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and justifies the added complexity through multiple benefits from a single integrated solution.
3Productivity
If the vaporizer operates continuously to meet fueling demand, then productivity is maintained, but fog formation increases and spreads over a larger area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions fog collection devices at strategic locations around the vaporizer before fog can spread extensively. The fans and mesh bodies are pre-positioned to intercept fog at its source and in its early dispersion paths, capturing water vapor condensation before it can travel far and create widespread visibility issues or safety concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The fog collection system operates continuously alongside the vaporizer, maintaining constant fog capture and water collection. The irrigation system runs continuously or periodically to utilize the collected water, ensuring that fog mitigation is an ongoing process that matches the continuous operation of the vaporizer and prevents fog accumulation and spread.
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 effectively minimizes fog formation and spread, improving visibility and safety while also reducing the aesthetic impact and customer apprehension associated with fog at fueling stations or other sites.
Implementation Method 1
the cold outer skin of an ambient vaporizer cooling nearby air to form a fog (e.g. condensation of water vapor within the air)
Implementation Method 2
A fan can be positioned adjacent the chamber that is rotatable to help drive the fog flow into the chamber
Implementation Method 3
The at least one fog collection device can be configured to collect fog formable adjacent the vaporizer to remove water from the fog for fog mitigation
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and process for fog mitigation can be include a mechanism to reduce fog formation and/or condense the fog into water to avoid fog being formed and moving through a site. Embodiments can be configured to utilize at least one fog collection mechanism positioned adjacent a vaporizer utilized to vaporizer a cryogenic liquid so that fog that may form adjacent the vaporizer is removed from air surrounding the vaporizer and prevented from spreading beyond the vaporizer to other areas of a site having the vaporizer (e.g. a hydrogen fueling station, etc.).