Fuel Storage Detector Positioning for Accurate Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel storage systems for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles face inefficiencies in refueling due to inaccurate temperature measurements, leading to over-temperature fills and inappropriate refueling strategies, as temperature sensors are often positioned in the path of the fuel stream, resulting in lower measured temperatures and higher actual hydrogen temperatures within the tank.
Innovation Solution
A fuel storage system with a detector positioned outside the stream of pressurized fuel, allowing for accurate temperature measurement of the fuel within the vessel, and a solenoid-controlled valve system to manage flow rates and prevent exceeding the storage vessel's rated temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the temperature detector is positioned within the stream of pressurized fuel, then the refueling speed can be increased, but the temperature measurement becomes inaccurate and lower than the actual fuel temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detector is extracted from the fuel stream path and repositioned to detect temperature indirectly through the vessel wall, eliminating the measurement error caused by the detector's presence in the high-velocity fuel stream while maintaining refueling speed
2Productivity
If the refueling flow rate is increased to reduce refueling time, then the refueling efficiency improves, but the fuel temperature may exceed the storage vessel's rated temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detector provides real-time temperature feedback from an accurate position, enabling the control system to monitor actual fuel temperature and dynamically adjust the refueling flow rate to prevent exceeding the vessel's rated temperature while maximizing refueling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The accurate temperature detection system enables preliminary assessment of temperature conditions before initiating or modifying refueling operations, allowing the control system to pre-adjust flow rates to appropriate levels that prevent temperature excursions while maintaining efficient refueling
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
Enables precise temperature monitoring and control, minimizing refueling time while ensuring the hydrogen temperature does not exceed the rated limit of the storage vessel, thus optimizing the refueling process.
Implementation Method 1
a detector adjacent the conduit for detecting a state of the pressurized fuel in the vessel. The detector is positioned outside of the stream of pressurized fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel storage vessel includes a valve operatively associated with the storage vessel, a conduit disposed within the vessel and in fluid communication with the valve for delivering a stream of pressurized fuel to the storage vessel and a detector adjacent the conduit for detecting a state of the pressurized fuel in the storage vessel. The detector is positioned outside of the stream of pressurized fuel.