Distributed Fuel Modules With Circuit Breakers for Breach Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel systems lack effective distributed fuel modules and methods to control fuel flow, particularly in preventing full depressurization in the event of a breach, which can lead to fuel spillage and inefficiencies in power generation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed fuel module with arcuate petals in circuit breakers that can move between open and closed positions based on pressure differentials, allowing for controlled flow and isolation of breached fuel pressure vessels, thereby preventing complete depressurization and enabling continued power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If distributed fuel modules are used to provide fuel to devices requiring chemical energy, then fuel flow control can be matched to desired output, but the system is vulnerable to complete depressurization and fuel spillage in the event of a breach
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system is divided into multiple distributed fuel pressure vessels (first fuel pressure vessel, second fuel pressure vessel) with individual circuit breakers for each. This segmentation ensures that a breach in one vessel does not compromise the entire system, as other vessels can continue to supply fuel through their own intact circuit breakers.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic circuit breakers and gaseous circuit breakers serve as intermediary flow control devices between the fuel pressure vessels and the fuel system. These circuit breakers automatically respond to pressure differentials caused by breaches, closing to prevent fuel spillage and maintain system pressure in remaining intact vessels.
2Ease of operation
If fuel flow is regulated by valves and throttles to match desired engine output, then fuel flow can be controlled, but the system lacks automatic breach detection and response capability
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit breakers and gaseous circuit breakers are designed to automatically detect and respond to breaches without external intervention. When a pressure differential indicates a breach, the circuit breakers self-actuate to close and prevent further fuel flow, providing automatic breach response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit breakers utilize pressure differential feedback from the fuel system to automatically control fuel flow. When pressure changes indicate a breach condition, the feedback mechanism triggers the circuit breaker to close, automatically adjusting fuel flow to prevent spillage and maintain system integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fuel tanks are surrounded by impermeable material within a berm to contain leakage, then fuel spillage can be contained, but the system still experiences loss of fuel and operational capability
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit breakers and gaseous circuit breakers are positioned upstream in the fuel system to prevent fuel spillage before it reaches containment structures. By automatically closing upon detecting a breach, the circuit breakers stop fuel flow at the source, preventing both spillage and fuel loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure differential caused by a breach, which normally indicates system failure, is converted into a beneficial signal that triggers automatic circuit breaker closure. This transforms the harmful breach condition into an activating signal that prevents further fuel loss and maintains system pressure in intact vessels.
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 allows for the retention of power generation capability even if one or more fuel pressure vessels experience a breach, ensuring two-way flow and preventing full depressurization, thus maintaining operation and reducing fuel spillage.
Implementation Method 1
each of the arcuate petals movable between a flow-unobstructed open position, wherein the hydraulic circuit breaker does not obstruct flow into the fuel port, and a flow-obstructed closed position, wherein the hydraulic circuit breaker prevents fuel flow into the fuel port
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A distributed fuel module includes a fuel pressure vessel (142) with a gas port (164) and a fuel port (166), a hydraulic circuit breaker (160) connected to the fuel port, and a gaseous circuit breaker (148). The gaseous circuit breaker is connected to the gas port, is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit breaker through the fuel pressure vessel, and is cooperatively associated with the gaseous circuit breaker to isolate the fuel pressure vessel from a compressed gas header and a fuel header according to pressure differential within the hydraulic circuit breaker and pressure differential within the gaseous circuit breaker. Power modules and methods of controlling fuel flow in fuel modules are also described.